FROM MINISTERIAL SERVICES
International News
Update From London: The second International Publishing Conference at Elstree House (the British Office) was opened by Mr. Armstrong on Monday, July 2nd. He gave a powerful talk on present world conditions, especially the economic situation.
Mr. Armstrong emphasized that we are involved in a work of faith, that we don't hold great financial reserves, and we must always rely on God to provide our needs. He laid great emphasis on teamwork and unity, reminding us that this is the work of God's Church and that we are responsible to God for our actions. He warned against selfish ambition, which has been a stumbling block to some in the past.
The conference was an ideal opportunity for Editorial and Publishing teams for the international areas to get together and discuss topics of mutual concern. Magazine production schedules and editorial content were among topics covered.
At the end of the conference, on Thursday, July 5th, the delegates and their wives were taken on a coach trip to Maidstone to visit Alabaster Passmore's main printing plant. They also visited the beautiful and historic "Leeds Castle" and were later treated to a buffet meal, courtesy of Passmore's.
Year-to-date mail is up 39% over 1983. However, mail income took a dip in June, showing a decrease of four percent from June last year, while the year-to-date figure was up six percent. Happily this trend has improved a little and the July income is likely to be somewhat more healthy following a generous response to Mr. Armstrong's co-worker and semi-annual letters.
The newsstand program is continuing to bring in responses varying from 2.5% to 3.3%. This is an encouraging response and we plan to test a new insert card which may lead to even higher levels.
Scandinavia: The Norwegian PLAIN TRUTH mailing list stood at almost 14,000 with the July/August issue, with new subscribers being added daily. The total Scandinavian circulation in English and Norwegian now stands at 24,500, an increase of 94.5% over 1983. Our end-of-year target is a combined circulation of approximately 35,000.
Caribbean News: June was a very good month for the Church of God in the Caribbean. Year to date 14,772 new subscribers have been added to the PLAIN TRUTH mailing list, and a further 2,044 have renewed their subscriptions. At the end of June, there were 5.7% more subscribers than at the end of May, and 39.9% more than at the end of June 1983. As a result, further growth in the number of donors and co-workers is anticipated, with 460 donors and 247 co-workers being added so far this year. Membership has increased by 8.4% so far this year. Compared to the first six months of last year, GOOD NEWS circulation is up 122.9%, YOUTH 84 up 181.7%, donors up 32.8% and co workers up 24.6%.
The first six months of 1984 were very successful in the media area. Television was the real producer. "The WORLD TOMORROW" is seen on six television stations in the Caribbean, and in the first six months of 1984, 6,014 responses were received. The station pulling the most response is JBC in Jamaica — 4,358 responses so far this year. Although this is the lion's share of the responses, we are happy with the other five stations. Our six month cost per response was $11.91.
Comments From Monthly Church Reports
From the Caribbean
BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS — ARNOLD HAMPTON: The highlight of this month concerns our meeting hall for Sabbath services. For 14 of the last 16 years, the congregation has met at a cinema. We were given word at the end of April to vacate that building because a new tenant would take it over starting in June. It is very difficult to find halls to accommodate over 450 people, especially one which is centrally located or near major bus routes. We were able to use another facility for most of June, but with July approaching we had nothing concrete. The brethren were praying fervently for God to open a door for us. God did open a door — the door that had closed to us one month earlier — the same building the Church has met in for the last 14 years! The brethren were pleasantly surprised and deeply thankful when I announced that we were returning to the cinema under a long-term lease. As one member said, "It's like returning home."
HAMILTON, BERMUDA — CECIL PULLEY: We are presently in the midst of another strike. This time it is the employees of the local television and radio stations. Consequently, the broadcast and telecast have not been aired since June 12th. No immediate signs of settlement are evident as both sides become more entrenched in their own positions.
From the United States
ALBANY, OR — DAVID MILLS: We have had four new people begin attending services this month and should have several more in the near future. It is exciting for everyone to see growth in God's Church. Months like this make the job of a minister especially rewarding.
AMARILLO, TX — JAMES O'BRIEN: The response from our members indicates that they are reading the GN and PT. Often members comment about particular articles in conversation, and if someone has missed an inspiring story they make note to look it up and read it. Many people are reading our magazines cover to cover each issue.
BOISE, ID — JEFF McGOWAN: The direction we are receiving from Jesus Christ through Mr. Armstrong and through all those who are faithfully directing us is really paying wonderful dividends. We really do appreciate the faithful directives given by those in Ministerial Services and other departments that reflect the mind of Mr. Armstrong as it reflects the mind of Christ and God the Father.
CHADRON, NE — STEVE BUCHANAN: Several families have begun to take the necessary steps to solve their marriage and/or financial problems after counseling with the ministry. It is gratifying to see such change and God's intervention in what sometimes seems to be a hopeless problem.
PASCO, WA — GERALD FLURRY: God is allowing His people to be tested. Most are responding extremely well. Some have had very difficult trials, but the end result has produced miraculous changes. The people involved are seeing that nothing short of what God allowed would have brought about the wonderful changes.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — BILL MILLER: The pull of this society on our young people is an ever-present threat. It seems that parents are somewhat naive and uninformed as to the damage that can be done by too much affiliation with kids of the world, rock music, and this world's entertainment. Young people here are doing well, but some parents are afraid of confrontation when conflicts arise. Rock music is still the main point of disagreement.
— Joe Tkach, Ministerial Services
