Letters

Feast Issue Outstanding

I have been receiving United News for as long as I can remember, and each one has been good. But this November 2007 issue is outstanding.

This 2007 Feast I was ill and missed my 37th Feast—broke my record. I want to thank each person who took the time to write and send the Feast news, what ministers spoke about, etc.

I am not as active in church now as I would like to be. In September this year I was 86 years young. I am still taking care of myself. I walk every day.

I thank each of you for the fine jobs you are doing. The Good News and World News and Prophecy, our youth magazine and teaching our youth—so much to educate us. We have a good minister, and I am so pleased, because I truly think our job has been all along to educate ourselves to become teachers in the world tomorrow.

I am confident God will never leave me. I live for God's Kingdom to come. God bless all who read this.

—Texas

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"This Is the Way" E-mails

Thank you! I enjoy every one of the posts from "This Is the Way"—actually, I've been looking for them eagerly in my mailbox ever since I started receiving them. Thank you so much from the depths of my heart. They are beautifully written and often come in just in time.

—India

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I found the reading of this [e-mail] touching my heart very closely. In the past year my relationship with my Lord and Savior has exploded into a whole new personal dimension. But the one very simplistic thing that has really affected me is the doing of very small acts of random kindness for total strangers and knowing deep in my heart that this is showing Jesus Himself. What a feeling of sheer joy this brings to me. It's such a cool feeling because I find myself doing these things without even being aware of it, and walking away not expecting anything in return. God is so good.

—Internet

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Seeking Lost Booklet

A while back I wrote you for some literature for information on biblical foods, what to eat and what not to according to the Bible. You sent to me a wonderful book on it, and I thank you very much for that. I was reading it and following it, so much so that some of the foods that I ate all of my life that I did not think that would be so easy to give up, I gave up right away because I love my Lord and want to follow His Word. I shared my news with some people but never tried to push my knowledge on anyone… But the reason I am writing to you now is because I lost my book, and I am so hurt and upset! Please, if it is at all possible, would you please, please, send me another?

—Massachusetts

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"The God Debate" Used for Sunday School

I would like to have permission to use the November-December 2007 [Good News] issue's "The God Debate" in printed form for the basis of a Sunday school lesson. It would not be reused for any other purpose than that particular Sunday lesson, probably in early December. Proper credits would be noted.

It is a very good article and has great merit for a structured lesson. Would you grant it as such, please? Please reply as soon as possible.

—Internet

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Permission was given.

"Breaking Free From Addictions"

You may think that this will sound crazy, but I call this a wonderful coincidence. I went to my mailbox today and The Good News magazine titled "Breaking Free From Addictions" was the only piece of mail in there—being as I have just moved recently from an evil addiction and a very broken/abusive relationship.

I read this article, and it really moved me. Everything was written exactly the way…I am going through [it]. Only one difference: My ex-boyfriend of four years is still using illegal substances and of course I've heard the "I'll quit—I want you back. I'll never hit/abuse you ever again." I left him exactly 26 days ago. I am clean. Of course I was a victim and very addicted to crack/cocaine and marijuana.

I thank God every day for helping me through this, and I know this will take time. It's not easy to stop cold turkey, since I have been an abuser for quite some time. I just thought my input might help others see that there "is a bright light if you open up and change for the better." I feel uplifted, new, clean and quite excited to start a brand-new life with my new family. All illegal drugs are truly evil, and they will destroy everything and anyone around you. I am truly blessed to find God when I did, for I know I wouldn't be around much longer on earth if I kept going the way I was. I'm positive I'm taking the right step into my brand-new future, and I feel good about it!

Thank you for your time in this matter, and I look forward to reading this magazine for the rest of my life, for it did open my eyes more than ever.

—Internet

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Late-Blooming Passions

I was intrigued with "Artist Discovers Late-Blooming Passion" in the "Local Church Update" section in the November 2007 United News and would enjoy seeing more articles about people like Peggy Montano who have discovered more God-given talents after their children left home. As I reminded myself when I took up the banjitar (a hybrid that sounds like a banjo but plays like a guitar) right before Unleavened Bread in 2007, at the ripe old age of 55, there will never be a better time than now.

Being older and unencumbered by kids at home means more time for fun and more time to investigate God-given gifts that were previously hidden or overshadowed by more pressing needs. Being older means more confidence for experimenting in ways that you would not have thought of when you were younger. Taking on a new hobby gives your grown kids a good role model to counteract society's opinion that you are as good as gone after 40! Plus, it is good for your grandchildren, who might discover a talent within them that they wouldn't have otherwise.

—Marilyn Braley
Houston South, Texas, congregation

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Never Taught About God

I loved the booklet Heaven and Hell. I am a 35-year-old mother who has never understood the meaning of heaven, hell, etc. I never went to church; my mom is claustrophobic. When I was a little girl, I always wanted to know about God, and who Jesus was. I was never taught. I now have a 9-year-old little girl, and she would always ask me, Who is God? I am so embarrassed to say that I could never give her an answer. I had many people try to help me, however, I never could understand what it was they would try to tell me.

I have had so many different people with their own religious background trying to conform me to their beliefs. Such religions include Wiccan, Catholic, Satanism and atheism… Reading the booklet you have given to me (Heaven and Hell ) has really helped me. The way you explain is very understandable for me. I cannot wait to get my second booklet.

—Internet

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Articles Used in Psychology Class

I tried to order a series of booklets and was blocked by the number I can order. I have been using some of your articles from TheGood News in my psychology class with great success. We are exploring adding a course entitled "The Bible as Literature" to our curriculum. I was wondering if we can have a copy of your booklet series for the school. While at present it cannot be displayed in our library, we can add them to our faculty reference section.

C.H., College Counselor/Instructor, Vandalia Community High School/Kaskaskia College, Vandalia, Illinois

Spreading the Word of God in Kenya

It is my pleasure to write to you for the first time and commend you for the good work you are doing to spread the Word of God worldwide.

I am 60 years old, a church elder of the Church of God–Seventh Day. In my local church I was pleased to read this wonderful magazine [The Good News]. After going through all that was written, I found some books that you offered to give to anyone interested on request…

I love you as you are with me the members of this wonderful Body. I am looking forward to the day that we shall gather before Him during His second coming to bring His Kingdom on this earth.

—Kenya

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Interested in India

I have been a regular reader of your magazines Good News and World News and Prophecy for the last four years. I eagerly wait for the magazines, and I find the articles extremely enlightening and relevant.

I especially remember the issue on unraveling the mystery of the genome, which described the might and power of the Creator God and His care in the creation process, in simple language.

I am a regular reader of your e-newsletter and "This Is the Way" also. They have definitely increased my knowledge of the Bible and my interest in following it truthfully.

In 2005 and 2006 I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. David Baker while he was visiting Delhi. I could discuss many subjects with him. He has been sending me some CDs of your sermons.

I am grateful for all the material that has definitely helped in our spiritual upliftment. Please continue sending me the magazines. I pray for all success in your work and for abundant growth of the true Church.

—India

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