UPDATE FROM MAIL PROCESSING
Telephone Response Prepares for the Feast
Once again, the Telephone Response section is preparing to staff our WATS lines in both Pasadena and Big Sandy to handle calls during the Feast of Tabernacles. More than 300 Church members from around the world will be serving as volunteers in Pasadena. Students and some volunteers will man the lines in Big Sandy.
We expect to receive 30,000 or more calls between October 6 and 27. Weekend responses are expected to be quite good since we will be airing prophetic programs about the book of Revelation.
We're happy to announce that tours of the WATS operations will be available at both sites. Those coming to Pasadena or Big Sandy are welcome to see this exciting facet of God's Church firsthand.
Record Number of Literature Requests Continue
As has been true for the past several months, God's Church continues to receive an unprecedented number of literature requests. Several new records were recently set. For example, one million new people have subscribed to The PLAIN TRUTH so far this year and 170,000 new students have enrolled in the Bible correspondence course. Both totals are all-time records for eight months. According to our projections, these trends will probably continue for the rest of the year.
Some Backlog of Mail Anticipated After the Feast
Those of us here in Mail Processing are currently working at fever pitch to get caught up before the Feast break. We hope to leave with mail inventory at zero level. A limited staff will be staying behind to keep up with any urgent mail and phone calls. Those who remain will be able to attend services or have them "piped in" from the Auditorium.
Nevertheless, we still expect a backlog of a few hundred thousand pieces of mail by the time the Feast is over. For this reason, there may be some delays in fulfilling literature requests. We will make every effort to process visit requests immediately upon returning. Thanks for your patience.
Members' Examples a Light to Others
Prospective members and others who have come in contact with God's people often mention how inspiring it is to be with them. In this world, where the "get" way is so prevalent, the example of joy, peace and friendliness set by our members truly stands out as indicated by the following selection of letters we've received:
I am 17 years old and have been subscribing to The PLAIN TRUTH for about a year now. In all of my 17 years I don't believe I have ever met a nicer, more cordial group of people than the members of the Worldwide Church of God. Although I do not attend that church, I know some people who do.
For a long time now I have been thinking about the heartfelt happiness radiated by these people. And now, I just can't contain my desire to express this feeling to you. After reading the magazine and other literature and watching the TV program, it is easy to see why these people are so happy. Since I have come into contact with the teachings of the Church and talked with so many wonderful people, I have come to have peace with God and am feeling at least a portion of that outflowing happiness I mentioned.
A.C. (Granite Falls, NC)I look forward to becoming a part of your Church very soon. I have never seen such a loving group of people as those in the Worldwide Church of God. You are sincerely interested in loving, giving to and helping others.
A.A. (Petersburg, VA)I have been reading The PLAIN TRUTH for 14 years now and always look forward to reading each and every article in it. I have also been going to a local Church congregation for over a month. I noticed that the people there conduct themselves unlike any other church I have been to. There is an atmosphere of peace not only among the adults, but with their children also.
R.H. (Doniphan, MO)I have watched your program on TV and read The PLAIN TRUTH. I also read some of your booklets which someone left in the laundromat in the apartment building where my husband and I live. I was once a cleaning lady in a resort in the Pocono Mountains and observed how some of your people live and worship. I must say that I approve of your ways and like your views on the Bible.
O.M. (Scranton, PA)I am a manager at a hotel and some church members work there. I was very impressed with them and want to attend services at the Worldwide Church of God.
R.L. (Anchorage, AK)I have recently attended Sabbath services in my area. I must say I am certainly glad I did. Never in my entire life have I seen such friendly, outgoing and caring people. It is easy to tell that they have a real goal — an ultimate goal — that they are trying to achieve. I know of nobody else who has this inner joy or glow which is simply irrepressible. I am truly amazed!
Also, I must tell you that I have never discovered so much Biblical truth from any other church as I have from this church. It is made simple, understandable and plain. Incredible! Thank God for all of you. It has been a true pleasure knowing you.
D.J. (Richmond, VA)
— Richard Rice, Mail Processing Center
