Letter from the President
Very shortly, possibly the most unusual festival season in our modern times will commence. This time embodies renewed excitement, encouragement and the making of many new memories, all centered on celebrating the coming Kingdom of God. Despite all of the challenges we may have faced this year, this time is still one of joy!
This Feast of Tabernacles will be a spiritual oasis for all of us, a blessing of cool peace that we miraculously can deeply drink in. Let us prayerfully and joyfully take full advantage, filling our spiritual reservoirs to the full.
To that end, as we approach and enter into this festival season, please work to make the most of its healing, inspiring, recharging benefits. Remember that in a mere 24 days after the biblical Eighth Day there will come the most divisive national election perhaps in human history. A cacophony of political noise from all sides will fill the airwaves and pound social media in the days following the Feast. As the international Economist magazine notes, there is “much riding on this election—for America and the rest of the world.”
Wherever you live, you know that the United States is dangerously polarized. As you read this, because of its potential international consequences, Russia, China, Iran and others work diligently behind the scenes to influence the U.S. election. Many fear future divisive unrest, regardless of who wins. And all of this will take place while COVID-19 controversies destabilize.
What irony that in less than a month before the American election, Christ’s “little flock” will observe and celebrate the way to peace that so few understand in this present age. And we need not fear! God indeed is our refuge (Psalm 46:1)! We are to stand out as bright lights in this darkening age, and bright lights we are (Matthew 5:14)!
I invite you to think deeply about an important consideration this Feast. The festival season just ahead represents a remarkable opportunity for us all to fulfill the direct command of the living Head of the Church, Jesus Christ. Jesus specially directed us to show love one to another (John 13:34-35). As we come together physically and spiritually—wherever we are—we should be respectful, free from casting judgment on others, doing as Paul directs us: “Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others” (Philippians 2:3-4, English Standard Version, emphasis added).
Remember that many of your brothers and sisters had a tough time this year. If you see someone in need and it’s in your power to do so, quietly do something to make their Feast a little more special. As John writes to us: “Let us not love in word or talk, but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18, ESV).
Beginning now and in the days ahead, I especially ask that you pray that God’s love will be powerfully poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5). I ask that you daily pray confidently for safe assembly. Drink in the truth. Entreat God that He would powerfully use us according to His will. Together at this Feast, let us collectively claim the promise that in the days ahead God will set an open door for us to do His will, a door that no one can shut (Revelation 3:7)!
Finally, as we approach and enter into the festival season, let us consider and reflect on these words of One Faith, One Love from our Hymnal:
“From many lands we raise our eyes toward Thee,
Our voices joined as one great family.
Our many lives are woven, fitly blended…
Upon Thy loom, our differences become one…
And as we strengthen one another in Thee,
Thy Spirit binds in perfect harmony.”
Let us strive to achieve that “perfect harmony,” worshiping God and capturing a renewed vision of the wonder-filled Kingdom soon to come! Let us refresh ourselves spiritually and rededicate ourselves, that one day we may each hear these marvelous words: “Well done, good and faithful servant…Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:21)!
May God bless and enrich you now and in the days ahead. My wife Bev and I wish you an inspiring Feast of Trumpets, a meaningful Day of Atonement, and a wondrous Feast of Tabernacles!
