In Brief... World News Review: Germany: Microsoft Products a Security Threat?

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Germany's defense and foreign ministries are reported to have made the decision to stop using software from U.S. software giant Microsoft Corporation.

Germany's defense and foreign ministries are reported to have made the decision to stop using software from U.S. software giant Microsoft Corporation. The reason for the decision: Germany's security. German authorities received information that the U.S. Secret Service has the capability to decode all Microsoft products and data files generated using those products. The German defense ministry plans to use decoding technology made only by German companies, either Siemens AG or Deutsche Telekom AG.

Security concerns are also the reason for the cancellation of German foreign ministry plans to use satellite-videoconferencing technology with its embassies.

Source: Der Spiegel, March 19, 2001.

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Ken Martin

Kenneth Martin was a pastor for the United Church of God, who served as an elder in the Church of God for 55 years before his death in 2021 at the age of 81.

Ken graduated from Ambassador College (Big Sandy, Texas) in 1966 as student body president and valedictorian. He was ordained an elder in June 1966 by Herbert Armstrong, and served God’s people for the remainder of his years. In that time, he touched the lives of thousands of people and served in the following congregations: Dallas (Texas), Fort Wayne and South Bend (Indiana), Toledo and Findlay (Ohio), Birmingham and Jasper (Alabama), Atlanta, Carrolton, Macon and Columbus (Georgia). He also served the United Church of God as regional pastor for the Southeast region and served as chairman for the Prophecy Advisory Committee.

His joy was to serve those whom God is calling at this time to be the first fruits of God’s great plan of salvation via Jesus Christ… preaching repentance and the good news of the coming Kingdom of God!

Darris McNeely

Darris McNeely is a retired elder in the United Church of God. He and his wife, Debbie,  have served in the ministry for more than 53 years. They have two sons, who are both married, and four grandchildren. Darris continues teaching at Ambassador Bible Center and is a member of the Council of Elders. Darris and Debbie continue to travel and keep up with the many friends and relationships around the world.