International News
From the Italian Department The month of September, in addition to the usual pre-Feast preparation rush, proved to be a good, stable month mail wise. We received over 1,400 new subscription requests as a result of the "Are-you-reading-a-friend's-PT" blow-in card. In addition, Mr. Armstrong's broadcast on Television Monte Carlo (English with Italian subtitles) generated 362 responses. Nine hundred fifty-five pieces of literature left our mail room along with 844 letters (mostly form letters for mail returns) for an outgoing mail total of 1,799.
October saw a dip in advertisement responses, but television held its own, topping the 300 mark once again. Outgoing literature totalled 2,266 pieces. By the end of October, PLAIN TRUTH circulation had risen to 56,819.
The 1984 Feast of Tabernacles in Fiuggi, Italy was a resounding success! Over 600 feast-goers from around the world enjoyed an inspiring combination of sound spiritual messages and some of the finest physical accommodations and surroundings Italy has to offer.
An important aspect of the worldwide bond of festival unity was provided by the well-done festival films. As always, Mr. Armstrong's opening night address set the tone for a spiritually fruitful Feast. "The Hearts of the Children" pointed the way to proper family relationships and Mr. Armstrong's Last Great Day sermon rounded out the program of spiritual instruction.
In addition, we were granted unusual favor in the eyes of local authorities and the Italian Tourist Board, who have already requested that we return next year. Representatives of the local town council also held a brief ceremony at the close of one of the services in which the vice-mayor of Fiuggi (a town of about 10,000) officially expressed pleasure at having us come to their community and presented Regional Director Carn Catherwood with a miniature brass sculpture mounted on a wooden base. To the base was affixed a brass plate with the inscription "In Commemoration of the Feast of Tabernacles 1984."
On the physical side, our brethren were able to enjoy superb hotels, fine Italian cuisine, beautiful weather and several highly educational side trips to places of interest such as Rome, Pompei, Capri and Monte Casino.
The day after the Last Great Day was special for God's Church in Italy. On that Friday, a resident of Catania in Sicily was baptized into the Body of Christ. Mr. Catherwood performed the ceremony in the Italian language, the first such ceremony in modern times to be performed in Italian in Italy. (Previous baptisms had been performed by visiting English-speaking ministers using an interpreter.)
There are now 13 members of God's Church who are permanent residents of Italy. In addition there are four other members in Italy on a temporary basis: one from the United States, one from Zambia, another from Guyana and another from Tanzania.
Through La PURA VERITA', now beginning its third year of existence, and Mr. Armstrong's telecast, God is gradually calling people in Italy. By Feast time, about 40 had requested visits or contact with the Church. As a result a counseling tour was organized. Nine persons scattered from Rome to Milan were visited between October 20th and 25th. Virtually all of the visits were very positive and represent good growth potential for the Church.
Comments From Monthly Church Reports
From the United States
CHARLESTON, WV — STEVE BOTHA: From all reports, the Feast of Tabernacles was certainly a very special time for God's people. There have been some very positive comments about the messages this year at the different Feast sites. The "Behind the Work" film was a highlight. The membership really appreciates Mr. Armstrong's keen interest in the youth of God's Church.
TULSA, OK — DONALD MASON: Have heard many positive comments about how uplifting this Feast was no matter where it was kept. The general feeling is that time is short and we need to make positive personal changes to get ready for what is ahead.
SPRINGFIELD, MA — LYLE WELTY: People were really excited to go to the Feast and even more excited upon returning. Seeing Mr. Armstrong's live address the first day of the Feast and seeing him in the films were highlights of the Feast.
MANSFIELD, OH — JIM HAEFFELE: We had brethren attending the Feast in Britain, Italy, Israel, China, Jamaica, Canada and almost every U.S. site. It is great to see the worldwide unity in God's Church as these people return home and have nothing but positive feedback about the sermons and sermonettes they heard around the world.
MERIDIAN, MS — PAUL KURTS: People continue to grow closer together as a family unit in the Church. This is a wonderful group to work with. More are becoming involved with all aspects of local Church activities. More are participating in The PLAIN TRUTH Newsstand Program and the Waiting Room Program.
NORTON, VA/KINGSPORT, TN — GEORGE ELKINS: Mr. and Mrs. Harold Jackson's visit to these Churches was without a doubt a highlight of the year! I certainly appreciate Mr. Armstrong and Mr. Tkach sending senior men in the Church to make these visits with the local pastors and their congregations. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson certainly do hold up the hands of God's Apostle! Their example should motivate all of us here to strive to do a better job of that in the coming months and years. Their visits to these two churches truly inspired us all. Thank you again for sending them to visit us!
IOWA CITY, IA — STEVE NUTZMAN: God healed a 12-year-old boy who cut two fingers while playing. After anointing, one finger's broken bone was healed and the bone chips disappeared! The doctors who had X-rayed the finger couldn't understand what had happened. They said they had never seen fingers damaged that badly heal so quickly.
— Joe Tkach, Ministerial Services
