FROM PASTORAL ADMINISTRATIONFROM PASTORAL ADMINISTRATION

Dear Fellow Ministers:

   Greetings from cool, rainy Southern California. Our weather has been terribly wet for the past several days, but I know that most of you would consider that a vast improvement over the bitter cold and major snowfalls that have been the lot of so many in the western, central and northern parts of the U.S.A. and Canada. Hopefully, most of you will be able to thaw out a little during the coming January conference.

   I am sure that the ministerial conference is very much on everyone's mind at this point, and most of your travel plans have already been finalized. I again want to encourage all of you to use the time we'll be spending together to work on recapturing the camaraderie, the teamsmanship and the genuine brotherly love in the ministry we once had. If enough of us want it and enough of us will practice that kind of mutual esteem and respect towards each other, in addition to our driving devotion and commitment to this Work, then we cannot fail in the task the living Christ has given to us.

   In the recent past, several of you have invited me to come into your areas for a church visit, spending some time with the brethren and perhaps getting together with the area ministers for meetings and a social activity or two. I do want to express my sincere appreciation for all of these invitations. It is my sincere hope and firmest intention to be able to work as closely as possible with all of you, and as circumstances permit I'll try to accept whatever invitations I can, without neglecting any aspect of the Work under my charge as I assist Mr. Armstrong in the duties of Pastoral Administration internationally.

   Unfortunately, there are times when I just can't make it out there because of the many demanding activities here at Headquarters. The "spirit is definitely willing," but it isn't always possible to travel and visit as I'd like. But, I promise I'll keep on trying.

   At the risk of appearing repetitious, I do want to again express my personal gratitude for the encouraging example set by so many of you through the various trials, traumas and problems that have come our way over the past few months. Your faith, common sense, courage and commitment to this Work of God will not go unnoticed by God who is very much aware of our reactions and attitudes, when we're under pressure or when difficult times come. Only God knows our hearts and it is He who will some day recognize and evaluate the fruits of our lives and we will be rewarded accordingly.

   Thanks again for your letters and memos. I look forward to talking with all of you somewhere along the line. Warmest regards to your wives, families and the brethren in your local area.

—Sincerely, in Jesus' name,
C. Wayne Cole

Back To Top

Pastor General's ReportDecember 19, 1978Vol 2 No. 47