FROM MINISTERIAL SERVICES
Church Visit Program Resumes
I'm happy to report that we are now resuming the Church Visit Program, which was temporarily postponed in mid-September due to the cash flow problem. This program, approved by Mr. Armstrong, began in late June of this year for the purpose of providing each local U.S. congregation and pastor a visit from Headquarters personnel. Two men from Pasadena, with their wives, will be sent out separately on most available weekends to visit two congregations or circuits. When combined with our regular Holy Day visit schedule, these visits will allow each U.S. congregation a visit approximately once every 15 months.
These personal visits have proven to be very valuable to the local congregations and to the local ministry. They provide pastors an opportunity for personal, one-on-one contact with the guest speaker. The visiting minister can spend time with the local minister and gain a valid appreciation of the circumstances of the local congregation, its people, its hall, the pastor's circuit, his workload, etc. Whenever it is practical, the visitors will stay with the pastors in their homes.
Over the last few years, many pastors have expressed their appreciation for this personal contact resulting from Holy Day visits. So we are all very happy about this opportunity to nearly double that contact by resuming these Sabbath visits. This is one way to help us all grow in unity, all speaking the same thing, working together to back up God's apostle, Mr. Herbert Armstrong, and reflect to the brethren his teaching and example.
Just this past Sabbath, I had the opportunity and privilege of visiting the Tampa, Florida congregation, pastored by Mr. Ron Lohr. I thoroughly enjoyed the warm reception from the brethren there and the chance to spend some time with Mr. Lohr. I'm looking forward to making other visits in the coming year as time permits.
We hope to continue sending guest speakers from Headquarters to each of the international areas for the Feast of Tabernacles, as well. These visits not only help to unify our brethren around the world through contact with Headquarters, but they also broaden the experience and perspective of the Headquarters ministers.
Please remember to pray for Mr. Armstrong on his current trip, and for the rest of us here in Pasadena. We are anxiously looking forward to his safe return and the exciting news he'll bring about the doors God continues to open to him to preach the Gospel around the world.
