Herbert W Armstrong

We did, unfortunately, receive a negative response to our appeal to obtain second class mailing privileges. We do not fit into the strict interpretation of the regulations; therefore, the post office felt it could not grant us this privilege. However, we are trying one more avenue.

From New Zealand: The Feast of Tabernacles sites at Rotorua, New Zealand; Pacific Harbour, Fiji and Mu'a, Tonga all reported another truly wonderful festival this year. For the third consecutive year, brethren in Rotorua received a live satellite transmission of Mr. Armstrong's first Holy Day message. Videotapes of the service were then air freighted to the sites in Fiji and Tonga. Rotorua Feastgoers were also privileged to welcome Mr. and Mrs. Raymond McNair, and Mr. and Mrs. George Birdwell, all from Pasadena, as well as a good number of overseas visitors this year.

Festival registration totaled 1,539, an increase of 8.0% over last year. The dedication and generosity of God's people was reflected by consistently fine Holy Day offerings. Percentage increases were as follows: Trumpets — 21.0%; Atonement — 24.7%; first day of the Feast — 27.9%; and Last Great Day — 21.4%. Holy Day offerings for the year increased 33.3% over 1983.

During the Feast a large quantity of mail continued to come into the office. Over 5,500 items of mail were received during October, an increase of 13.0% on the same month last year. Mail income for October showed a healthy 20 .9% increase. Total income year to date is up 13.1%.

We're expecting November to be a big month for mail, as 240,000 newspaper inserts are to be distributed early in the month, and our first ever gate­fold advertisement is appearing in the November READER'S DIGEST.

An interesting development during October was that "The WORLD TOMORROW" telecast has taken to the air waves of the tiny Kingdom of Tonga. A TV station is just starting there, and is eager to obtain videotapes for showing. The first "WORLD TOMORROW" programs have already been played — free of charge!

From the British Office: The Feast of Tabernacles in this area saw an unprecedented influx of overseas visitors and a new and successful site was used this year in Jersey, Channel Isles.

Attendance at the various sites was as follows: Jersey — 1,170 brethren, including 230 overseas visitors; Scarborough — 1,135 brethren, including 224 overseas visitors; Tenby — 1,330 brethren, including 70 overseas visitors; Torquay — 1,056 brethren, including 349 overseas visitors; for a total attendance of 4,691 brethren, including 873 overseas visitors.

We were very happy to welcome guest speakers Mr. Dean Blackwell, who spoke at all the U.K. sites before going on to Denmark, and Mr. Gerald Waterhouse, who inspired us with a better understanding of the World Tomorrow.

There has been a gradual upward trend in mail income from a year-to-date increase of 6% in June to 9.2% in October. Income for the month of October was up 31.2% while Holy Day offerings for the whole of 1984 increased 32% over 1983. PLAIN TRUTH circulation, as of the November/December issue, stood at an all-time high of 157,000, just above our end-of-year target of 150,000. The increased circulation is resulting in a steady increase in mail, which year to date is now 45.5% up over last year. The GOOD NEWS list is up 16.7% while the co-worker list has risen by 10.7%.

Scandinavia: Recently, two advertisements were run in the Danish READER'S DIGEST and one in the Norwegian edition, and responses are still coming in. These ads have brought the Norwegian PLAIN TRUTH circulation to over 18,000, and we expect it to approach 20,000 by the January issue.

The English file in Scandinavia has remained fairly stable throughout 1984, with new additions from advertisements merely replenishing losses from nonrenewal. The English file has actually dropped slightly over the 1983 November/December level, but it was our intention to direct more funds into building the new Norwegian edition in its first year. Taking the two files together, we now have 30,031 subscribers in Scandinavia, which is 138.8% up on this time last year, and right on target.

This growth in The PLAIN TRUTH circulation in Scandinavia is already stimulating growth in the co-worker list, which year to date is now 26.1% up over 1983.

Festival attendance in Bredsten, Denmark was 270, including visitors.

Europe and the Middle East: Without direct promotion of any kind, much growth in the English language file has been seen in both Europe and the Middle East in recent months. Though having only a small circulation, the Middle East in particular has shown considerable increases. The following statistics reflect the growth for both areas year to date:

Continent of Europe
PLAIN TRUTH up - 41% to 41,502
GOOD NEWS - up 50% to 1,816
Co-workers - up 64% to 108 Incoming
mail items - up 38% to 51,826

Middle East
PLAIN TRUTH - up 78% to 12,379
GOOD NEWS - up 189% to 725
Co-workers - up 63% to 39
Incoming mail items - up 102% to 22,411

Comments From Monthly Church Reports

From the United States

BUFFALO (SOUTH), NY — WARREN HEATON III: There seems to be less of a post-Feast letdown this year as people are more and more excited about getting this end-time work done. Seeing Mr. Armstrong perform with the Young Ambassadors gave the members a warmer feeling for him, GREENSBORO, NC — DAN ROGERS: Many members have commented that this Feast was a spiritual turning point in their lives. All were very inspired by Mr. Armstrong's powerful messages and by the fact that he needed no notes or Bible to give them. We were all moved by Mr. Armstrong's appearance in the Young Ambassadors film. Tears formed in many eyes as he played the piano so beautifully. His recent eye difficulties only serve to make his example all the more inspiring and motivating for the Church.

ROANOKE, VA — ROBERT PERSKY: The Feast was so great for everyone that those at the different sites were feeling sorry for those at other sites, thinking that everyone else was missing out on the "greatest Feast ever." On the first Sabbath after the Feast, all were amazed that all Feast sites were receiving the same inspiring blessings. The brethren were greatly moved by the powerful and meaty sermons.

ROCKY MOUNT, NC — MIKE BOOZE: Mr. Armstrong‘s tape on abortion was very well received. We were all inspired by his energy and enthusiasm! If we didn't know better, it would be virtually impossible to tell that he wasn't speaking from an outline. God's inspiration was obvious.

RICHMOND, VA — KENNETH GIESE: Every month the PT, GN and YOUTH magazines just seem to get better and better! Many thanks to all those who work so hard to produce such fine publications. It is an honor and a pleasure to represent a Church that produces magazines of such superb quality and content.

ATHENS, GA — RON WALLEN: The PT Distribution Program is very much off the ground and going strong with a fine PT penetration. We seem to have a fine spirit of cooperation among the leading men and their wives and the congregation is growing spiritually. I would say that the area of marriage still seems to be the greatest area for needed growth.

WAUSAU, WI — NORM STRAYER: One member really had her faith strengthened when twin funnel clouds from a severe storm were heading straight for her trailer. She and her young son prayed immediately and the tornadoes turned 90 degrees at her property line and went around her trailer park. God heard and answered!

FRONT ROYAL, VA — RICHARD FRANKEL: I was called to anoint the husband of a PM who was on his deathbed. The doctors had given up on him and did not think he would make it through the night. He is alive, well and at home three weeks after he was expected to die.

— Joe Tkach, Ministerial Services