Herbert W Armstrong

Not only does God's Church receive tons of letters and cards each year, we also receive some unusual and amusing packages. To enable you to see that some of our work has amusing overtones, we're listing a few of the items we've received over the years. We are in no way trying to make light of people's sincerity by presenting this list. However, in most of the following cases, these things were intended to be humorous:

• Manuscripts and cassette tapes from self-proclaimed prophets.

• Frozen food that was quite unfrozen when it reached us.

• A five-gallon can of popcorn in three different flavors.

• Garden seeds.

• A box of odds and ends, including an unopened "antique" bottle of Coca-Cola.

• A rock from an atomic bomb site in New Mexico.

• Water from the Jordan River.

• Gold teeth and fillings.

• Two sticks representing the nations of Israel and Judah (Ezek. 37 17-18).

• Used razors, toothbrushes and a bar of soap meticulously decorated with sequins.

• A rubber snake.

• Nails intended for the "Building Fund."

• A box of bricks.

• Several old neckties, designated as his "first tie," "second tie," "third tie" and "tie of the tie."

The conclusion of the matter? Almost anything can come in the mail — and has!

Reminder About Holy Day Offering Envelopes

Holy Day offering envelopes have been sent to all members in the United States. Most should have arrived by the time you read this. If any members have not received theirs by Monday, March 25, please have them contact Mail Processing by calling our toll-free number (1-800-423-4444) before Friday, March 29. Replacement envelopes will be sent immediately by first class mail to those needing them.

Bible Study Awakens Brethren to Scope of God's Work

A number of members have written in, commenting on the tape of Mr. Ray Wright's recent Bible study in Pasadena. They were amazed and greatly encouraged to more fully realize the present size, scope, and complexity of God's end-time work. This information truly helped them to see the "big" picture, and also reinforced the importance of their part in God's Church, as the following letters show:

I wish to take this time to say thank you to Mr. Wright for the sermon we heard via tape about the work. Sometimes we think small because of the small amount we are able to give. But God certainly shows us that it is His work, just by the growth, quality, and up-to-the-minute articles written each and every month. I feel the sermon helped us to really understand how our prayers and offerings are needed. Thank you for giving us the facts in language we can all relate to.
J.H. (Monroeville, PA)

I wanted to thank you for the tape by Mr. Wright on the impact of the Church. It is remarkable how we don't realize how really great this work is unless we are told. There is a tendency to see it only on the local level. It is true, as you have said, the success of the work is in proportion to how much we please God. I am very happy to be a part of so great a work.
L.W. (Harrison, AR)

The sermon tape by Mr. Wright telling us of the tremendous growth in the work was so exciting and encouraging. But it also taught me a lesson. I had just received my annual contribution statement and my head was swollen because my tithes and offerings had amounted to almost twice the first tithe figure of my yearly income. But the few hundred dollars I gave was just a "drop in the bucket" compared to a $120 million operating budget.

I am now simply very thankful that I am physically able to work and support this commission and realize God wants our hearts in the work. He will see that the income is added as needed, and I do not have to be "impressed" with my own donations — just keep my heart in the work. I will pray that all the brethren, donors, and co-workers can continue to prosper so this work can continue to answer every request.
Mrs. N.W. (Concord, NH)

Mr. Ray Wright had us on the edge of our seats last Sabbath as we listened to his tape about the growth of the work.
Mrs. S.G. (Mansfield, LA)

Please accept my small tithe to help you in doing God's work. This past Sabbath we heard a sermon tape of Mr. Ray Wright on the scope of the work. It really made me realize how important our tithes and offerings are in getting the work done. Thank you for the sermon tapes from Headquarters. They seem to come just when I need to hear about a certain topic.
A.C. (Henderson, KY)

We appreciated so much hearing a tape by Mr. Ray Wright today on God's work! One doesn't think of its gigantic scope or how very important a part we each have in doing the most important work on earth. Much thanks to God for you, Mr. Armstrong, and all the ministry who are always there to instruct and encourage us!
S.W. (Duluth, MN)

— Richard Rice, Mail Processing Center