October 2010

October 19, 2010

Dear Brethren,

On October 12 and 13, via tremendous hi-tech satellite television coverage, much of the world was able to witness the spectacular, unique rescue of 33 miners in the nation of Chile who had been trapped 2,300 feet below the surface for 69 days! When the mine collapsed, the only thing that saved the men from instant death was the fact that at lunch time they had gone into a special safety chamber to eat. While in this small safety alcove carved into the mineshaft, major parts of the mine above them collapsed at multiple levels. The group’s foreman, Luis Urzua, kept everyone calm, designated duties to each miner, and rationed the use of helmet lights so they would have a little light from time to time. We can be sure there must have been a lot of praying by the men and their wives, friends and relatives in hope against hope that somehow they had not died in that catastrophe.

For 17 days no one knew whether these men were dead or alive. By this time, the consensus of those above ground was that they were undoubtedly dead. How could anyone survive that long in such a disaster? However, when workers drilled a small diameter hole down into the safety chamber—a final effort by officials to determine the status of the miners—they discovered that all 33 men were still alive. Against all odds, they had survived for 17 days in almost total darkness, 2,300 feet underground, in 90-degree heat. They shared their meager rations—each one getting two teaspoons of canned tuna, a piece of a biscuit and a few sips of milk every two days. Fortunately, they were able to secure potable water from a reservoir close to where they were entombed.

Using the small hole they had drilled, rescuers were able to send down food, small lights, some emergency medical supplies, and establish an audio and video line to the miners. When the men were found to be alive, the decision was immediately made to drill a larger shaft in order to rescue them. However, the nation of Chile did not have the technology to quickly drill such a large shaft. Government and mine officials admitted that with the equipment they had on hand it would take until Christmas to complete such a passage—125 more days! How could the miners possibly continue to survive underground that long?

THE USA TO THE RESCUE! A mine drilling company in the state of Pennsylvania provided all the necessary drilling equipment—a special two-foot-wide drill with the capacity to quickly drill the rescue shaft. In fact, it took only 50 days to drill the escape shaft, followed by two days of testing the equipment and rescue procedure.

With their experience in rescue and safety procedures, NASA, the US Space Agency, played a key role in the operation, providing medical supplies and special nutritional food (as used by astronauts) to restore the men’s strength. Also, NASA engineers designed the escape module used to bring the miners up one at a time. The entire operation was so well planned that the rescue team even had a backup module and lifting system on hand!

Once the rescue shaft and module were tested, paramedics were sent down to prepare the miners for the trip up.

As this fantastic rescue began to unfold, all the world was fixated on their television sets! When first rescuer-medic was sent down, he took additional video equipment in order to show the inside of the safety chamber where the 33 men had survived. Then the rescue module brought up the first miner, Florenelo Alvalos. It was indeed moving to watch as he hugged his son and wife. Then, as the crowds cheered, he was embraced by the president of Chile—who said, as he did to each of the miners, “Welcome back to life!”

Every miner, every worker, and the president of Chile himself all recognized that this rescue was made possible by the hand of God—a miracle! The entire effort went off without a single glitch or mechanical failure. After the men were all rescued, they said that there were not 33 men down there, but 34—because God was with them! Again, proof that God will hear the prayers of those who pray in faith, as He is no respecter of persons.

Truly, it was an event comparable to a resurrection from the dead. These men were as good as dead, entombed 2,300 feet underground. While many held out hope the miners were alive, others figured they could not have survived. But, indeed, they were alive! They were buried in a “tomb” of a collapsed mine with no apparent way of escape. But they were found and rescued! Watching that first miner come out of the rescue module—with all the feelings and emotions of the miraculous moment, with the singing and cheering—one could not help but think about how great the resurrection from the dead is going to be, especially for the saints in the first resurrection at Jesus’ return. What joy and happiness we will experience—alive from the dead! At the last trumpet we will be rescued from death and transformed into immortal spirit beings! The apostle Paul writes, “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in exactly the same way also, those who have fallen asleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. For this we say to you by the Word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall in no wise precede those who have fallen asleep, because the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout of command, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds for the meeting with the Lord in the air; and so shall we always be with the Lord. Therefore, encourage one another with these words” (I Thes. 4:14-18).

Again, in I Corinthians, Paul writes about the resurrection:“Behold, I show you a mystery: we shall not all fall asleep, but we shall all be changed, in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruptibility, and this mortal must put on immortality. Now when this corruptible shall have put on incorruptibility, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?’ ” (I Cor. 15:51-55).

There is no question that God the Father and Jesus Christ will be with us in all things. There is no doubt that we will be transformed to become the sons and daughters of God—that is God’s purpose for calling us. Notice these promises that Paul wrote to encourage us: “Being confident of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ…. But for us, the commonwealth of God exists in the heavens, from where also we are waiting for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; Who will transform our vile bodies, that they may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the inner working of His own power, whereby He is able to subdue all things to Himself” (Phil. 1:6; 3:20-21).

Just as there was singing and cheering as each miner got out of the rescue module, there will be singing, cheering and praising God when we are raised from the dead and standing on the Sea of Glass! Notice what the apostle John wrote: “And I saw a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having the lyres of God.And they were singing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, ‘Great and awesome are Your works, Lord God Almighty; righteous and true are Your ways, King of the saints. Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You only are holy; and all the nations shall come and worship before You, for Your judgments have been revealed’ ” (Rev. 15:2-4).

Then, with all the saints standing on the Sea of Glass, we will see and embrace each other—as well as Jesus Christ. We will shout for joy and praise God the Father and Jesus Christ for their great victory over death through the power of the resurrection. We will also see all the angels. Undoubtedly, we will see God the Father Himself for the first time when He performs the marriage ceremony of the Lamb and the Bride! In vision, John sees this great event: “And after these things I heard the loud voice of a great multitude [the resurrected saints standing on the Sea of Glass in the clouds] in heaven, saying, ‘Hallelujah! The salvation and the glory and the honor and the power belong to the Lord our God. For true and righteous are His judgments; for He hasjudged the great whore, who corrupted the earth with her fornication, and He has avenged the blood of His servants at her hand.’

“And they said a second time, ‘Hallelujah! And her smoke shall ascend upward into the ages of eternity.’ And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God [the Father], Who sits on the throne, saying, ‘Amen. Hallelujah!’

“And a voice came forth from the throne, saying, ‘Praise our God, all His servants, and all who fear Him, both small and great.’ And I heard a voice like that of a great multitude, and like the sound of many waters, and the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, ‘Hallelujah! For the Lord God Almighty has reigned. Let us be glad and shout with joy; and let us give glory to Him; for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.’ And it was granted to her that she should be clothed in fine linen, pure and bright; for the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints. And he said to me, ‘Write: Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And he said to me, ‘These are the true words of God’ ” (Rev. 19:1-9).

What a time that will be! This is our HOPE and DESTINY! This is what we need to keep focused on every day, especially in these times of uncertainty and trouble!

Seeing all the mine survivors, their families and relatives, the rescue workers and officials, we can also begin to imagine what it will be like in the second resurrection. It will be a truly awesome event of love, tears of joy, hugs and embraces as families are reunited with lost loved ones—those the world now reckons as dead for all eternity. And imagine the joy when aborted babies are brought back to life and given to their mothers and fathers! According to God’s wonderful plan, all who were once dead will be resurrected—made whole, their spirits and emotions healed. Imagine the cries of joy, repentance and praise to God—for great is His love, mercy and forgiveness! He will give billions and billions a second life in the flesh for their first opportunity for salvation! THAT IS THE MEANING OF THE LAST GREAT DAY! What a time of joy and love that will be!

Here is a final glimpse of the Kingdom of God, with the salvation of mankind complete, and the heaven and earth made ready for the New Jerusalem. “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away, and there was no more sea. And I, John, saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice from heaven say, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men; and He shall dwell with them, and they shall be His people; and God Himself shall be with them and be their God. And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall not be any more death, or sorrow, or crying; neither shall there be any more pain, because the former things have passed away.’ And He Who sits on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ Then He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’ And He said to me, ‘It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the one who thirsts, I will give freely of the fountain of the water of life. The one who overcomes shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son’ ” (Rev. 21:1-7).

Brethren, let us keep ourselves grounded in these tremendous promises of God the Father and Jesus Christ of eternal life and glory! These promises, which are true and faithful, will strengthen and comfort us through God’s Spirit during these times of upheaval and trouble. As you read these promises, think about them, pray about them, and let God’s Holy Spirit inspire you to draw close to God in prayer and study, with faith, hope and love for God and one another: “Blessed and holy is the one who has part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power. But they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years…. Then he showed me a pure river of the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing out from the throne of God and of the Lamb. And in the middle of the street, and on this side and that side of the river, was the tree of life, producing twelve manner of fruits, each month yielding its fruit; and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no more curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him, and they shall see His face; and His name is in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; for they have no need of a lamp or the light of the sun, because the Lord God enlightens them; and they shall reign into the ages of eternity.

“And he said to me, ‘These words are faithful and true; and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things that must shortly come to pass. Behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book…. And behold, I am coming quickly; and My reward is with Me, to render to each one according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.’ Blessed are those who keep His commandments, that they may have the right to eat of the tree of life, and may enter by the gates into the city” (Rev. 20:6; 22:1-7, 12-14).

Feast of Tabernacles Reports

We had a tremendous Feast of Tabernacles! All the reports from the elders and hosts of the festival sites reveal that God blessed us in every way. I gave a report on my Feast travels, which on the CD in this mailing. There were 678 brethren who attended our various Feast sites in the USA. For the smaller sites—groups that gathered closer to home with 5-15 in attendance—we sent out over 250 sets of Feast DVDs. We have reports from Canada, Western Australia and Northern Ireland. We also know that there were several Feast sites in Africa that used our materials. Finally, we have a report from a new group in Baltimore, Maryland, that quit Sunday-keeping and began observing the Sabbath and the holy days this past summer.

Wells Beach, Maine

We had a fantastic Feast in Maine. The messages were the best ever. Wells Beach is a great area for a Feast Site. They have lots of restaurants with good food and a beautiful ocean view. We had 57 in attendance on the first day.

The brethren were wonderful and we really enjoyed being with them. Chuck, Di and Richard do a great job. I anointed several of the brethren for various ailments, some with serious health problems.

We took a little side trip before the Feast. We saw part of New Hampshire and Vermont. We where able to meet Roger and Emily on Monday evening before the Feast started and had a nice visit with them. We also spent some time with Duncan at the beginning of the Feast, before he traveled to Canada.

Marlin Fannin, Feast Elder

Fifty-seven brethren from throughout the US and Canada enjoyed a wonderful Feast of Tabernacles at Wells Beach, Maine. This was the third year that the Feast was celebrated at one of Maine’s most beautiful beaches and was our largest Feast attendance yet. We filled the upstairs meeting room to capacity and even had to bring in extra chairs! The song services, sermonettes and sermons were inspiring and uplifting!

The spirit of Christian love and fellowship was truly evident in the attitude of serving and caring exhibited by all. The facility manager commented that we are a great group of people. Calling us a “no maintenance, no problem” group, she looks forward to us coming every year.

Besides enjoying the warm New England autumn, brethren visited local attractions and landmarks, went candlepin bowling, attended an “Open House” get-together—and even a pizza party on the beach! Many reported that they had their best Feast yet, and attributed it to God’s love and blessings and the feeling of being part of a close family.

Karen Luter, Coordinator

Orlando, Florida

The Feast in Orlando, Florida, was held at the beautiful Embassy Suites. There were 69 in attendance on the first day, and we averaged about 42-45 the rest of the days. There were brethren from Kentucky, Ohio, West Virginia, Michigan, Georgia, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Washington, Florida and Canada. We were blessed with God’s words and favor beyond what we could fully explain. Never before, in everyone’s experience, was there so much spiritual food and fellowship that reflected God’s love. The messages were focused and relevant to the Feast. We had trips to the Holy Land Experience and Sea World at Disneyland, a talent show, youth day and group lunches. A super breakfast buffet each morning and a manager’s reception each evening with free drinks and snacks in a millennial setting made for marathon fellowship sessions for the brethren. Following are some comments from those who attended:

You could tell it was inspired by God. The messages were power-packed with truth and understanding. Everyone was so friendly and outgoing. The talent show was outstanding. Although this was our first Feast with the Christian Biblical Church of God, God willing, it will not be our last. (E. & C., Florida)

This was our first Feast with CBCG, and what a wonderful Feast it was. The inspiring messages, fun activities, and pleasant fellowship made this Feast very special for us. The entire Feast was marked by unity, sincerity, and good organization (thanks Nolan and Faye!) at a wonderful hotel and physical location.

This Feast has helped me to reinvigorate that First Love I had for God and the memory of the first Feast I ever kept. I believe it will deeply help me to get back involved in every way I can in the church. (S. T., PA)

Personally, I enjoyed the Feast as one of the best I have attended in years, and look forward to next year if God is willing. Thanks to all of you. (L. T.)

The Feast in Orlando was the best Feast of Tabernacles we have attended. The sermons we heard for eight days were outstanding. The music, sermonettes, fun show and activities were very enjoyable. The hotel and food were exceptional. And, being a small group, we were able to fellowshipped with more brethren than usual. (G. & S.)

The Feast in Orlando was one of the best I have attended, because there were fewer people and the fellowship was one of the highlights.  The accommodations were the best I have been to.  The Feast messages were very encouraging.  I have never heard sermons like I heard—very good! (J.F.)

Please let Fred know that chris and I enjoyed the Feast this year in Orlando and would like very much to return.  The brethren were so friendly and kind, we felt God’s love in all them.  The area is great and with so many different things to do.  (C. & J. M.)

Great Feast!  Excellent in every way—location, converted, loving brethren, beautiful hotel excellent messages, good activities and fellowship!  We will definitely attend again! (C. R.).

Navarre, Florida

For the second year in Navarre, Florida, brethren met with God in spirit and studied His Word together during the Feast of Tabernacles. Right from day one a closeness and harmony began to develop as brethren were getting to know each other by their first names and enjoying a family relationship. We also enjoyed the blessings of sunny days and warm temperatures, as well as the wonderful gulf beaches.

Many had an eager desire to serve and help with all the daily aspects of providing for the needs and comfort of a big family during the Feast. There was plenty of food and drink for all the different lunches that were put together (as well as the daily snacks).

We had a Bible study/question-and-answer session after lunch on day three, and later on in the Feast we enjoyed a sing-along to start off Family Night’s games and fellowship.

We were blessed with no accidents or sickness (there was only one anointing, on the first day, for an allergy and sore throat).

The Community Center personnel were very accommodating and courteous, and they expressed their hope that we will return next year. Because their offices are right across the hallway, they could hear (and especially enjoyed!) the congregational singing every day. (Perhaps they also took something in from the daily sermons.)

Special thanks go to John Overstreet for his many services every day, as well as for helping to set up the hall before the Feast and tear down afterwards.

Glenn Daniel, Feast Elder

Tellico Mountains, Tennessee

Hope you, Dolores and the family are all well and doing fine. Hope you all had a great Feast, as we did here in East Tennessee. Just wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful Feast in the beautiful Tellico Mountains. It was a very private and beautiful setting, and we enjoyed fabulous weather. We enjoyed good food and good fellowship—but most of all we enjoyed the best spiritual food ever. We all agreed this was the best Feast ever.

Thank you so much for allowing God to use you in such a special way to feed the sheep. May you continue to boldly speak the truth.

We are really enjoying the Church at Home videos. This is a tremendous work that you are doing to preach the truth of the Gospel to the world. We know God is blessing it!

Also, thank you so much for the beautiful song and video, The Almighty God. It makes us want to fall on our knees and worship the Almighty God. We stand in awe of His majesty, especially after this wonderful Feast. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We love you all!

Charles & Doris Cline and the East Tennessee fellowship group

Shipshiwana, Indiana

While the Feast started a bit bumpy because we had to relocate to a new meeting area, it ended well because we were able to return to the original meeting area for the last half. The brethren were very understanding and gracious with the changes.

As for special music, we didn’t have many volunteers in the first half of the Feast, but the second half was much better. The DVD you supplied was very well received and many inquired about getting a copy. I advised them to call your office to ask about that. A lady named Virginia Fisk, a local member, was going to do special music on the 4th day, but had to cancel because of a bronchial cold. Virginia introduced me to Nancy Blough, a professional harp player, who gave us a beautiful harp solo on the 7th day and two selections on the Last Great Day on another stringed instrument (one of the selections was Amazing Grace, beautifully done). Nancy said she would be happy to do it again next year. Since she is not a member and does her playing professionally, I donated $50 to her for her performances. Nancy stayed for the full sermon on the 7th day and the Last Great Day and was very impressed. She commented, “I’ve never heard a sermon like that before; it makes so much sense.” Now that we have a few people available, I can contact them early on to prepare for next year.

About 27 of us signed up for a nice dinner at an Amish home near Middlebury—excellent food and great fellowship. On the evening of the 5th day we had an hour-long DVD concert featuring “The Celtic Women,” which was very well received. It was a pleasure to watch clean, upright, professional singers dressed in full gowns. One of their selections was a four-part harmony of Amazing Grace with full orchestra background. Very moving!

Wayne Julian, John Schulty and Joe Chikar shared the song leading and announcements. I made announcements on the 4th day since they were a bit lengthy, and on the Last Great Day to thank all the volunteers and the brethren for their patience with the changes. It was because of all their good attitudes that we had a great Feast. Then, I gave the final closing prayer.

Our attendance was: 1st day 85, 2nd day 74, 3rd day 82, 4th day 84, 5th day 74, 6th day 73, 7th day 76, and the 8th day 84.

In Christ, Gene Palm

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin

In Wisconsin Dells, we had great weather for the Feast. Brethren were swimming in the outdoor pools. We had an average of 25 brethren. We had the blessing of the children. Food was provided before and after services. All the brethren contributed to make our small group have a wonderful Feast, which helped create the feeling that we were a big happy family. The sermons on “The Kingdom of God” were enlightening and uplifting and people asked for copies.

Tom & Karen Schluter, Feast Hosts

Kimberling City, Missouri

God really blessed the Kimberling City Feast site with a beautiful place to meet, the First Christian Church. We had a very enthusiastic group and everyone seemed to enjoy the Feast. When people saw things that needed to be done, they jumped in and did it. 

Besides services where we listened to sermons and sermonettes and watched the DVDs from Hollister, we had three Bible studies and two picnics where we were able to fellowship together and get to know one another better. Ken Pratt supplied a smoked brisket and Jim McCollum brought the chicken. Everyone else supplied a side dish or dessert. 

There were various activities around Kimberling City that brethren could participate in at their own leisure. We were very grateful that we had one baptism. It was held just before the first picnic, on Friday, September 24th.

High attendance was 40, with a total of 51 people attending one day or another. There were statements made by several people that this was their best Feast ever. They loved the fact that we were always separate from the “world.” A lot of us have already made our reservations here for next year’s Feast.

With God’s blessing combined with His love—and great fellowship with each other—we had a tremendous Feast in Kimberling City! You all come next year!

Wendell & Bettie Yeary

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Here is the Feast report for Tulsa, Oklahoma, hosted by the CBCG fellowship group. All were in great spirits and ready for a great Feast. The first day we had 61 for services. We were lucky to have Art Williams with us this year to play the piano, so he performed the offering music and a special music number. I gave a short welcome-to-the-Feast announcement, then we watched the DVD message.

The rest of the week we had around 44 people for services. Friday afternoon after services we went to the Golden Corral for a church-sponsored meal and lots of great fellowship. Two of the ladies who attended with us, Lisa Fry and Bonnie Borrows, took turns doing special music. Art Williams also performed special music, including some of his own compositions. We also had another meal together after services on the Last Great Day.

Once again, we were blessed to be able to use the Tulsa Church of God building. They had upgraded their sound system, making things even better for us. All in all, it was a great Feast. The weather was perfect and everyone enjoyed the way the wonderful messages were presented.

Lawrence Burchfield, Feast Elder

Waco, Texas

The Feast in Waco, Texas, was very enjoyable and uplifting for everyone. We have received nothing but positive feedback from the brethren. The Waco Ramada hotel where we stayed and held our services was very accommodating. In fact, the management and staff said they were going to miss our group and were sad to see us leave. Some of the brethren were not able to attend for the full eight days, but our attendance high was 105.

The four catered lunches we were able to provide were an added blessing. In fact, there was food left over for many to take back to their rooms for dinner.

There were several in attendance for the first time at a CBCG Feast site, and they expressed that it was very profitable for them. There was also a man in attendance who came all the way from Australia; others came from various states. Pictures of the brethren were taken randomly throughout the eight days and were presented as a slide show on the morning of the last day. The smiles and loving fellowship that could be seen in these pictures confirmed that this was a very blessed time for everyone. The weather was perfect every day. God’s blessing on the Waco Feast was very apparent.

 DeWayne Timmons

Houston, Texas

Hello from the Houston church.  We had a great Feast of Tabernacles 2010.  On the first and last holy days we had about 30 brethren and on the Sabbath 28.  The rest of the feast the attendance dropped down  a bit more that we would have liked.  We also had some small children from ages 3 to 6 years old.  The Feast coloring books really did a great job for them.  Not only did the children enjoy coloring in them but it also taught them God’s Word.  The theme of the feast this year was super.  In think everyone really enjoyed it.  We purchased the new Hubble DVD “Stargazer” and I played it along with the DVD of the feast for the first holy day.  The order and beauty of God’s universe is so spectacular—it is amazing!  In all we had a great Feast of Tabernacles this year and are looking forward to seeing you in Houston in February 2011. 

 Frank Penny

Bozeman, Montana

The 2010 Feast of Tabernacles in Bozeman, Montana, was blessed with sunny, 75- to 85-degree days. The encouraging sermons and sermonettes, feasting and loving fellowship were the highlights. We enjoyed The Almighty God music video featuring Hubble Telescope space scenes twice during the Feast. There were 73 people total attending, 15 of whom were youths. Several family activities were planned such as hiking, horseback riding, indoor rock climbing, swimming, a girls’ tea party and a Lego Robotics workshop with hands-on fun. As with last year, many brethren enthusiastically participated in the Variety Show. Some enjoyed an outing to Yellowstone National Park, some tried Montana fishing, and others attended the Bozeman Symphony.

Brethren started the Last Great Day, Wednesday evening, with a hymn sing-along. The youth were treated to the life story of Mr. Ernie Watts, a story appreciated by all.

Several brethren said that this was the best Feast they had experienced in many years, while others said it was the best Feast ever. At the end of the Last Great Day services, brethren headed home, ready to face the challenges of the year ahead and looking forward to keeping in touch with the brethren they had grown to love during the Feast.

John Vogele, Feast Host

Tucson, Arizona

In Tucson at the Windmill Inn and Suites we had 35-40 brethren and enjoyed a peaceful and relaxing Feast of Tabernacles.  It was evident that our loving Father and Jesus Christ were present with us in Spirit during this wondeerful Feast.  We had ample time to really get to know one another and enjoy the fellowship.

Fred came on the fourth day of the Feast.  He spoke after he arrived in the morning.  We took a brief lunch break, and the he spoke again during the afternoon—5 hours total.  In closing the afternoon services, we played the DVD hymn, “The Almighty God.” It was a special video hymn with all the words on the screen and theindpiring photos of the Hubbell telescope pictures matched up with this uplifting hymn.  It certainly left a lasting impression and we were all singing and humming it the rest of the Feast.

We really appreciated the way the messages were arranged and taught to lead us through the Scriptures about the coming Mellennium, with each message building on the previous day.  Each year we come to a deeper understanding and meaning of the Feast of Tabernacles, as we continue to study, learn and grow in God’s way.  These stirring messages give us hope and strength to endure the dark time of the year of the world and help us to look forward to the Passover 2011.  Finally, we had two baptisms which was very inspiring.

Leon and Carol Ritchie

La Quinta (Palm Springs), California

The 2010 Palm Springs-area festival was observed at the Homewood Suites in La Quinta, which is about 30 minutes east of Palm Springs. Attendance was 34 on the first Holy Day and averaged about 30 for the eight days. There were two brethren from Ohio in attendance, with most of the others coming from Arizona, Nevada and California. With almost everyone staying at the Homewood Suites, it made this truly a “family” Feast. A number of brethren remarked that this was the most enjoyable Feast they had ever attended, which they attributed to being able to eat two meals a day together as a group (meals were included in the cost of the rooms). That provided lots of fellowship time for serious discussions about the sermons (or to “solve world problems”), as well as time to plan special activities. Everyone said they would like to return in 2011—but, of course, a lot can change by then. On the weekly Sabbath, Rick and Leanna Scott invited everyone to their newly acquired home—about 30 miles from the site—for a wonderful afternoon of delicious snacks. Everyone had a great time doing what we do best: eating and talking. Since we had 24-hour use of the meeting room, Albert Cataga played a good selection of documentary videos, while others engaged in table games such as chess and scrabble during the late afternoons and evenings.

Jim Hyles

Hollister/Gilroy, California

We were not able to meet in the meeting hall we had last year in Hollister.  But were really blessed to be able to secure the Hilton Garden Inn, 12 miles away, in Gilroy, the garlic capital of the world.  Attendance averaged 25 every day with a high of 31 on the day we had a baptism.  It was a really tremendous feast with the love of the brethren evident throughout.  Michael Heiss and his wife, Nancy, were in attendance.  Michael is the Biblical Hebrew Language Consultant who diligently went over the Hebrew of the entire Old Testament when were preparing the Faithful Version of the Bible.  Without his expertise and help we could not have published the entire Bible as we now have.  He brought three messages: Jacob, Esau and Amalek, Ten Commandments, Israel/ Ishmael, which added great insight to the Word of God.  We closed the feast with the powerful, special inspiring video-hymn “The Almighty God.”

Summerland, British Columbia, Canada

Greetings from the brethren in Canada. Hoping you had a great Feast and hoping you were able to meet with many of the brethren at the different sites you visited.

We just wanted to share with you the marvelous Feast we had in Summerland, B.C., Canada. It was a most inspiring Feast for both Denise and myself as well as the 76 brethren attending. The weather for the entire Feast was fabulous and the facility and resort we were staying at was phenomenal. The messages were most inspiring and the love and unity among the brethren was overflowing. There were numerous comments by the brethren on how wonderful this Feast has been; the beautiful surroundings and the warm fellowship among the brethren was most uplifting.

God’s presence was certainly felt among everyone, and it was a most gratifying experience. My wife and I were most inspired by the abundant love that was present, and we were honored to be of service to our brothers and sisters in Christ. The positive responses we received were overwhelming and it was a unanimous decision among everyone to have the feast in Summerland again next year—God willing. We thoroughly enjoyed the fellowship and can truly say that we experienced a foretaste of what the wonderful Kingdom of God will be like. 

The love of God was truly present among everyone, and it was an awesome experience to realize that this is what our Almighty God has in store for all mankind. On behalf of all the brethren at the site in Summerland, we thank you sincerely for your very timely and inspiring messages and for helping us understand our role in reaching the awesome goal that God has set before us. Thank you for everything and we sincerely continue to pray for your protection and health in the year to come.

In Christ’s love, Norbert & Denise Bohnert, Feast Hosts

Eastern Canadian Feast of Tabernacles

About 20 Canadian CBCG brethren enjoyed eight days of spiritual feasting at the South Elmsley Feast site in the beautiful Rideau Lakes region of Ontario. Harold and Marion Pattimore arranged and hosted the Feast observance at the newly renovated South Elmsley Community Center, near Smiths Falls—the site of the area’s weekly Sabbath services.

In addition to the inspiring video messages, members enjoyed numerous get-togethers, the highlight of which was the “Newfie WOW” held at the Pattimores’ nearby home and co-hosted by former Newfoundlanders Betty and Cyril Gabriel.

Our thanks to the Pattimores, the Gabriels, and everyone else who helped make this a wonderful Feast for all who attended.

Duncan MacLeod, Feast Elder

Perth, Australia

We had a wonderful Feast of Tabernacles and Last Great Day for our Perth (Western Australia) Fellowship Group. We found your sermons for the Feast and Last Great Day to be extraordinarily insightful, thought-provoking and helpful. Your sermons for day seven and the Last Great Day were particularly eye-opening.

In our spare time, we watched documentaries by various commentators. Given their efforts over many years to expose bankers and proponents of world government, it is extraordinary that they have not been called.

In our first two years of existence, we have held both of our FOTs at Yanchep, on the coast of the Indian Ocean, about 60km (36 miles) north of Perth. We were literally having our services and meals in a beach house overlooking the Indian Ocean.

In the future we will be circulating the details of our FOT plans for 2011. I will send you the information in case you wish to circulate it for interested brethren in the USA.

Regards, Perth CBCG Fellowship Group

Caloundra, Sunshine Coast Australia

CBCG in Australia held the 2010 Feast of Tabernacles in Caloundra, Queensland on the Sunshine Coast (East Coast of Australia). 

We had 42 attendees on the first Holy Day and an average of 22 during the FOT with 34 on the Last Great Day.

The weather is usually fairly hot during this time of the year but was much cooler with sea breezes coming in each day just as services started. The messages from Fred were truly remarkable and will surely be played over and over during the coming year – they were all very instructional and encouraging. All of the brethren were asked to stay and share a pre-prepared meal together for just about every lunch time during the FOT and one morning we even got up very early and prepared a huge Aussie breakfast. It was a wonderful, warm and close FOT with the brethren all drawing much closer together and learning about themselves, other brethren and from God’s word.

I have attached a photograph of the Brethren who attended on one of the Feast Days. Thank you Fred for the inspiring and very focused messages for the Feast 2010.

Greg Paxton,On behalf of CBCG Australia

Northern Ireland

The Feast of Tabernacles and Last Great Day site at Moira, Northern Ireland, exceeded all our expectations. It was a lovely location next to the canal, which through disuse had reverted about a hundred years ago to being a nature reserve. We were blessed to have a pair of swans and seven fully grown cygnets outside or near our accommodation for most of our stay. Some of us went for several walks along the canal side in open country.

The rail station, for trips to Belfast, was only a short walk away, as was the motorway (though you’d never know it, it was so peaceful).

We had 25 people attending altogether, with an average of 15 per day. Nearly all were Northern Irish, apart from myself and a completely new couple from Scotland. Billy Stevenson, Herbert Beare and I baptized the new couple in the local swimming pool.

The weather was sunny and mild and it only rained once (during the night), which is very rare for Northern Ireland. Everyone was inspired by your messages (especially those visiting from Living, Worldwide and David Pack’s group). The fellowship was like a family reunion, with no formality, just a “get together” of loving brothers and sisters. We all left “charged up” for the year to come. We’ve booked the same location for next year.

We’re all looking forward to the books that are coming and a continuation of your wonderful messages.  

Northern Ireland Fellowship Group

Baltimore, Maryland

Greetings to you, your dear family and all the brethren there in Hollister, California. I trust you had a great Feast of Tabernacles. We had a wonderful time also. Sorry about the delay in getting in touch with you. When we came home from the Feast, we were challenged by many unforeseen things that we had to attend to right away. 

It is with much gratitude that I write to you to thank you for the precious and priceless gifts you have sent to us here in Baltimore. We are a small group of God’s people, and have been effectively impacting our community with the truth of God’s Word—and these gifts have come right on time to empower our ministry in these efforts. I want to assure you that the Bibles and study materials we received from you have already been making an impact among the brethren. 

We are very impressed with the layout and the contents of the appendices in the Bible. The contents that preface the Torah are very substantive and are easy to understand. Most of the brethren have decided to get label-tabs so they can find the books of the Bible more easily (due to being in their original order). I want to personally thank you for my Bible. It is now taking me to a higher level in my studies.

The Bible Study Tools we received from you will give our Friday Night Bible Studies deeper access to the Word of God; in fact, we are anticipating a greater turn-out on Friday nights. We are very grateful to you for these supplies. Also, thank you for adding us to your DVD ministry. We got our first DVD yesterday when we got home from Sabbath services.

On another note, it is my desire that we become an affiliate of your ministry. If this is possible, please let me know what I need to do to make it happen. May our heavenly Father continue to give you the mental and physical strength that you need to carry out His plan in your life as you serve His people and the world at large. There is no question that you have been and are being empowered by God’s Holy Spirit to carry out the work you do so effectively.

On a personal note (and you may smile a bit with this statement), I would like to encourage you to continue to eat correctly and do your exercises to maintain your physical health. The reason I say this is because I am in a mental battle with the “enemy” concerning maintaining my physical health. He is busy messing with our minds, causing us to neglect this vital area. He figures if he can’t get us spiritually, he can get us physically. DO NOT LET HIM DO THAT TO YOU!

I am anticipating hearing from you concerning becoming an affiliate of your ministry.

Yours in Christ, Pastor Woodland

Lord, What Should I Do?

We are nearing completion of the new Lord, What Should I Do? We hope to get this fully revised and updated version of the book to the printer, Thomson-Shore, by the end of October. This will be a tremendous book, designed for new people. We can use this book as a major publication for those who utilize Church at Home. It is a book you can give to anyone who is genuinely searching for the truth, but doesn’t know how to begin.

Church at Home DVD

In this mailing we are sending you a third DVD of Church at Home videos. Some have gotten mixed up, thinking that the Church at Home DVDs were CDs, and thought something was wrong with them because they would not play in a CD player. Please remember that these DVDs are for television viewing; they are not CDs that can be played in CD players.

The DVDs can be used to help anyone who has questions concerning the Bible and the “Christian” religion in general.

Randy Vild, our editor and producer of the Church at Home videos, has informed me that, as of the middle of October, Church at Home is ranked by Google as the number one Web site for home-church video web casts. Hang on! We’re just getting started!

Occult Holidays or God’s Holy Days—Which?

Our current stock of Occult Holidays or God’s Holy Days—Which? (second edition) is down to 628. So this last week we made arrangements to have another 7,000 printed at Thomson-Shore. This is the major book we are advertising on BibleStudy.org. This is a Web site originated by Alan Ruth over 10 years ago. We always keep a click-through advertisement for one of our books on his site—which has been a great success in distributing our books to people searching the Internet for biblical material. After receiving and reading one of our books, many of these people request to be added to our bi-monthly mailing list. Speaking of mailing lists, we now have over 2,250 on the USA list alone—and it is growing all the time! We are reaching many more brethren and many more new people all the time.

Bible Page Index and Holy Day Calendar

We are sending you a special Bible Page Index and Holy Day Calendar that was designed by Harry and Cindy Curley. The Index is intended to help brethren find their way through the new Bible more quickly. Harry and Cindy have already given away many copies—and the brethren liked them so much that we decided to have some printed up for everyone. We regret that we have to fold them in order to mail them to you; but if we used a larger envelope, it would cost an additional dollar each. I am sure that they will work just fine. If you need more, please request them—call, write or e-mail us and we will get them right to you.

Brethren, it looks like the nation and the world are heading into extraordinarily troubling financial times. It is absolutely impossible to pay back all of the debt the USA, UK, Europe and the rest of the nations of the world have amassed. Moreover, it is increasingly getting more difficult to even keep up with the interest payments on trillions and trillions of government debt. When all of the debt in the world is added together—over 300 trillion dollars worth—it becomes obvious that there is not enough money in the world to handle this tremendous liability!

However, regardless of the difficult times we will face, God the Father and Jesus Christ will see us through them. We must continue daily to claim the promises of Psalm 91 for God’s protection through His angels watching over us. Whatever comes, we must always keep ourselves in the love of God and keep His commandments, as the apostle John writes:“And this is the love of God: that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, exactly as you heard from the beginning, that you might walk in it, because many deceivers have entered into the world—those who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. This is the spirit of the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch out for yourselves in order that we may not lose the things we have accomplished, but that we may receive a full reward” (II John 6-8).

Once again, brethren, we are happy that you all had a tremendous Feast of Tabernacles. Thank you for your continued love, prayers and support with your tithes and offerings. We love you and are praying for you daily that you will continue to grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you will be healed of your sicknesses and delivered from all your trials, and that you will receive the gracious blessings of God, both spiritually and physically.

With love in Christ Jesus,

Fred R. Coulter

FRC