240 GN Readers Attend Public Lectures in Australia

by Ken Murray and Bill Eddington

“Events in the 21st Century Will Change Your World! Every man, woman and child will be affected.”

That was the banner headline on the invitation distributed to all Australian Good News readers inviting them to attend the public Bible lectures that took place in Brisbane July 12 and Melbourne July 19.

Brisbane

On July 12, 283 people came to Kimberley Park Auditorium in Brisbane to hear lectures from three speakers: Melvin Rhodes and Gary Petty from the United States, and local pastor Bill Bradford.

About 110 were from the general GN readership, 15 were from various Church of God groups and 158 were members of UCG congregations in southeast Queensland. Some visitors had traveled many miles to attend.

Mr. Rhodes delivered the first message about what the Bible says about Australia in the 21st century. Mr. Petty explained early Church history in a message titled “The Day Christ's Message Was Changed.” Mr. Bradford rounded off the messages by showing that the true biblical message of salvation is the gospel of the Kingdom of God.

“The first message by Mr. Rhodes was followed by enthusiastic applause and a buzz of conversation as people discussed what they had heard with each other and the members they had met,” said member Jim Bellamy. The applause and conversation continued throughout the day.

A short question-and-answer session with the presenters completed a full and stimulating day.

“The question-and-answer session…produced intelligent and friendly interaction with the audience,” said Mr. Bellamy. “We were greatly blessed with the peace and harmony of the whole day.”

Many visitors said they were glad they came and were impressed by the information presented.

Before the lectures began, many of the brethren mingled with the visitors, assisting them with their inquiries and helping them to find their seats.

The Brisbane Church members also provided a delicious morning tea and lunch that were warmly served by some of the younger members of the Church, providing a relaxed atmosphere where people could chat and comment about the seminars and ask further questions if they so desired.

“All our hosts were able to develop an immediate relationship with the guests, and this relationship seemed to continue through to the end of the event,” said Mr. Bradford. “This personal touch was invaluable and their contribution to the success of the event was estimated to be as important as the messages presented.”

Great Interest in Melbourne

All together 115 guests and about 110 Church members attended the lectures in Melbourne July 19.

Thanks to the diligent efforts of sound and video operators Steve Mihalec, Joe Zammit and Ken Brew, all was ready for the biggest public event the Church has presented in Melbourne since the 1970s.

Arriving guests were greeted by a team of hosts coordinated by Tony and Ruth Edge. The hosts gave a warm welcome to the guests and ensured they were settled before the lectures were introduced by master of ceremonies Barry Williams.

Because the capacity of the auditorium was limited, Church members sat in another room. However the members were able to mingle with the guests before and after the lectures and during the 45-minute lunch break. The ladies from the Bacchus Marsh congregation put in the great effort to make up a luncheon for 300 plus people.

Follow Up

About a dozen or more people in each location inquired about church services, Mr. Bradford said. They were offered the address and the subjects to be covered in the next few weeks.

DVDs of the event are being sent to about 50 people who called but couldn't attend because of the distance and another 150 are being sent to those who did attend and requested a DVD.

Mr. Rhodes said he felt everyone was respectful and seemed appreciative as an audience. He said that from experience he knows “people love hearing the truth, but many do not have the drive to do anything about it and truly seek God. I hope that many of these people will break the mold and start attending Church where they can really learn more.” UN