We are saddened to report that Donald W. Hobbs, a long-time member
of the Church of God, died peacefully on Sunday, October 1. Mr. Hobbs
was 89 years old. He resided in Texas with his daughter and his
son-in-law. His daughter wrote us that Mr. Hobbs was hospitalized for 2
weeks, but he had no pain. He was just weak. His daughter added: “He
loved all of you very much… You were his last church home.”

Lois Nelson wrote:

“Dear
all, I wanted to send a note to tell everyone thank you for the
beautiful cards sent during our recent months of grief and illness.
Also, thank you all for the card and photo of the beautiful little
flock in San Diego that was sent during the Feast of Tabernacles. From
the Update it sounds that this was the best Feast ever!  My ribs
are finally well, but I have to be careful what I pick up. I didn’t get
a chance to say thank you for the delicious treats that we received
prior to the Feast, but I’m saying thank you now. That was a thoughtful
gesture and oh so delicious and cute!”

We received a beautiful card from our member in Kenya, Cege Muinamia. Cege wrote on his behalf and on behalf of his family:

“To
my brothers and sisters in the land of Manasseh: Brethren, by the time
you receive this card you’ll have joyfully kept the 2006 F.O.T., so
congratulations for accomplishing that.”

We received the following note from Raymond and Eve McNair:

“Dear
Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Your card of Feast greetings was very
encouraging to us. Our time at home during this Feast was enjoyable as
we shared it with visitors and enjoyed the many thoughtful gifts of
love sent to us. We look forward to the time when none of us will be
alone and we will be with Christ serving Him and teaching those what
God has taught us. During this time we must stay focused and stay the
course. May God continue to be with you all. In Christian love.”

A
member letter for November is being prepared by Norbert Link and should
be mailed out next week. We will enclose a copy of our new booklet, “Teach Us To Pray,”
for those who did not receive it at the Feast sites in the USA and
England. The English subscribers already received their copy.

Our new booklet on suffering will enter its last review cycle shortly.

A new StandingWatch program is scheduled to be recorded on Friday.

The German translation of our booklet on “Mysteries of the Bible” will be posted shortly on our different Websites in the USA, Canada, Great Britain and Germany.

We are presenting two reports covering the Feast of Tabernacles in the United Kingdom and in the United States:

Feast Report for the United Kingdom
by Brian Gale

Millennial type surroundings for the Feast of Tabernacles are not always easily available but the Global Church of God in the UK again held God’s autumnal festival at Chatsworth House in beautiful rural Derbyshire in central England. Six years out of the last seven, this venue has been used, and all the approaches to Chatsworth House for services ensure that the beautiful countryside including sheep, deer and other animals, form part of a wonderfully picturesque landscape. The Peak District in Derbyshire is the second visited National Park in the world (only Mount Fuji in Japan has more visitors) and Chatsworth House is the most visited stately home in the UK. It is no surprise, therefore, that visitors are so impressed with the surroundings which are appropriate to what the Feast pictures. It is very difficult to envisage any Feast site anywhere in the world which more accurately reflects a millennial setting of peace and tranquility – and the quality of surroundings.

There were a number of organised activities which included a social evening, a superb Feast dinner and a coach tour of the beautiful surrounding area. Other activities were suggested for those interested in the many attractions in the area.

A public lecture was organised in Derby where Evangelist Norbert Link spoke on “Europe in Prophecy.” Mr Link
has written a booklet on this subject and his dynamic presentation was appreciated by both church members who attended this lecture in Derby and those who accepted the invitations to attend that were sent out.

Of course, the main thrust of any Feast are the church services and the sermons and sermonettes that are given, and these carefully prepared messages were given by Norbert Link, Brian Gale, Bill Koeneke, Terry McQuire, Andrew Burns, Peter Cartwright and Edwin Pope (on DVD). These outstanding messages contained much millennial content which inspired all those in attendance.

The Global Church of God in the UK welcomed visitors, as they do to weekly Sabbath services so long as they worship in peace and harmony, and these are characteristics that will prevail in God’s Kingdom in the World Tomorrow.; The eight days passed quickly, and what the Feast pictures – the Kingdom of God – cannot come quickly enough!

Advertising Report.

Advertising in the UK for the recently produced booklet “Mysteries of the Bible” attracted nearly 1,100 replies. The usual media was used and, whilst the response was slightly short of the level expected (around 1,400 was expected), nevertheless this booklet was requested by many who would be new to the truth of God and other responses may still be forthcoming.

Feast Report for the United States
by J. Edwin Pope

The Church of the Eternal God, for the past three years, has been blessed with the beautiful surroundings along the central coast of California, in the area of San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay for the observance of the Feast of Tabernacles. Set in the natural beauty of ocean, mountains, and rich rolling hills, with a beautiful harbor and with the magnificent Morro Rock rising out of the waters of Morro Bay, this wonderful area was again named as the site for the Feast of Tabernacles, 2006.

As one takes sight of the coastline, The Bay Estuary is one of the largest unspoiled coastal marshes in the state and attracts over 200 species of native and migrating birds, including hummingbirds, mockingbirds, and great blue herons, as well as being a reserve for the Peregrine Falcon. Marine life and land based animals are also found in abundance. Marine life includes such species as elephant seals, sea otters, and gray whales. Monarch Butterflies migrate by the tens of thousands into the coastal areas.

San Luis Obispo County has approximately one hundred miles of stunning coastline, from the dramatic shores of the northern coast (Ragged Point, San Simeon, and Cambria) to spectacular Morro Rock (Morro Bay) to the smooth, diamond white sands of the southern beaches (Oceano, Grover Beach, Pismo Beach), truly a delight for the sight of all who love the beauty of God’s great Ocean of the Pacific!

Truly God has blessed the church for these past four fall festival seasons by inspiring His Name to be placed in this area for His Feast of Tabernacles!

Many truly magnificent restaurants are scattered along the coast and other areas of this paradise, but the favorite
physical food of most as we assemble here each year is the wonderful fish and chips served magnificently by restaurants throughout the area.

The official meeting site once again was on the premises of the Sea Pines Golf Resort located on Morro Bay in the small community of Los Osos – Baywood Park. The Mediterranean type climate enjoyed in the area added significantly to the overall enjoyment of our fellowship together.

Adding to the beauty of the area is the fact that San Luis Obispo County is a world-class wine producing region, which has attracted award winning acclaim. The wines made here are among the best in the world. The area includes two incredible wine growing regions, with over 80 wineries which are said to match any in the world. In California, only Napa and Sonoma exceed the grape production of this region. The soils and climate are perfect for growing grapes used in the production of superior wines. Numerous varieties of wines are produced here. San Luis Obispo has been exporting wines for over two hundred years.

This wonderful area, where God has placed His name for His annual festival has surely been a blessing to His people.

Once again, we had several planned activities which added to the fellowship enjoyed by all as we rejoiced together in God’s wonderful festival. Most everyone participated in a “game night” as well as a “70’s disco dance,” both of which were organized by the young adults of the church. We also enjoyed, together, a wonderful southern style Bar-B-Que.

An additional event which has been one of the central events occurs on Thursday night – “the Farmers’ Market” held in downtown San Luis Obispo. This event involves more than 120 vendors. Farmers park their trucks in the center of the street and restaurateurs wheel out massive barbeque pits for grilling ribs, chicken, tri-tip and even calzones under the evening sky. There are various food booths that offer everything from sandwiches, pizza-by-the-slice, to warm-from-the-oven cookies.

Also, one can find freshly harvested fruits and vegetables, bouquets of garden-grown flowers, hand-pressed cider and other seasonal treats.

Arts and crafts plus live entertainment are also found in abundance.

The entire event is “a street fair and produce market” and covers six downtown city blocks. Local shops are open late for shopping.

During the eight day festival, spiritually we were served fantastically – eight (8) sermons, six (6) split-sermons, and seven (7) sermonettes – a total of 21 presentations covering in depth God’s Great Plan! Speaking were David Harris, Terry Grade, Bob Bourque, Rene Messier, Kalon Mitchell, Norbert Link (DVD), Bill Grams, Eric Rank, Robb Harris, Michael Link, Gilbert DeVaux, and Edwin Pope.

This was truly a dynamic Feast of Tabernacles and all in attendance rejoiced in it. We were pleased to have several new families attend with us this year, and as usual several were unable to attend due to illness. These were kept in our prayers throughout the feast. We were pleased that once again we were able to send out via internet each day’s service, which many were able to pick up and thus able to enjoy with us God’s wonderful Feast of Tabernacles!

We have received our latest booklet from the printer in Canada. This publication, titled “Teach Us To Pray!,”
was distributed at both of our Feast sites. We will be sending the new
booklet to the rest of our mailing list in a short time. If your wish a
copy, please write to us or view it on the church websites.

Hard copies of our new book, “Teach Us to Pray,” will be handed out to feastgoers at the Feast sites in the United

States and Great Britain. Mailing of the book to our subscribers will commence after the Feast.

Shelly Bruno completed the design of our Festival brochure, which will be distributed at the Feast in California. You can preview the brochure at https://www.eternalgod.org/feast/fot/2006/us/feast_brochure_2006.pdf

 

A new StandingWatch program was recorded last Friday and has been posted on the Web. It is titled: “Europe and the Muslim World.”

Set forth below is a summary of the program:

What is the significance of a German navy in the Middle East, European ground troops in Lebanon, and hostile Muslim reactions to a speech of Pope Benedict XVI? How real are the threats of radical Muslims and terrorists to conquer and destroy Rome, occupy the city of Jerusalem and attack the United States? Will Europe and the Catholic Church stand idly by when some of these threats seem to materialize?

A new StandingWatch program was recorded last Friday and has been posted on the Web. It is titled: “The Pope in Germany.”

Set forth below is a summary of the program:

The
Pope has finished his second visit to Germany, since becoming Pope. He
was very warmly greeted by the German people and the German government.
He was encouraged to work for unification between the Catholic and
Protestant Churches. At the same time, he angered Muslims by making
controversial comments about Islam and Mohammed during a lecture at the
University of Regensburg. Even though the Vatican tried to explain that
the Pope did not mean to offend Muslims, the outcry continues.

Our new book on prayer, titled, “Teach Us to Pray,” has been posted on the Web.

Our
new speaking schedule for the month of October, including on the Day of
Atonement and during the Feast of Tabernacles, has been posted on the
Web.

Our new booklet on suffering has reached the second review cycle.

A new StandingWatch program was recorded last Friday and has been posted on the Web. It is titled: “Turkey in Prophecy.”

Set forth below is a summary of the program:

Turkey,
the first and so far only Muslim nation with diplomatic ties to the
state of Israel, has pledged to send 1,000 troops to Lebanon to support
Europe’s somewhat futile attempt to create lasting peace in the Middle
East. This development is noteworthy, as biblical prophecy has much to
say about Turkey’s future role and engagement in that part of the
world. In order to understand the Biblical pronouncements, one must
know, of course, where Turkey is mentioned in Scripture.

A new member letter
has been written and posted on the Web. Hard copies were sent out on
Thursday. In the letter, Dave Harris explains the importance of keeping
God’s Holy Days at the correct time, and in the correct way.

Our new book on prayer has been sent to the printer in Canada. It will be posted shortly on the Web.

A new StandingWatch program was recorded last Friday and has been posted on the Web. It is titled: “Iran’s Frightening Intentions.”

Set forth below is a summary of the program:

As
anticipated and expected, Iran has refused to comply with the U.N.
Security Council’s resolution to halt uranium enrichment. How is the
world going to react to Iran’s defiance? Will the United States of
America have to act alone, as Russia and China, as well as some
European countries, don’t seem to be willing to impose sanctions on
Iran? Will the USA launch a military strike against Iran–perhaps even
with nuclear weapons? How real is the threat from Iran and its
president? Given Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s religious convictions and
philosophy, the threat is very real. Does Biblical prophecy tell us
what is soon going to happen?

In our effort to participate in fulfilling the Church’s commission,
as much as God gives us the means to do so, to preach the gospel in all
the world as a witness and to warn of pending disaster, we have
launched a German website in Germany, under http://aufpostenstehen.de.
Several additional new German entries, which are in preparation, will
be posted soon on the Website.

A new StandingWatch program was recorded and has been posted on the Web. It is titled: “Terrorism in Germany.”

Set forth below is a summary of the program:

Germany
is not immune from terrorist attacks. Fanatical terrorists might strike
anywhere–any time. If they had been successful in their foiled attempt
in late July to blow up several trains in Germany, hundreds of innocent
passengers would have been killed. In the meantime, several
suspects–Lebanese students living in Germany–were apprehended, but
the German government is convinced that they acted with the help of a
terrorist group in Germany, with connections to terrorist organizations
overseas. Germans are on edge and wondering, what is going to happen
next. And more importantly, will their government be able to protect
them from terrorists?

The draft of a new booklet on suffering is almost completed and has entered the first review cycle. In the booklet, Norbert Link
addresses the question why there is so much suffering in the world, and
why even true Christians suffer today. The booklet will also offer
great hope for the not-too-distant future.

A new StandingWatch program has been posted on the Web. It was recorded on Friday, August 18, and is titled: “What’s Next for Lebanon?”

Set forth below is a summary of the program:

The
warfare between Israel and Hezbollah has come to a standstill. Does
this mean that we will enjoy lasting peace in Lebanon and the Middle
East? Based on the situation in the Middle East, some preachers and
evangelists tell us that Christ could come back tonight. Would this be
possible? The answer to both questions is: Absolutely not!

A new member letter has been written and sent out. It is also posted
on the Web. In the letter, Brian Gale addresses the importance of watching
current world events, in light of Biblical prophecy, and, most
importantly, our own personal spiritual condition.

Our new book
on Prayer has been sent to our graphic designer, Shelly Bruno, for
finalization and forwarding to the printer in Canada.

A new StandingWatch program has been posted on the Web. It is titled: “Terrorism and Your Protection!”

Set forth below is a summary of the program:

Terrorists
were plotting to destroy, with liquid explosives, several airplanes
flying from England to America. Fortunately, governmental agencies
intervened before the plot could be carried out. What prompts
terrorists–in this case presumably fanatic radical Muslims–to commit
suicide and mass murder? As a consequence to this recent plot to kill
innocent people, new stringent restrictions were implemented for all
travelers, but the security levels differ from country to country. Why
these inconsistencies? And can those restrictions really give us safety
and security?