The Nepal special "World Peace — Mankind's Ultimate Dilemma" received an all-time high 15,992 calls — 76% above the 1984 average. It was the third record breaker within the first five weekends of this year! Previous record programs usually dealt with prophecy or the Christmas and Easter holidays. This is the first time a program not covering these topics drew so many calls.
The huge response came in spite of WOR, the major cable station, preempting the telecast for a hockey game. We estimate that had the program aired on WOR, we would have had an additional 1,000 responses from viewers Sunday night.
Following are some of the reasons for this exceptional response:
People are genuinely concerned about the subject of peace and were intrigued with the way Mr. Armstrong revealed it would come about.
Mr. Armstrong took extra time to describe the publications WORLD PEACE — HOW IT WILL COME! HUMAN NATURE — DID GOD CREATE IT? and The PLAIN TRUTH magazine. In particular, a number of people noticed his reference to The PLAIN TRUTH article "Do the Dead Know What the Living Are Doing?" and asked specifically for this information.
New stations are airing the program and we have improved viewing times for other stations.
Extremely cold temperatures throughout the United States probably kept many people indoors over the weekend.
Mr. Armstrong encouraged viewers to keep calling until they got through.
Mr. Armstrong's two previous telecasts, which were filmed in China, also did well. "Children — Key to the Future" (shown January 19-20) brought in 8,303 calls. "What is the Cause of Man's Problems?" (shown January 26-27) produced 9,665. Thus, in the last three weekends, we received 33,960 calls in response to the telecast.
Comments From Our Callers
Mr. Armstrong's programs filmed in Asia brought in many favorable comments. Because few world leaders and other dignitaries are granted an audience with leaders of the governments of China and Nepal, our viewing audience was especially impressed by the warm reception Mr. Armstrong received. They also applauded his efforts in explaining to these leaders the true way to everlasting peace. Following are a few of the comments received in the past three weeks:
I don’t know how to thank you — God first, and then Mr. Armstrong — for the wonderful, wonderful work he is doing in getting the true Gospel out to all the world! I watched him this morning in Nepal and it just brings tears to my eyes to realize what he is (and has been) doing for these many years. I'm on a fixed income, but I'm going to send what I can to help. I never miss the telecast and I receive great comfort and encouragement from Mr. Armstrong and the Worldwide Church of God. O.R. (Corpus Christi, TX)
I've never seen anything like it. This program has brought a new dimension to my life. I don't let anything keep me from watching his broadcasts! C.T. (Duluth, MN)
It's amazing that a man of Mr. Armstrong's age can spread the "good news" to places like China. He has a lot of wisdom and the dignitaries there certainly respect him. M.E. (La Jolla, CA)
Today's program made a lot of sense! We should be teaching children the "give" way when they're small and not to always be on the receiving side. Otherwise there won't be peace in the world to come. The Chinese people seemed very impressed and satisfied with the message Mr. Armstrong brought them. R.H. (Washington, DC)
I think that "The WORLD TOMORROW" is the most informative religious program on the air. It not only tells about God, but about the world too. I think it is a very good program for my children to watch so they can learn about our God and have a better understanding of this world. M.B. (Fort Meade, MD)
The program today was fantastic. I loved seeing what Mr. Armstrong is doing. It was exciting to see the welcome that was given to him by the little Chinese children. Mrs. W.C. (Blanchard, ID)
Great program! I couldn't move the whole time he was talking. I didn't even switch the channels when the basketball game came on. It was a very inspiring broadcast. Do you have any video tapes of the program? I'd like to hear it again. T.W. (Dallas, TX)
I used to live in Hong Kong, as my parents were missionaries. I was really impressed with the program. It touched home. I know what he was talking about since I used to live there. The program was excellent. R. S. (Joplin, MO)
Over 260,000 Respond to Semiannual Letter.
We were especially encouraged to find that 261,597 people responded to Mr. Armstrong's recent semiannual letter. The letter also resulted in 10,000 new donors and 2,400 new co-workers.
In the past month, we also noticed a sizable increase in requests for the booklet PAGAN HOLIDAYS — OR GOD'S HOLY DAYS — WHICH? This no doubt was due to the Christmas booklet (containing a two-page ad and reply card for the booklet on the holy days) which was offered in the semiannual letter. Apparently this ad piqued the curiosity of many of our subscribers who now want to know more about the meaning of God's holy days.
1985-86 Calendar Being Mailed
Just a note to let you know that "God's Sacred Calendar" for the 1985-86 year has been printed and is currently being mailed to members worldwide. It should arrive in most homes before the spring festival. The theme of the calendar this year is "The Hearts of the Children." It is beautifully illustrated with color photographs of our youth programs being conducted throughout the world.
UPDATE FROM MAIL PROCESSING
Worldwide Church of God