2 Readers and writers, starting on pages 2, 3 and 5, remember Garner Ted 3 Janet Treadway traces her 28-year journey to the ’03 Feast of Tabernacles 6 AC students were Temple Mount TheJournal archaeologists in the 1960s and ’70s 8 UCG publication editor Scott Ashley News of the Churches of God speculates on Islam’s place in prophecy Issue No. 80 (Vol. VII, No. 9) JOHN 8:32 Sept. 30, 2003 Church editor concludes Ladies dedicate Allah is not God of Bible meetings to By Dixon Cartwright Islam you find that Allah is actually Linda White he managing editor of publica- an ancient pagan moon god,” said IRMINGHAM, Ala.—Fifty- tions for the United Church of Mr. Ashley. five women from as far TGod says Islam is not a peace- “Thus you find major differences north as Perry, Mich., and ful religion, and its deity, Allah, is not between Allah and the true God of B as far west as Carrollton, Texas, the same supreme being as the God the Bible. came together at a Marriott hotel of the Bible. “I used to believe Islam was a in Birmingham July 25-27 to share Scott Ashley of Arvada, Colo., a peaceful religion, based on what I their Christian experiences and writer, an elder of the UCG and man- had heard, and I also assumed that make new friends. aging editor of The Good News mag- Allah was just another name for the The conference, themed “A azine, said his research of Islam after God of the Bible. But I was wrong.” Woman’s Walk With Christ,” was the events of Sept. 11, 2001, forever Mr. Ashley also ventures to inter- especially for Church of God altered his view of the religion of pret a few biblical prophecies in his ladies in the southeastern part of Muhammad and his followers, the essay in this issue of THE JOURNAL. the United States and was dedicat- 1.2 billion Muslims of the world. For example, what does Daniel 11 ed to the memory of Linda White, In this issue of THE JOURNAL, Mr. portend, specifically pertaining to the a Carrollton resident who orga- Ashley publishes his second of a Second Coming and the last days? nized several similar conferences two-part series on Islam, the fastest- “Is the current European Union” in her lifetime. growing religion on the planet. the anticipated “resurrection of the Opening greetings on Friday In the first part, which ran in THE Roman Empire?” he asks. night, July 25, were brought by JOURNAL of April 30, Mr. Ashley “I don’t think so,” he concludes. Sondra Beam of Tupelo, Miss. asked if Islam had ever been a reli- “For one thing, it appears to have far Mrs. Beam presented a view of gion of peace. too many nations already in it or the speaking schedule and encour- He concluded that it had not. planning to join it shortly.” aged the ladies to enjoy meeting In this issue Mr. Ashley, 48, com- Several Bible prophecies mention ON THE AIR—Garner Ted Armstrong, about 35 in this photo, records new Christian friends and long- pares the Koran, Islam’s holy book, Islamic regions and nations in an end- The World Tomorrow, the WCG’s radio broadcast, c. 1965. Mr. Arm- time friends in Christ. The ladies with the Bible, the Holy Writ of Jews time context, believes Mr. Ashley. strong died Sept. 15, 2003, at age 73. See related articles on this page See COG LADIES, page 14 and Christians. He cites Psalm 83, which he de- and elsewhere in this issue of THE JOURNAL. [Photo from The Envoy, 1965] “The facts speak for themselves,” scribes as speaking of “an end-time Mr. Ashley told THE JOURNAL. “If you alliance of Muslim nations surround- look at virtually any war taking place ing Israel and determined to cut it right now, you’ll find that Islam is a off.” Garner Ted Armstrong’s passing marks end major factor. He also tackles the prophecy of “Yes, the Koran teaches that it’s Isaiah 13-24, which includes a list of best to spread Islam peacefully, but it prophetic “burdens” against various of an era for many in the Churches of God also advocates the use of force and peoples, nations and kingdoms. violence when necessary.” “These 12 chapters seem to weave By Dixon Cartwright The son of WCG founder Herbert current incarnation of the Garner Ted A big part of the problem with in and out between events of Isaiah’s YLER, Texas—Many Church W. Armstrong, Garner Ted, via The Armstrong Evangelistic Association. Islam is Allah himself, Mr. Ashley day and those of the end time and are of God members acknowledged World Tomorrow, was the first contact While an evangelist and chief says. He noted that many people be- immediately followed by several Tthat the passing of Garner Ted thousands of Church of God members administrator for the Tyler churches, lieve that because the big three reli- chapters that appear to describe the Armstrong in September marked the had with the Radio/Worldwide Church he continued broadcasting, writing gions—Christianity, Judaism and immediate aftermath of Christ’s end of an era for COG fellowships of God, based in Pasadena, Calif. and making “personal appearances” Islam—are monotheistic, their be- return.” and ministries with roots in the World- He served as an administrator over to people attracted to his ministry in lievers all worship the same god. For Mr. Ashley’s latest essay, see wide Church of God. the college and its founding church, the United States and other countries. “But when you look at the roots of page 8. Mr. Armstrong died in a Tyler hos- second in rank only to his father. pital Sept. 15 of complications from After a tumultuous separation from Initial statement pneumonia. his father’s church in 1978, the Mr. Armstrong’s son, Mark, re- For two decades, from 1957 to younger Mr. Armstrong was a founder leased a statement shortly after his 1978, he was a powerful presence on of the Church of God International father’s death. He wrote: Publisher tells all about AM radio, preaching a message of near Tyler. “It is with a broken heart that I must “the wonderful world tomorrow” to After a painful separation from the inform all of you that my precious advertising in The Journal millions of listeners over hundreds of CGI two decades later, in 1998 he dad, Garner Ted Armstrong, died radio stations and—beginning in the founded the Intercontinental Church today at 1:20 p.m. I know that all of By Dave Havir NAL becomes ours, while a paid ad- 1960s—to television viewers as well. of God, also based near Tyler, and the See EVANGELIST’S SON, page 12 IG SANDY, Texas—Although vertisement stays under the control of some readers consider some of the writer,” he said. Bthe advertisements in THE Following is an interview with Mr. JOURNAL to be controversial, Dixon Cartwright to help readers understand The Journal invites BSA invites all to its Cartwright, publisher and editor of the role of advertising in this newspa- this newspaper, credits the paper’s per and to answer questions contribu- reports on Feast 2003 2003 conference in Tulsa advertisers with making possible THE tors may have about submitting ad- IG SANDY, Texas—Members of Churches of ULVANE, Kan.—The annual conference of JOURNAL’s continued publication. vertisements to THE JOURNAL. the Bible Sabbath Association, headquartered “The advertisers in THE JOURNAL Question: In the center of THE God and other Sabbatarian fellowships are meeting together at several hundred Feast of Min Fairview, Okla., is scheduled for Tulsa, have helped us to keep a low sub- JOURNAL is a section called CON- B Okla., Oct. 31 through Nov. 2 in the building owned by scription price for our readers,” said NECTIONS. What is CONNECTIONS? Tabernacles sites this year, with many observances to the Tulsa Church of God at 14509 E. Marshall. Mr. Cartwright. “Since our begin- Answer: The full name is CON- begin the evening of Friday, Oct. 10, and continue Everyone is invited to attend the meetings, an- ning, postage rates have risen four NECTIONS: MEMBER TO MEMBER. CON- through Saturday, Oct. 18. nounced Ken Ryland of Mulvane, managing editor of times. Yet we have had only one sub- NECTIONS, as we call it, is the advertis- THE JOURNAL invites Feastgoers to send in short the BSA’s Sabbath Sentinel magazine. scription-price increase during our ing section of THE JOURNAL. We did reports on the brethren and their activities at the Feast The BSA, which traces its roots to several Sabbath- history of almost seven years. not run ads in the paper when we first as soon as possible after the eight days. observing Christians in Oklahoma in 1943, exists to “I firmly believe THE JOURNAL published in February 1997. CONNEC- Mail information to Festival Reports, THE JOURNAL, promote fellowship and cooperation among Sabbath could not have continued much past TIONS began a year later, in February P.O. Box 1020, Big Sandy, Texas 75755, U.S.A. Or keepers; to restore respect for the Ten Commandments, its first year without our advertisers.” 1998. E-mail the information to [email protected]. Or you with emphasis on the Fourth; to encourage the repeal of According to Mr. Cartwright, CONNECTIONS began as a separate may fax it to (903) 636-9097. secular laws that enforce the keeping of Sunday (or any some advertisers have learned they section, published by Mark Farmer, a Photographs as prints or E-mail attachments are also other day); and to defeat the adoption of any calendar have a greater opportunity to have Church of God member from Niles, welcomed. that would disrupt the seven-day weekly cycle. their material published as ads rather Mich. In our arrangement with Mark, Because not everyone observes the same calendar to Directors are Daniel Botkin of East Peoria, Ill.; Bryan than as regular articles. he sold and billed for the ads, and we determine the dates of the Feast, please include the Burrell of Fairview (secretary-treasurer); Calvin Burrell Further, the material can be pub- in Big Sandy typeset them, laid them of Houston, Texas; John Conrod of Lakewood, Colo.; beginning date of your observance and specify whether Sidney Davis of Great Lakes, Ill. (president); Darrell lished in its entirety if they are willing out and printed them. it is the first full day (such as Oct. 11) or the evening to pay for space in the paper. Sometime in 1999, I think it was, Estep of Port Orchard, Wash.; Mike Galimore of before the first full day (such as Oct. 10). Spencer, Ind.; June Narber Harrison of Raleigh, N.C.; Mr. Cartwright described the dif- Mark sold CONNECTIONS to THE JOUR- Please include the name of the church or fellowship ference between the editing process NAL’s publishers, who happen to be John Paul Howell of Glen Burnie, Md.; Tom Justus of affiliation, if any, or other sponsor of the site. Springdale, Ark.; Richard Nickels of Gillette, Wyo.; and for an article in THE JOURNAL and the my wife and me. Please limit the write-up to 300 words; all reports editing process for an advertisement Q: Who is involved in managing Kenneth Westby of Federal Way, Wash. may be edited for length. For more information contact Dr. Davis at in CONNECTIONS. CONNECTIONS today? THE JOURNAL hopes you have a great Feast of [email protected] or (781) 944-7941 or Mr. Westby “An article submitted to THE JOUR- See WRITERS HAVE, page 14 Tabernacles 2003! at [email protected] or (253) 852-3269. 2 THE JOURNAL Sept. 30, 2003 Letters from our readers

Time to subscribe In remembrance of GTA am one of your old subscribers Once your thoughts were How to subscribe to THE JOURNAL from the days when everything hit mjust sounds of silence Keep up with news of the THE JOURNAL, c/o Lewis McCann, Ithe fan and have been a member of Until your father’s Churches of God and your friends 24 Bradvue Cres., Bradville, Mil- the church since 1971, attending UCG mprayers were an- in all the groups by subscribing to ton Keynes MK13 7AJ, United since it started. The time has come for mswered THE JOURNAL:NEWS OF THE Kingdom; £16 for 12 issues. E- me to subscribe to THE JOURNAL again In a way that has not CHURCHES OF GOD for (in the United mail 100702.2766@compuserve. because we see several problems mhappened since. States) $12 for six issues, $22 for com. cropping up as we did within the When God anointed your 12 issues or $39 for 24 issues. Gift THE JOURNAL, c/o Friends of the WCG. So please start my subscription mlips to speak His Word subscriptions to THE JOURNAL are Sabbath, P.O. Box 305, Hawker, again with the July issue (send me a available. For non-U.S. subscrip- Millions heard His mes- A.C.T. 2614, Australia; $A29.50 for copy, please) and run it for two years. tions mailed from Big Sandy, the msage and heard yours. 12 issues, $A55 for 2 years; for John Dickson price is $14 for six issues, $24 for Some couldn’t tell your pensioners, $A24.50 for 12 issues, Hedley, Texas 12 issues or $43 for 24 issues. For mvoices apart. $A44 for 2 years; checks payable prices for ordering through one of In memoriam him can probably trace their roots in You spoke of prophecy, and obey- to Friends of the Sabbath; E-mail the international distributors, be- As I’m sure you all have heard, the church back to some of his work. ing God’s Laws, [email protected]. Garner Ted Armstrong died yesterday Come to think about it, I “came Of freedom from sin that binds the low, please check with the individ- afternoon [Sept. 15] in Tyler, Texas. into the truth” by listening to Herbert human heart. ual distributor. THE JOURNAL, c/o Bruce Porteous, To subscribe, renew or order a gift 40 Jillian Dr., Ranui Auckland 1008, I first met Garner Ted Armstrong Armstrong on WOAI, San Antonio, Your father passed his mantle to when I was 16 years old. He came to in 1978-79. Why was the WCG able subscription in the United States, New Zealand; $NZ30 for 12 issues. you. Australia, Britain, Canada, South E-mail [email protected]. speak in Greensboro, N.C., a few to run old radio tapes of HWA then? Many forget. Though it was from months after his father had died. At Because Garner Ted Armstrong had Africa, New Zealand or elsewhere, Canadian subscribers: Please you ripped, use the coupon on the last page or the time I had not even begun attend- built the work up to those many radio You stayed closer to his teaching, subscribe through the Big Sandy ing WCG (that was another two years a plain piece of paper and mail to address. Canadian subscriptions stations before the coup. So you could compared to one of these addresses (when away). Most who claim to, and all who’ve in U.S. dollars are $14 for six When I served as news editor of The say he had a hand in that work even ordering from the U.S. address, after being deposed. tripped. monthly issues, $24 for 12 issues Portfolio at Ambassador University in please remit in U.S. funds): or $43 for 24 issues. Please remit Big Sandy, I helped put together a Of course, his work to the degree You were two witnesses; the song it was blessed by God met with suc- THE JOURNAL, P. O. Box 1020, Big in U.S. funds, drawn, if possible, farewell magazine edition on the histo- you sang Sandy, Texas 75755, U.S.A.; on a U.S. bank or as a postal ry of Ambassador. [AU closed after the cess and was not of GTA’s efforts Was about God’s Kingdom to come. E-mail [email protected]. money order. graduation ceremonies of 1997.] alone. Apostle Peter said: Since the world I felt it only proper to include Mr. While I was one of his biggest began, Larger than life Soon Mr. Tkach made it optional to Armstrong, as a member of Ambassa- critics among our little group at the That same message, all God’s I saw a biography of Frank Lloyd observe either the Saturday or Sunday dor’s founding family, in the planning time of his stint at the Church of prophets drum, Wright in which his grandson de- Sabbath. process. God International, I am saddened by Two witnesses, two olive trees, and scribed what it was like seeing Frank And now the junior Mr. Tkach is Another AU student and I drove the passing of an era. (Though you disagreed about dead in the hospital. calling for all WCG congregations to down to Tyler one morning in the To paraphrase the words of Rich- Church Eras) He spoke of FLW as domineering, observe the Sabbath only on Sunday. spring of 1997 and interviewed Mr. ard Nixon, “you won’t have the Arm- If you represent Revelation 11’s egocentric and totally selfish, an ab- The WCG leadership is now break- Armstrong about the early days of the strongs to kick around anymore.” two Lampstands, solute [rascal] who made his life mis- ing two Commandments: observance campus. This was probably the first William Robin Wansley of the seventh-day Sabbath and the time in many years that “good stand- Father and son have some unfin- erable, but he could somehow not Laurel, Miss. ished business. help but have a soft spot for him. He commitment of a falsehood. ing” AU students or WCG members I wonder what will happen to the had sought him out. WCG after all its property has been As he reminisced about days gone liquidated and golden parachutes are by, darted around his office locating ‘Good-bye for now, Ted. See you later, when it created for WCG leaders. The WCG various mementos from his own col- no longer stands for anything. Mem- lege days and shared fond memories will be an honor to shake your hand again.’ of his dad, I somehow think that it See MORE LETTERS, page 4 might have been a healing experience for him. Before we left, I gave him one of Reflections unbidden Will an angel yet say, “Rise, and said the man who was larger than life Please let THE JOURNAL the new Ambassador Club lapel pins With GTA’s death, the reflections measure suddenly seemed small and insignifi- know when you move that had been produced that year. He come unbidden. One such thought: The Temple of God, and the altar cant in death. He cried. Please notify THE JOURNAL before you truly seemed touched. What will happen to his church And them that worship therein”? I know how he felt. move or change your mailing I saw Mr. Armstrong again in the now? Will a resurrection of two Scott Murphey address. Post offices do not forward spring of 1999, when he spoke in I was saddened to learn of his Strong Arms raise the Midnight Arlington, Texas periodicals-class postage, therefore Fayetteville, N.C. I had to make him Cry? THE JOURNAL must pay the U.S. Postal death; the news made me think back The WCG doesn’t exclude feel welcome in “Tarheel country” by Or will those prophets be two Service for each issue returned from to many of the positives I remember I wish I could have a long leisure- giving him a UNC ball cap (I encour- about his public role from my early other? an invalid American address. Send aged him to wear it on a fishing trip). Geoffrey R. Neilson ly meal with Ms. Anne Hanna [see your old and new addresses to days in the church. “Christian Anti-Semitism Advances The last time I saw Mr. Armstrong His departure reminds us that the Fish Hoek, South Africa Change of Address, P.O. Box 1020, in WCG,” THE JOURNAL, July 31]. Big Sandy, Texas 75755, U.S.A., or to was in April 2002. He came to speak senior generation of our era is dying Good-bye, Ted the appropriate address listed in the in Durham, and I had him sign my I’ve read her article over and over and off. Will we learn from their mistakes Just a letter to say how shocked over, and I get the feeling that Ms. box at the top of this page. Or you original 1977 hardback edition of The to be more cautious about proclaim- and saddened to hear of the death of may phone (903) 636-9974 or E-mail Real Jesus (he had signed a paper- Garner Ted Armstrong. Hanna thinks that the Worldwide ing prophetic fulfillments, among so Church of God is anti-Semitic or is [email protected] to report your back edition in 1986). He was my wife’s and my “father address change. many other things? being led in that direction. I had planned to see him again this On another level, his death for me in the faith.” We first heard him on the past spring when he spoke in Cary. At so-called pirate radio stations in As I see it, we are only pro-Chris- reinforces the importance for all tianity, which is for all people, where- the last minute I made the decision to Christians not to look to any individ- spring 1965. We had our first Plain visit friends on the opposite end of the Truth June 1965; I was 18 years old. as Judaism was inclusive for Jews but ual as a “chosen one.” Our fellow I was privileged to meet him and exclusive of everyone else. TheJournal state. Somehow I had the feeling deep human beings can help us, guide us, News of the Churches of God down that I had just walked away from shake his hand at Ambassador Col- I wish Ms. Hanna would read Ro- encourage us and teach us, but none lege in 1969. mans 10-12. She would see that Israel P. O. Box 1020, Big Sandy, Texas 75755 my last opportunity to see him. of them should ever take the place of USPS 015-343 There were many things that I did His broadcasts and articles were is still God’s people and it is only by the One who alone is perfect. always great. In spite of any trouble grace that all mankind can be saved. THE JOURNAL:NEWS OF THE CHURCHES OF GOD is pub- not see eye to eye with him on. lished monthly by JMC Associates. Periodical I hope that all religious leaders and along life’s highways (none of us is The only thing the WCG is anti is Nevertheless, he was a connection to organizations can understand that postage paid at Big Sandy, Texas 75755, and exempt; 1 Kings 8:46; 1 John 1:7-10), Satan. Thanks for THE JOURNAL. additional mailing offices. my past, to the faith and spiritual her- their responsibility is to promote the in my mind he was a great man and Jim Perry POSTMASTER:Send change-of-address no- itage that has made me who and what growth and independence of every would not hesitate in saying the I am and all that I hope to be. Via the Internet tices to THE JOURNAL, P.O. Box 1020, Big single member, to teach him to be words of 2 Samuel 1:17-27: “How are Sandy, Texas 75755. God bless you, Garner Ted. May No longer a need able to stand firmly on his own two the mighty fallen.” SUBSCRIPTIONS: U.S.: $12 for six issues; $22 you rest in peace until the trumpet feet. Good-bye for now, Ted. See you I was interested in reading Bill for 12 issues; $39 for 24 issues. Outside calls. Of course we need others, but not later, when it will be an honor to Stough’s article reporting that the U.S., mailed from Big Sandy: $14 for six John Brian Heath in a dependency model. Spiritual shake your hand again—God willing, leader of the WCG is calling for elim- issues; $24 for 12 issues; $43 for 24 issues. Chapel Hill, N.C. maturity cannot be achieved in any and I’m sure He is! inating the seventh-day Sabbath, Old THE JOURNAL is an independent publication Passing of an era other way. Jim and Barbara Edwards Testament dietary laws and tradition- not affiliated with any church organization. Say what you will about GTA, but Reg Killingley Banbury, England al dates for the yearly autumn festival Printed in U.S.A. © 2003 JMC Associates. [“Pastor General Says ‘Jewish’ Trap- All rights reserved. No part of this publica- most of the most judgmental against Big Sandy, Texas Church history tion may be reproduced or transmitted in The one single action that affected pings Harmful to Christianity, WCG any form or by any means, electronic or everyone's life in the Worldwide Must Drop Sabbath, Feasts,” THE mechanical, including photocopying, record- Church of God, that changed the JOURNAL, July 31]. ing or any other information-storage-and- Policy on letters to the editor course of their history, was Herbert In 1995 most of the local San Fran- retrieval system without the written permis- Armstrong sending his son Garner cisco and Oakland congregation peo- sion of the publisher. Because of limited space, please limit the length of letters. Longer EDITOR AND PUBLISHER: Dixon Cartwright letters are subject to editing for length. All letters are subject to edit- Ted, now deceased, away in 1978. No ple were not in agreement with the one with any connection to the doctrinal changes mandated by Jo- CONTRIBUTORS: David Antion, Scott Ashley, ing for length, clarity and technical style. Worldwide Church of God was unaf- Ewin Barnett, Ian Boyne, Trey Cartwright, seph Tkach Sr. and his leadership Ronald Dart, Gary Fakhoury, Dave Havir, Brian Please include full name, city, state or province and country in let- fected by that irrational and almost group. They sent evangelist Jimmy Knowles, Kathleen McCann, Ellis Stewart, Bill ters sent by regular or electronic mail. THE JOURNAL does not pub- incomprehensible event. Friddle to sway our groups to go Stough, Scarlett Stough, Janet Treadway, Gary Vance along with the WCG’s new doctrines. Darlene Warren, John Warren lish unsigned letters but may occasionally publish letters with Tulsa, Okla. writer’s name and/or city of residence withheld. During his Bible studies Mr. Frid- CIRCULATION: Linda Cartwright, Jamie Cartwright GTA’s passing dle repeatedly swore that the WCG WEB SITE: Trey Cartwright, [email protected] Mail letters and subscription inquiries to THE JOURNAL at P.O. Box I just heard about GTA’s passing. I would never switch from the Satur- THE JOURNAL will not knowingly print inaccu- 1020, Big Sandy, Texas 75755, U.S.A. Fax (903) 636-9097. E-mail had no idea he was in failing health. day Sabbath to Sunday. Other congre- rate information. THE JOURNAL will run correc- [email protected]. E-mail the editor at [email protected]. tions if notification of errors is received with- Steve Tremble gations were told the same thing by in a reasonable time after publication. Claremore, Okla. WCG evangelists. Sept. 30, 2003 THE JOURNAL 3 Columns and commentary It’s been a long road to my 29th Feast The writer works in the home office of the truck it read “Ambassador thought I would never have. of the United Church of God, Milford, College.” The excitement did not stop there. I Ohio. Mrs. Treadway and her hus- I had heard of the huge tent at Jekyll was awestruck at the tent that we had band, Charles, have four children. Island (like the tent at Big Sandy), and church services in. I had never in my I knew that the life seen such a huge canopy filled By Janet Treadway truck must be with such happy people. AMILTON, Ohio—My first headed to Geor- This was also the one and only time Feast of Tabernacles was in gia for the Feast. I met Herbert W. Armstrong. I was so H1974. I had been attending My heart sank filled with excitement that I just ran up church for only two months when I as I thought of to where he was to shake his hand and was baptized. I was only 19. I had how I could nev- introduce myself. been baptized only a month before the er experience Apparently we were supposed to be Feast. what it would be sitting down, and he reminded me of With just starting a new job, I found like to attend. that. little time to save money for the Feast, I had also giv- My first Feast will always hold such so the church helped pay for my Feast. Janet Treadway en up for the special meaning, because it represent- Artand Nova Explosion I rode down to the site with a family. same reason my ed freedom. God took me from a OURNAL For a young girl who had never trav- mother gave up, because of a great world of terror and placed me among J HE eled outside of Tennessee, this was fear of my father. I prayed about these the most loving and kind people I T certainly an adventure. things a lot, but it seemed I was in a could possibly know. To be able to I will never forget seeing the ocean hopeless situation. view God’s vast creation, the ocean, “. . . Good-bye, friends.” at Jekyll Island, Ga., for the first time. One day God allowed some things was the icing on the cake. Cartoon by I remember, after getting ready for ser- to occur that jolted me out of my state It is profitable to reflect on our hum- vices that first evening, just standing of hopelessness. My father went into ble beginnings. It is good to remember on the balcony and looking out over one of his weekly rages, but this one all that God has done for us. the ocean, where the sun was about to was even worse. He took a loaded gun, Garner Ted Armstrong set. All I could do was stand there and held it to my head and said he was Command to rejoice sob, thanking God over and over again going to kill me. This year I celebrate my 29th Feast! for this huge blessing. I simply froze and prayed silently We have all come a long way since the got a lot of things right You see, it was only a couple of that God would spare my life. time I stood in that backyard watching months earlier that I had been living My father put down the gun. It was the Ambassador College truck go by, Mr. Knowles, former managing nal advances might have been made with my parents—existing in a differ- then that I knew I had to do more than thinking I would never be a part of the editor of The Plain Truth, published within the existing dynastic order. ent world. pray. I had to take action. Feast. by the Worldwide Church of God, Unfortunately, many who sur- I first attended church when I was So, while my mother and father God commands us in Deuteronomy makes his living as a writer. This rounded Herbert Armstrong felt 14 with my mother. But, because of slept, I took one change of clothing 16:15: “Seven days you shall keep a article is part of his “Out of the threatened by my violent father, she could no longer and left, not knowing where I would sacred feast to the LORD your God in Box” series of columns. Ted’s presence withstand the pressure and left the end up. the place which the LORD chooses, and by his role church when I was 16. because the LORD your God will bless By Brian Knowles as heir appar- After we quit attending church, I Big tent you in all your produce and in all the ONROVIA, Calif.—Not ent to the Arm- never forgot about the Feast (even I ended up in another city (which is work of your hands, so that you surely being without sin myself, it strong family though I had never attended). I knew it another story and miracle in itself), rejoice.” Misn’t my place to discuss business, the would be a joyous time. When the and a wonderful family in the church God certainly blessed me in 1974. I other people’s sins and shortcom- WCG. They cov- leaves would turn in the fall, I would took me in. learned that what might seem impossi- ings. But I am willing to talk about eted the power think of the Feast. I was baptized two months later, ble to us is never impossible with God. some of the good things they did. positions—so and now here I was standing on a bal- I am proof of that. Ted Armstrong, like all of us, was Brian Knowles they did what AC 18-wheeler cony, looking at this vast body of Let us go and rejoice before God a flawed but unusually gifted human they had to do One day while standing in the back- water and pouring my heart out to and thank Him for the wonderful being. He sang, he danced, he hunt- to position themselves to inherit yard I saw a huge semi truck on the God with thanksgiving. I thanked things He has done for us. God has ed, he flew, he painted, he preached, them, at Ted’s expense. road, behind our yard, and on the side Him for giving me something I given us a lot to rejoice about. and he wrote. But those weren’t the things that impressed me. Image of God I think one of the most important A particularly poignant moment things he attempted, but failed, to do for me came the night Ted told me, was to achieve accreditation for Am- at Dave Antion’s house, that Broadcaster made a lasting impression bassador College in the mid-’70s. It whenever he prayed he often was the right thing to do but the The writer pastors the Church of television broadcaster in the history scription Tuesday [Sept. 16] when introduced himself to God as a big God Big Sandy and is a regular col- wrong time to do it. Paranoia on the ol’ piece of s——. of the Radio/Worldwide Church of we read that the Rev. Armstrong had right ended up spiking it. umnist for THE JOURNAL. God or any of its offshoots. cashed his checks the day before That, apparently, is how his father I understand that I am claiming Ted, after he had left Worldwide, over in Tyler at the age of 73. also repudiated the doctrine of suc- had made him feel about himself. By Dave Havir that his preaching ability exceeded “Of all the radio preachers who He added that it was hard to get IG SANDY, Texas—Garner the effectiveness of his father. That’s cessive “church eras” in an excellent inhabited the airwaves in what we article written while he was head of the image of his dad out of his head Ted Armstrong died unexpect- what I believe. remember as the Golden Age of Au- when he prayed to God the Father. edly Monday, Sept. 15. Most Throughout the years Ted had a the Church of God International, B dio Sanctifying, Garner Ted Arm- which he founded. (The neo-WCG He somehow had to filter the image people who knew him could probably good track record of drawing the strong was probably the most inter- under the Tkachian dynasty later of God the Father through that in- acknowledge the positive ways that interest of new people to the WCG. esting. timidating picture. Ted influenced their lives. repudiated it as well—to its credit.) When he preached in the Church of “He was not a healer, like Oral At that moment the Holy Spirit (I I was not all that well acquainted God International from 1978 to Helping joy with Garner Ted. Understand that at Roberts, or a hollerer, like Jimmy believe) animated a certain scripture 1997, he attracted many new people Swaggart, or a goofy carnival barker, Ted also made advances in under- to my mind and I said to Ted, “Re- my present age of 50 I am a generation during that time. From 1998 to the behind him. I was not a childhood like Jim Bakker. standing the true nature of church member Romans 8:1?” present he attracted new people to “Garner Ted Armstrong was a government, after his father jetti- He didn’t. So I gently reminded friend of his like Wayne Cole. I was not the Intercontinental Church of God. a close employee for years like Ron spellbinder, and the tools of his trade soned him from the Worldwide him of what it said: “Therefore, To show the reach that Ted had in were a silky baritone voice and the Church of God. there is no condemnation for those Dart, Robert Kuhn, Les McCullough, society, I’ll quote a few paragraphs Ron Kelly or Tom Justus. ability to string sentences together in One statement that Ted often who are in Christ Jesus, because from an editorial in the Sept. 18 edi- a beautiful and seductive rhythm that made for which I am grateful was, through Christ Jesus the law of the Solicited prayers tion of The Denton (Texas) Record- masked the fact that most of them “Ministers are not supposed to be Spirit of life set me free from the law Chronicle. Even though I was not a close made no sense whatsoever . . . [In a spiritual policemen, but helpers of of sin and death.” The newspaper editorial was not your joy.” friend of GTA, let me tell you about resurrection this man will realize “Hmm,” he said, “I hadn’t thought from a devoted follower of his Truer words were never spoken. an extremely positive gesture that Ted that Ted made more sense than he of that. That’s good!” church or from an ardent fan. The best sermon I ever heard him made for my family on two separate realized.] He visibly perked up. These are words of give was titled “Let Your Con- occasions. “Other preachers rant- Ted Armstrong now sleeps the a person in the news- science Always Be Tender.” I’ve Without going into detail, I’ll men- ed, sang, chanted and sleep of death, along with a growing tion that I had negative experiences in paper business who tried to live by it ever since. hissed. GTA . . . spoke number of his peers. my departure from the Worldwide had criticisms of Ted like a slightly smart- Had Ted and his father been Church of God in 1995 and from the but appreciated as- allowed to have a “normal” father- Someday, I believe, he will arise alecky history professor to the realization that God the Father United Church of God in 1998. The pects of Ted’s min- trying to get his point son relationship, things might be dif- reason I make a general reference to istry and was willing ferent today. The split might never is infinitely more merciful than any across to a particularly have happened, and needed doctri- both of these experiences is that Ted to cut him some slack. slow class of freshmen . . . of us could have ever imagined. Armstrong did something nice for my “There was never any mean- Silky baritone family in both of those instances. ness to his public persona, and we During the time of both occasions, Following are the excerpts, writ- never recalled him asking his listen- Garner Ted in sermons asked the con- ten by opinion editor Mike Trimble. ers for a red cent. gregation where he was ministering to “A journalist of our acquaintance When you’re out and about on the Web, stop in at pray for me and for my family. Mem- “Perhaps it was for that reason, or bers of those congregations told me once defined the quintessential red- perhaps it was just because he was so about it, and they gave me tapes of the neck experience as driving three entertaining, but we found ourselves sermons so that I could hear it. sheets to the wind down a string- hoping Tuesday that the Final Judge TheJournal I appreciated his thoughtfulness straight stretch of two-lane blacktop would cut Garner Ted Armstrong a News of the Churches of God during those stressful times. at 2 a.m. with mayflies committing little slack. mass suicide on your windshield and “The reverend had been our only We’re right where you’d expect us to be, at Reached new people Garner Ted Armstrong preaching on companion on a few of those noctur- www.thejournal.org It is my opinion that Garner Ted your radio. nal road trips, and he was always Armstrong was the best radio and “We were reminded of that de- good company.” 4 THE JOURNAL Sept. 30, 2003 More letters from our readers

Continued from page 2 much less ruling that one should keep muddied, and I was just emerging unless it begins in our hearts. music and TV programs or movies, or bers who no longer believe in the earli- his hands under his or her legs to pre- from a decade of spiritual stagnation. We all need the Morning Star of unruly and rebellious attitudes from er traditional WCG doctrine are better vent the horrible semisin of clapping. It had been a difficult time for me the Anointed One rising up within us. our children or their friends. off to attend neighborhood mainstream [See “Unwelcome Interference?,” THE in terms of coming to grips with these Only then will our enlarged buildings In other words, we are to be wise churches. They don’t need the WCG. JOURNAL, Aug. 31, page 4.] and other issues involving the proper be bursting at the seams. However, and discern between good and evil. Earl Cayton Don’t you guys have something bet- understanding of the role of we do need to speak in plain English, We are not just housewives. We are San Francisco, Calif. ter to do already? I cannot believe good works in our lives (de- in a language that people can under- stand, using words that tell a story, the the queens of our homes. God has that you would want to make this termining our reward, not our called us for this job. So let no man or 70th anniversary a policy issue when so many salvation), and the knowl- greatest story ever. Several Sabbaths ago the Eugene, Graeme White woman despise you for following the other things call for more edge that Jesus lives His New Zealand Scriptures and your calling. Ore., WCG commemorated the 70th scrutiny and study. life in Christians. anniversary of this church with the Also, why would you He concurred with my Mercy beaucoup We are not just serving our hus- stated goal that the congregation would want to squelch the observation that, even It’s minister-bashing time! bands and children but also our King move to Sunday as soon as possible. spirits of your con- though these concepts were Is there anything more sublime and Lord within the sacred walls of Makes one wonder. Anyone know gregants who feel found in WCG expression Than to hate a minister? our homes. We are handmaidens of the exact date in 1933 when the moved to respond in and literature, they were Malign a minister? the Most High. We are in charge of the church began? It’d be ironic if Eugene a physical manner to seldom understood or Than “elder” resentment, big time? future generation of priests and kings. were to meet on the Sabbath for exact- the inspiration of an uplifting correctly applied. Many younger women and girls ly 70 years and then go to Sunday. Oh, yeah, we’re to love our brother, or sobering or motivational For instance, I had spo- Our father, our neighbor, our mother; haven’t had proper upbringing; they Noel Rude piece of music? ken to another WCG minister haven’t been taught God’s ways, even Via the Internet They’re not perfect, okay? I know of no biblical injunction op- of the concept that Jesus in us is a Who is, anyway? within the Churches of God. The older Comprehend the incomprehensible posing the response of a congregation vital key to overcoming. He actually But love elders? Let’s not even bother. generation should train and help the In response to Maximo Sarmien- to something that is inspiring. Didn’t said that any such notion could ex- next generation in its walk. The younger to’s letter in the July JOURNAL [“Mys- the OT congregations respond with pose a person to demon possession! So the ministers didn’t move fast? women desperately need godly exam- teriously, Three Are One,” page 10], “amen” from time to time? Does not Richard presented many helpful How long will we dwell on the past? ples, women who fear the Lord, love Maximo says “God” is incomprehen- the NT say “Rejoice, I say, rejoice”? sermons, but I will always remember Get this understood: their husbands and are submissive. Mario, Aaron, Paul and my other They did what they could sible to the “human finite mind.” his standout sermon of Jan. 22, 1983, Many young women would love to Nevertheless, he goes on to describe UCG friends: Come on, for crying out In the blitz that has left us aghast. loud. I hope that the members of the to the Imperial PM congregation in have a God-fearing and wise mentor, and explain “God.” Pasadena. He outlined many of these Some of us were not quick to depart Is Maximo superhuman? Is Maxi- UCG ignore this silly edict and let the but they don’t know where to turn. A Spirit move them to show their appre- points including the “missing dimen- When the devil was tossing his darts. lot of older women are not doing their mo’s mind not human and infinite? If sion” in the lives of many: Jesus Some of us have delayed, the Eternal is incomprehensible to the ciation of inspirational music. jobs. They are too busy with their I will applaud all who do so. Christ living His life in us. What a Hurt, bewildered, dismayed, careers outside the home. human mind, then how can any Not yet ready for any fresh start. human explain Him? Keith Speaks radical idea! But one way or another we are Sounds like dogma of the regimes Hammond Ind. Though Richard was somewhat Who is patient with you and with I? teaching them, whether it be in a tied to the notion that the WCG was that say, “You little ones are too sim- Tribute to Richard Rice Whose mercy is Higher than High? godly way or the way of this world. pleminded to comprehend God, so the one organization through which Do you really believe Like it or not, much of the break- I remember Richard Rice as friend- God was working, he was a minister Elders will not receive we’ll explain Him to you.” ly, helpful, nonjudgmental and will- down in morals, reverence and respect You can’t have it both ways, Max- ahead of his time. He was not afraid Of that mercy? If so, tell me why. is traceable to the absence of godly ing to listen [see “Richard Rice Dies,” to express his views even though they imo. Either we “finite humans” can THE JOURNAL, mothers who are keepers at home. July 31]. sometimes put him at odds with his God allowed the brethren to see comprehend Him or we can’t. The During the ’70s and ’80s he was a The falling-away prophecy fellow ministers. Your family is your career. We need Eternal’s Son said that in seeing Him standout among the WCG ministry in Come to pass from above. women encouraging other women to His disciples had seen the Father. If terms of his attitude and views. He Robert Macdonald But our job is to love, Pasadena, Calif. be faithful daughters of God. other “finite human” minds can’t com- felt that Jesus Christ had been relegat- Yes, love, too, for the flawed Stand up in the gap and fulfill your prehend “God,” then neither can yours. ed to a minor role, being pushed off Don’t call me a Christian ministry! calling. Let the Bible be your guide in If indeed “God” is incomprehensible to into the periphery of the thoughts of To be called Christians in today’s Lucille Boone this matter. Your family depends on humans, then what in the world is He all too many, not occupying the cen- world places us with a group of peo- Vicksburg, Miss. doing communicating with us? you, and so does God! Name withheld Elizabeth Johnson Valley Lakes, Ill. ‘So the ministers didn’t move fast? How long will St. Petersburg, Fla. Site seen Throw the feds out There is a new unitarian Web site. we dwell on the past? Get this understood: The vast degree of federal amalga- Looks good to me. It is www. They did what they could.’ mation since the Constitution was biblicalunitarian.com. conceived and adopted by the United F. Paul Haney States has undermined individual Watertown, Conn. tral role in our lives. ple that number about 1.7 billion, all Provocatively dressed teens freedom and self-determination with He noted that we seldom brought of whom follow the teachings of It was with interest and sadness the mediocrity of secular humanism. The loss of Gov. O’Bannon up His name in our daily conversa- that I read the article about the “Titus Christ. Like the founding fathers of our Today is the last day that flags will tions, and when we did it was often in But what does this word Christ, for 2 Camp” in the June 30 issue of THE nation, I am against public funding to fly half-mast in our state of Indiana in a casual, offhand, arm’s-length man- this is where the word Christian JOURNAL. remembrance of Gov. Frank O’Ban- ner as if He had little to do with our comes from, mean? First, a big thank-you to the people promote any specific denomination or non. He died Saturday, Sept. 13. everyday lives and thought processes. Christ or Messiah means “anoint- who recognized the need and gave of that persecutes anyone’s reasonable While I have not personally known By contrast, another WCG minister ed,” so the early Christians were their time and talents. free exercise of religion. However, we many public officials, I will have to say expressed something to this effect: “It called the “anointed ones.” It was saddening to read a quote have a Judeo-Christian national her- that Gov. O’Bannon, along with his goes without saying that our sins are This word Christian, which we from camp organizer Cindy McLen- itage upon which our laws and culture wife, Judy, has exemplified servant forgiven through Christ. We all un- have used as a noun, when spoken in don: “Many women are so busy they are founded. The Ten Command- leadership in a most effective and derstand that, so we don’t need to plain English becomes an adjective, do not have the time to pass these skills ments are common to that foundation. down-to-earth way. They genuinely keep talking about Jesus in sermons describing something that has hap- [of homemaking and proper attire] on If the people of the sovereign state cared for people and seriously took and writing about Him. We just need pened in our lives, for when we were to their daughters,” and “There is a big of Alabama recognize the societal their public role to help, build and serve converted we received it and we were void in schools for teaching this.” bedrock God provided with the Ten their constituents. In life as well as in sealed with the Holy Spirit from our Since when have parents in God’s Commandments and want to empha- death they showed care and service. heavenly Father. church transferred this responsibility I met Judy O’Bannon for the first size this fact publicly, I say keep the This experience must surely be the to the schools? feds out! time in 1999. She greatly helped sup- greatest thing that has ever happened in To the fathers: Are you, also, so port our not-yet-started charity Life- busy that you do not notice how your Hey, they already outlawed the our lives. Texas tradition of praying for good Nets and helped give it life and sup- In Revelation 2-3 we find tremen- daughters are dressing and not teach- port from many others. [See “Cher- dous promises for those who have ing them how dressing provocatively sportsmanship, etc., at the start of nobyl-Plant Blast in 1986 Led to Life- been anointed with the Holy Spirit. puts wrong ideas and impressions in high-school football games! Nets in 1999; Ministry Ships Aid for The seventh or final promise is that the heads of males? Wake up, folks! We are being Pennies on Dollar,” THE JOURNAL, we will sit on the throne with the Last but not least, are not the quickly assimilated! June 30, 2002.] Anointed One as He sits on His “church corporations” teaching mod- Rick Stanczak I traveled with her to Russia in Father’s throne in the heavenly glories. esty, etc., anymore? (“Why haven’t Round Rock, Texas October 1999. Afterwards, in 2001, we 2 Corinthians 13:5-6: “Test your- we been told that”? one of the teenage helped with a Moldovan orphan, Na- Titus 2 Camp participants asked.) Just what do you mean God selves and find out if you are really isn’t a Republican? tasha Vasilitsa, who came to Indian- true to your faith. If you pass the test, Are the church organizations so apolis for two major surgeries for con- you will discover that the Anointed busy “doing the work” that they are There is a remarkable open letter genital birth defects, a project spon- One is living in you. But if the neglecting the church family? (1 written to President Bush and mem- QUARTET—Richard Rice sings Timothy 5:8). sored and endorsed personally by the with a quartet at a dance at AC in Anointed One isn’t living in you, you bers of Congress by Norman Edwards O’Bannons. Natasha was a remarkable Pasadena in 1958. From left: Gar- have failed.” Sadly, it seems the Father’s most pre- in Servants’ News, January-February child; you can see her story at http:// ner Ted Armstrong, Mr. Rice, Rich- Four years ago our son Paul cious resource, future spirit members of 2003 [read the letter at www. www.lifenets.org/natasha. ard Hopkins and Ron Chandler. brought me a plate of ice cream for His family, our very own physical chil- servantsnews.com/docs/bushletter. dren, are being thrown to society. The death of the governor before [Photo by Robert Macdonald] dessert. Two hours later we found him html or subscribe to Servants’ News his time is a great loss to us who grew dead in his room. G. Neely to love and respect him and his wife. Gulf Breeze, Fla. by writing P.O. Box 107, Perry, Mich. to emphasize more-useful and pro- I went to go to his body when I 48872, U.S.A.]. His example will live and should ductive matters.” heard this loud, powerful voice say: Not just housewives serve us as a model for how to care I am not a fan of Mr. Edwards, or Other ministers had voiced similar “Don’t touch him. I have taken him.” As mothers and wives in the Body anyone else, but truth is what matters. for the needs of people in this life. sentiments, but not all. One minister I froze and feared to go any nearer of Christ, we have been called by God The truth is that too many church Victor Kubik rightly observed that “to outward ap- to our son. to be keepers at home (Titus 2:3-5). Indianapolis, Ind. pearance you would never know we Paul had received the baptism of Our calling is extraordinary and a folks, especially in the South, think For crying out loud are Christians.” It wasn’t Richard, but the Holy Spirit in Motueka [a place in wonderfully divine privilege. that God is an American who has an For once I agree with pettifoggering he probably had such thoughts. New Zealand], but what wonderful We not only care for the needs of American flag on His throne. ex-coworker Reg “Vinnie” Killingley He was especially helpful to me words to hear from the Anointed One. our family and cultivate domestic tran- These folks are more Republican with respect to his comments about the during the times we talked in the late When that trumpet sounds and the quillity, but we keep watch over evil conservative than they are Christian. UCG bigshots even considering the ’70s and early ’80s. The waters of saints are raised into the clouds, will influences that can enter into the home They are not outraged by our hy- policy of clapping for special music, biblical truth had been thoroughly we all be there? Revival cannot begin such as ungodly reading material, See MORE LETTERS, page 13 Sept. 30, 2003 THE JOURNAL 5

NEW GRAD—Gar- ner Ted Armstrong Columns and commentary presents a diploma to graduating senior Linda Isom Cart- wright in com- CGI Jamaica remembers church founder mencement cere- monies at Ambas- The writer is pastor of the Tyler, I would like to give my brief reflec- Armstrong. sador College, Big Texas–based Church of God Inter- tions on the life of my organization’s The first thing that struck me about Sandy, in 1971. See national in the island nation of founding presi- his preaching—and the profound im- remembrances of Jamaica. dent, Garner Ted pression and impact never left me— Armstrong. was how practical and relevant he Mr. Armstrong be- By Ian Boyne Unlike the made Christianity. ginning on this page INGSTON, Jamaica—Here hundreds, some Had I not heard the voice of GTA, and page 3. See are just a few words to give say thousands, it is unlikely that I, who was fatherless also the lead article Kyou a perspective from the who have re- at 10 and whose mother moved to the beginning on page 1 third world in the days immediately ported that they United States when I was 15, would of this issue. [Photo after the death of Garner Ted Arm- have been dam- have achieved what I have through by Sam Duncan] strong. aged by the God’s gracious help. As the pastor of the largest congre- Ian Boyne “Armstrong Garner Ted Armstrong has always gation of the Church of God Inter- experience,” my been very loved in Jamaica in and out- national (CGI) in the Caribbean and story is the exact opposite. side the church. He appealed to many An outside writer looks one of the the largest ex–Worldwide I was an underachiever in high high-school and university students Church of God congregations in the school before hearing the resonant, when his program was carried every entire world (with attendance of 220), captivating voice of Garner Ted See GTA TALKED, page 10 at Garner Ted’s legacy Mr. Barrett is an author who decided to write my thesis on the lives in Britain whose book The schisms of the Worldwide Church New Believers (Cassell, 2001) fea- of God, I usually try not to give my tures a long chapter on the World- personal opinions about anything ‘The Voice’ was my greatest influence wide Church of God. Mr. Barrett is in the Worldwide “family” of James Tabor is professor of ancient Ted Armstrong that I was turned to- I am also sorry that he was not researching churches. Judaism and early Christianity at the ward a biblical understanding of the able to find himself more fully, be- his Ph.D. on My academic work has to be University of North Carolina at God of Israel. cause I think he could have done the schisms in objective. It’s not my role as a Charlotte. much more. I am sure he felt that too the Churches sociologist, for example, to make The most influence the last few years. of God since any comparative judgment on the By James Tabor I suppose, given that measure, he the death of truth of the spiritual beliefs of the HARLOTTE, N.C.—I am could be said to be the most influential Personal correspondence Herbert W. different churches. Neither would deeply saddened to hear of Ted person in my life. I will miss him, though I did not Armstrong. it be right for me to express any CArmstrong’s death. My sympa- Through that initial experience I know him as closely as many others. I Because of preferences for or against individ- thies go out to have made lifelong and loyal friends spent some time with him face to face, his unusual po- ual people or offshoot churches. his family and from whom I could be separated only but most treasured to me are some per- sition as an Why, then, did I allow myself to all who knew by death. sonal letters he wrote me, long letters, outside schol- David Barrett become involved in a recent some- him well and My academic and scholarly career so they were not formalities, a decade ar who is times-acrimonious online discus- loved him. was set on a course that contributed or so after my Ph.D. experience at knowledgeable about the WCG sion about Garner Ted Armstrong The Scrip- toward the recapture of the essential Chicago when I was searching so des- and its offshoots, THE JOURNAL on the Missing Dimension Web tures admonish, Hebraic roots of the early messianic perately for a place of faith again invited Mr. Barrett to comment on site? “Remember your movement led by Yeshua the Naza- within the biblical tradition. the churches in light of the death of Missing Dimension (www. Creators [Hebrew rene, John the Baptizer and James the He was very gracious and under- Garner Ted Armstrong. missingdimension.com) is a site is plural] in the brother. standing and incredibly encouraging. run by a former WCG member, days of your James Tabor I doubt I would have ever seen the I realize that many had other expe- By David V. Barrett Gavin Rumney, who is critical of youth,” which I Hebraic way of looking at things riences and feel profoundly negative ONDON, England—Apart both the current WCG and the off- take to mean parents, mentors and except through that work. And here I things about HWA, GTA and the from one previous piece in shoot churches. In some ways it is others who have contributed to our am, 40 years later, still wrestling with whole WCG experience. LTHE JOURNAL (Sept. 25, the online successor to the late lives in positive ways. the great issues of God, Torah and My contacts, memories and deal- 1997), which was actually before I See WHAT WOULD HAVE, page 11 I can honestly say, though I know it Israel and the plans of our Creator in ings were always totally positive. I was Herbert Armstrong in the begin- terms of the Kingdom of God “on know there are others who can say the ning, that beginning from age 17 or so, earth” as it is in heaven. same. when I used to listen to him on the I am profoundly sad to lose this tal- This is not to negate another’s radio as a senior in high school six ented and incredible VOICE. There is no experience but simply to record a dif- GTA’s was last media success days a week, it was through Garner one out there who can fill these shoes. ferent one. of the Churches of God The writer is founder of Barnabas ed with a closed coffin, after services Ministries and the Biblestudy.org Web it was opened for viewing Mr. Arm- Evangelist planted the seeds of truth site and a former member of the strong one last time. The writer is an elder in the on the Ambassador College campus as if he were ad-libbing. You could Worldwide Church of God and As I slowly walked past the casket United Church of God an Interna- in Pasadena, Calif. So I frequently not tell the difference. Church of God International. Mr. and glanced at the face viewed by tional Association who began at- climbed the stairs up to the “pent- But these things are not what I Ruth has studied more than 300 millions around the world, one tending Worldwide Church of God house” to watch will most remember Ted for. Church of God–related groups and thought permeated my consciousness: services in 1956. him making a Garner Ted was instrumental in visited 100 of their ministries or Sab- There is nothing dynamic about live, and simul- 1965 in my being transferred from bath services. He is self-employed as death. By Ellis W. Stewart taneously re- Pasadena to the Big Sandy campus an Internet and computer consultant. In spite of Hollywood’s sometimes IG SANDY, Texas—I first corded, radio to run the new Texas press opera- romanticized view of death, it is not a met Garner Ted Armstrong program. tion. While laying out, shooting, By Alan Ruth friend or a welcomed occurrence but Bin August of 1956. Ted was I was im- stripping and printing the fruits of ARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. a cold, brutal thief that steals the sum just beginning to do some of the pressed with his writings, I was amazed at Mr. —Like many, I was surprised of a person’s existence right out from World Tomorrow radio broadcasts, his Hollywood Armstrong’s ability to compose, to Fand saddened by the death of under him. which until then had mostly fea- looks, his ani- speed-read and to analyze. Garner Ted Armstrong on Sept. 15. Death is mankind’s collective ene- Upon hearing my, the final adversary that God tured his father, Herbert Armstrong. Ellis Stewart mated presen- As time went by, I saw this mul- My family and I lived across the tation, his live- titalented young man sing, play the news of his Himself will kill (Revelation 20:14, street from the old library building, ly voice and personality. guitar and entertain guests at sing- untimely pass- 21:4). which then housed the radio studio, He could read and make it sound See WE TALKED ABOUT, page 13 ing, I quickly The day after the funeral, as I pon- made plans to dered the significance of GTA’s attend his funer- departure, it occurred to me that there al in Gladewa- was another death that took place. ter, Texas. This other death was subtle and quiet. I’ve fond memories of a childhood friend He affected The press did not report it. The major The writer, a former member of er, Dick, and several of my cousins aircraft carrier USS Antietam and my life, like the TV networks were oblivious to it. lives of count- And, I am quite sure, most Church of the Church of God Seventh Day and and I played hooky from church and was leaving from San Francisco for Alan Ruth Worldwide Church of God, attends spent time together at Dever School, Korea (during the Korean conflict). less others, so it God brethren are unaware that this Sabbath services with the Church of Conner School, Scravel Hill School Dick Armstrong and I, who were seemed only fitting to pay last respects other death happened. God Big Sandy and other congrega- and other places inseparable buddies, decided to go to to one of the most prominent Church Yet, as the realization of this other tions. where Ted’s fa- San Francisco and spend a few days of God leaders of the last 50 years. death begins to seep into the minds of ther preached in with Ted before his shipping out. Although the funeral was conduct- See OF COGs, page 10 By C. Wayne Cole the 1930s and Though Ted was on duty during the YLER, Texas—Garner Ted 1940s. days, we spent our evenings together Armstrong and I were friends That is, we and had a great time. since childhood. My family played hooky When you’re out and about on the Web, stop in at T Main radio speaker first met Herbert W. Armstrong and until one or his family in 1937. Ted, the youngest more of our par- Some years later, after Ted was of the four Armstrong children, and I ents came out discharged from the Navy and were both 7 years old at that time. and dragged us enrolled in Ambassador College, he TheJournal Ted liked to say when we saw each Wayne Cole by the ear into rose rapidly in the work of the News of the Churches of God other in recent years, “Wayne and I as church. church. kids chucked rocks at the same Later in life, when I first attended Within a couple of years he was We’re right where you’d expect us to be, at woodpiles behind the schoolhouses Ambassador College in 1950, Ted doing radio programs, first substitut- www.thejournal.org where my dad was preaching.” was in the U.S. Navy. In the spring of ing occasionally for his father and This was true. Ted, his older broth- 1951 he was stationed on board the See NOT MANY KNOW, page 13 10 THE JOURNAL Sept. 30, 2003 GTA talked a lot about Jesus before it became fashionable Continued from page 5 conservatism blinds them to many tuals and scholars and never felt night in Jamaica in the early 1970s on things. They are unreachable, for they threatened by them. Give that to him. the Jamaica Broadcasting Corp., then are what Eric Hoffer calls “true Ron Dart’s finest work was facili- one of only two radio stations. believers.” tated and encouraged by him when He was regarded as bright, icono- Had Ted Armstrong been allowed Mr. Dart was in the CGI. clastic and controversial. He was to carry on the reformation he began GTA fought against the excesses appealing to the Jamaican personality. in 1974 and had the political scheming in the healing doctrine, triple When he came here for a campaign of Stan Rader and others not succeed- tithing, the place-of-safety doctrine, in 1987, he pulled more than 700 per- ed in 1978, the Worldwide Church of authoritarianism, exclusivism, sons on the day of the funeral for the God would today look more like the church eras, 19-year time cycles The golden age of the church in terms of theological growth and administrative change was in the 1974-1978 period when GTA’s leadership was at a zenith. wife of a Jamaican national hero and CGI and the United Church of God and race. He came a far way theo- the father of a Jamaican national polit- than the Protestant movement it has logically. ical movement! In the 1970s he was a become. He rejected his father’s deempha- household name. The golden age of the church in sis on Jesus and emphasized both the I know only too well about GTA’s terms of theological growth and message and the Messenger. personal foibles. I read the works of administrative change was in the He talked a lot about Jesus long David Robinson, John Tuit, William 1974-1978 period when GTA’s leader- before it became fashionable in the Hinson, William Martin, which were ship was at a zenith. now-Protestant WCG. enough to pry me away from the It was under GTA that such serious But he never flinched from the fun- church, but I was too convinced of the scholars as Lester Grabbe, now a damental truths that God revealed to fundamental doctrines to abandon the highly accredited theologian, George his father, Herbert W. Armstrong. He movement. Geis and Robert Kuhn came to the was loyal to them to his death. fore. WCG reformer Under Ted, men of ability like Ron Correcting the record GTA IN JAMAICA—Garner Ted Armstrong accepts the gift of a carved I have read the most influential Dart, David Antion and Brian Knowles The ultraconservatives who came map of Jamaica from members of the Church of God International on the anti-Armstrong sites on the net. increased their influence, the first two back to power in 1978 after his unjus- island nation on Feb. 14, 1987. With Mr. Armstrong in this photo are Tamla But whatever you say about GTA being significant change agents tified ouster screamed at his “liberal- and Gordy Fisher. Mr. Armstrong also visited the Jamaica CGI brethren you cannot detract from his undoubt- against ministerial abuse and authori- ism.” in 1988. [Photo courtesy Ian Boyne] ed, indubitable contribution to reform- tarianism. Let’s set the record straight, be- ing Armstrongism. Under GTA the Systematic Theol- cause some media reports have it The United Church of God, the CGI, as Living Church of God mem- Every careful historian or analyst of ogy project (STP) was facilitated, rep- wrong: largest ex-WCG body, has a lot to be ber Bob Thiel will tell you, and has the the Armstrong movement must ac- resenting the finest theological docu- GTA was not excommunicated in grateful for in the WCG leadership of greatest opportunity to reach people knowledge that Garner Ted was the ment ever produced by this move- 1978 for moral reasons. Go back to Garner Ted Armstrong. and be effective in taking God’s truth first significant reformer in the World- ment, moving us away from the ob- HWA’s letters. Many of the reforms UCG mem- to the world. wide Church of God. scurantism and eisegesis that had He was ousted for political reasons. bers take for granted were initiated by GTA influenced far more of us than The extremists in the movement characterized former eras. He lost the power struggle with Stan GTA. we realize. will not see this, but then their hyper- GTA was comfortable with intellec- Rader. The UCG is doctrinally close to the His good works shall never die. Of COGs, the ICG has largest percentage of new people Continued from page 5 ing millions of subscribers world- pel to the world is such that the vast should cause us to reevaluate our requires more resources to retrieve it the greater Church of God, its ramifi- wide, there is now not one Church majority of brethren believe it is still mass-media efforts. than it once did. cations will without question affect of God–related group or outreach the best fruit-bearing way to evange- A certain aspect concerning re- And, though the greater church has the church’s course for years to come. that has a magazine with more than lize the nations. sponses, however, either hasn’t been endeavored to plant and water new half a million subscribers. What few realize is that there are considered or is not taken as seriously Last man standing fruit, the aged big-three methods of only around four Church as it should be by the church. the last century simply aren’t doing The primary mass-media methods of God-related groups The question we must explore to the job in the new century. utilized to preach the gospel during out of 300-plus that are accurately gauge the status of current the last almost 70 years have been either using commercial techniques used to carry out “the State of the work magazines, radio and television. They television or have large- work” is: Where does the fruit gath- The death of Garner Ted Arm- sized cable-channel out- ered by the church come from? have constituted the “big three” tech- strong is sad and sobering and should niques engaged by the greater Church reaches. United News, a church newspaper of God to carry out its Matthew 28 Even if a group has a published by the United Church of cause us to reflect on the state of “the commission given by Christ. deep enough pocket to God an International Association, work” within the church. Mr. Arm- I believe GTA’s death signals the afford some commercial gave statistics in its September- strong represented the last reasonably death of the church’s effective use of television, many of the October 2003 issue to indicate that successful use of one of the big-three any of these once successful, but now channels carrying its pro- close to 75 percent of the 200 people methods to bring those with no previ- well-worn, big-three mass-evange- gram can be of the free, it baptized last year were those who ous Church of God background or lism tools. He was the last man who, local, public-access ca- had been previously associated with exposure into the Body of Christ. by virtue of his God-given talents, ble-channels kind. Such the Church of God. I have no doubt that many in the could attract a significant number of channels, though free, The January-February 1999 issue greater Church of God have put their new people to the Church of God have tiny audiences and of the independent Servant’s News sincere hearts and minds into various using the medium of TV. CANADIAN APPEARANCE—Garner Ted inspire extremely few stated that from its inception in 1993 efforts to preach the gospel to the My friends and I have had the op- Armstrong (left) stands with ICG member Alex responses. to the end of 1998 the Global Church world. Their hard work, commitment portunity over the years to visit quite a Nicholson in Toronto, Ont., Sept. 9, 2000. As of September 2003, of God (which split in 1998, with most [Photo courtesy Alex Nicholson] and willingness to sacrifice are not few Church of God groups and fel- the rough-total number members forming the Living Church questioned. lowships. The Intercontinental Church of channels the four of God) had only 45 out of 605 bap- However, whether we like it or not, Radio, for a good part of the last biggest television outreaches com- tisms (8 percent) where the person of God, founded by GTA, was one of techniques and technology once several churches we visited. century, was the effective means by bined were on was 271. Of that total baptized was “new” to the church. Whether visiting regular church or which the church took the gospel to at least 227 of the TV channels were From my personal experience, I dynamically used to bring the good holy-day services or campaigns held the world. Over the years millions of the public-access type. conclude that such relatively small per- news of salvation to the world no by the ICG, we noticed a common were exposed to Bible truth through Even though yearly-response num- centages of baptisms where the person longer are as effective and efficient as pattern. The ICG seemed to have the radio, and many were led to repen- bers quoted by some groups may is new to the Church of God is true of they were in their heyday. largest percentage, and biggest raw tance and conversion. seem encouraging, further evaluation many other fellowships in the church. The church must change its evan- number, of new people attending its Today, however, responses to radio shows that on a total cost-per- Much of the fruit harvested today gelistic strategies if it hopes to meet services compared with any we’ve the challenges of spreading the gospel seen in other fellowships. in the 21st century. The number of new folks at the Mr. Armstrong represented the last successful use of a big-three It is imperative that, if it is to sur- ICG’s largest Feast of Tabernacles site vive and thrive, the Church of God in Florida especially struck us last method to bring those with no previous Church of God must adapt to a changing world so it year. background or exposure into the Body of Christ. can powerfully bring it God’s time- Well, what about the rest of the less message. Church of God? Don’t some of them So, you may wonder, what are the have major mass-evangelism efforts? evangelism used within the greater response basis TV’s effectiveness is by the Worldwide Church of God new and emerging ideas and evange- Let’s take a brief look at the status Church of God are only the tiniest dwindling. splinter groups is from the field plant- fraction of what they were during this ed and watered years ago by the pro- listic methods the church should pur- and fruit of the big-three evangelistic Reaping where others planted methods still used by a majority of the medium’s heyday. ductive evangelistic efforts of the sue and develop for “the work”? church. The global reach and fruits pro- There is no question that Church of WCG during the HWA-GTA years What are the tools available for the duced in years past by church-spon- God groups continue to receive a cer- (pre-1986). Church of God: The Next Generation Status of big three sored “televangelism” are known to tain amount of responses utilizing the Part of the difficulty the church is to boldly preach the gospel where no We’ll first quickly tackle the sta- most folks even with a cursory big-three methods of evangelism. in is that this field has been pretty well one has gone before? tus of magazines in the church. knowledge of Church of God history. Total responses, however, from such picked over by the current splits. The That, as they say, is a whole ’nother Though the Worldwide Church of Suffice it to say that TV’s perceived tools are at best only a shadow of fruit remaining in this field is steadily topic and one I hope will be explored God once had a magazine number- glory in effectively carrying the gos- what they were. This fact alone shrinking, is harder to come by and in a future article in THE JOURNAL. Sept. 30, 2003 THE JOURNAL 11 What would have happened had GTA returned to the WCG? Continued from page 5 beliefs and prac- der’s loyalty, and so followed his ily of churches, past and present, John Trechak’s Ambassador Report. tices. advice. ever approached anywhere near his Most readers of THE JOURNAL would Mr. Rader, I suspect, hated both league. disagree with most of its content, Inquiring minds GTA’s popularity and the threat GTA particularly many of the letters. By then the posed to his own power. It seems to Worth a chapter Yet many within the offshoot widely held be- have been Mr. Rader who encour- In both the ordinary usage of the churches access it regularly, partly be- lief in the Be- aged people to believe—incorrect- word, and the sociological sense, cause it is often the first with the news; ginning of the ly—that GTA was behind the 1978 Garner Ted Armstrong was a charis- many of its informants are members End in 1972 had receivership, and it was Joseph W. matic leader. In any psychological of assorted Churches of God. been shown to Tkach who, working with Mr. study of guru figures, he would easi- I learned from Missing Dimen- be mistaken. An Rader, was a bulwark of strength to ly merit a full chapter. sion on Aug. 25 that Mr. Armstrong atmosphere of HWA in those months. And so, per- The question being asked now had entered a hospital. There were doubt prevailed haps, the future was formed. that he has died is: What will happen progress reports whenever new about the former What could have happened if to his church? information became available. GTA certainties. Garner Ted Armstrong had returned My book The New Believers has a came out of intensive care; he was People—minis- to the Worldwide Church of God and chapter on what happens “After the understandably weak but cogent; he ters and other eventually succeeded his father? As Prophet Dies.” was expected to go home in a few members—were C.S. Lewis once wrote, “We are My sociological model suggests days. asking questions. never given to know what might four major possibilities: continua- Then suddenly he became danger- APPEARANCE PREP—Garner Ted Armstrong pre- Are women have been.” tion, dissolution, reform/revolution ously ill again. pares for a personal appearance before members of really harlots if and schism, following an initial peri- the public c. 1974. [Envoy photo] they put on a Blaming Garner Ted od of transition. Gross offense dab of lipstick? A further group of people that is In GTA’s case, of course, many At this point a couple of letters Meredith was a major player. Prob- Are members of the church really antagonistic to GTA includes the such changes had occurred before appeared on the site from people ably most powerful of all, Stanley breaking the commandment against ones who recently wrote to Mr. his death. who were delighted about his condi- Rader was the éminence grise idolatry, as GTA himself had written Rumney’s Missing Dimension site. In 1996, when large numbers had tion and looked forward with undis- behind HWA. in The Good News way back in They are former members who left Worldwide because of the guised glee to the day he would meet But, love him or loathe him, this 1964, if they seek medical assistance believe they were badly scarred by changes in doctrine since HWA’s his Maker and have to account for was GTA’s decade, from his first for an illness? their time in WCG, and they blame death, and large numbers had left the himself. They were dancing on his suspension in 1971 to his final ouster Such matters had caused people to GTA. CGI because of GTA, I corre- grave before he was even dead. in 1978. be disfellowshipped; they were To paraphrase their own words sponded with him. I found this grossly offensive and I once read that during GTA’s hugely important in the personal, briefly, they scrimped and saved to appallingly insensitive to his family longest period of suspension, when practical lives of members. send in their tithes and were casti- No plan for succession at this traumatic time for them. his voice wasn’t heard on The World GTA was looking at the theology gated for not giving enough while Among other questions, I asked I broke my usual rules of academ- Tomorrow, WCG income plummet- of the church as well. The Sys- they watched GTA acting like a him if he had made any plans for a ic distance and wrote a letter that ed by 40 percent before he was al- tematic Theology Project (a manu- playboy, gambling in Las Vegas, fly- smooth succession in his own said in part that, yes, GTA had his church, perhaps to one of his sons. sins, but I have mine, and you have He replied that there were other yours, and I for one don’t know how It was GTA’s golden voice, his powerful delivery of ministers in the CGI who could take God rates them, but I’m certainly not up the TV ministry (as indeed they going to cast the first stone. his father’s message on Radio Luxembourg, that did after he left), but that “none of Mr. Rumney posted my letter Sept. my sons are in any way being 15 a few hours before Garner Ted introduced me to the WCG in the mid-1960s. ‘groomed’ to succeed me in any Armstrong died. fashion whatsoever.” lowed back. (I’ve mislaid the source script of several hundred pages in a ing the church’s jet for the fun of it, (Now, seven years later, specula- A step back for this; if anyone can confirm it, I’d loose-leaf binder, copies of which living in considerable luxury. tion arises that Mark Armstrong Additional responses later ap- be grateful.) went to all WCG ministers) was the All of this may be true, but it ne- might step into his father’s shoes peared, both for and against my It was Garner Ted Armstrong’s first attempt to systematize in one glects to mention that when GTA after all.) stance. I won’t detail these here; golden voice, his powerful delivery document the church’s beliefs. was pushing hard-line practices in Interestingly, in reference to the anyone interested can read them on of his father’s message on Radio Initially, according to GTA, his the WCG he was following the party doctrinal changes in the WCG after the site. Luxembourg, that introduced me, father not only knew about the STP line established by HWA and others. his father’s death, GTA also told me: Instead, at JOURNAL publisher Dix- along with perhaps millions of oth- but approved it. When he rebelled against such, he “I doubt very much, if anything on Cartwright’s request I’m stepping ers, to the WCG in the mid-1960s. But the STP team had liberalized was slapped down and chucked out. were to happen to me such as com- back and taking a brief look at the Among the many senior ministers several doctrines, and, when it was Of course, he was by no means the plete incapacitation or death, that the significance of Garner Ted Arm- who left the WCG for a variety of eventually published in three-ring only evangelist in the church living a CGI would change its doctrines. For strong and the range of responses to reasons during the 1970s, there were notebooks, the conservatives in the comfortable life. Mr. Rader’s salary these past 18 years, I have pointed him in his life, which clearly influ- some who left because of GTA’s church reacted strongly against it. in the late 1970s was $200,000; his people directly to Jesus Christ, urged ence the responses to his death. alleged personal behavior or how And they won. house was worth more than $1 mil- them never to follow a man, and My Ph.D. thesis is mainly about HWA dealt with it. But there were Many factors lay behind GTA’s lion. Other WCG ministers had com- have seen, even through the trauma the events since Herbert Arm- many others who stuck by him— ouster from his father’s church, but mitted offenses, repented and been of this past year, how many leaders strong’s death, in 1986, to the pres- either pragmatically, believing he his liberalizing of doctrines was one reinstated. and how many families there are in ent. Initially I intended there to be was the church’s greatest asset, or of the most important. The clash Though in no way do I condone the CGI who will staunchly remain one introductory chapter covering because they accepted his repen- between two strong personalities— the behavior that got GTA into trou- with the ‘faith once delivered to the the beliefs and history up to 1986. tance and practiced active forgive- father and son—was another. ble, I do find it remarkable that in saints’ as they have learned it and This has grown into three chap- ness, or just because they liked the Once GTA was gone, HWA, with spite of the publicity he was able to who will not veer off into some other ters, totaling 35,000 words, with one guy. the support of senior ministers who set up not just one but two churches. doctrinal path.” full chapter on the 1970s. Ted Armstrong, it seems, was a had been most opposed to GTA, At its height the Church of God In- That was obviously written before Even with the vast amount I’ve thoroughly likable person. One could delight in the fact that the ternational, founded in 1978, had GTA and the CGI parted company. read both from and about that WCG evangelist was quoted as say- church’s traditional booklets were around 100 churches in the United But, so far as I can see as an out- decade—HWA’s books, booklets ing, “Ted can charm the rattle off a “back to full length.” GTA, once heir States alone and around 5,000 mem- side observer, he was right: There and coworker letters, published and snake.” to the throne of the WCG, was out of bers altogether (including children). appear to be few if any doctrinal dif- unpublished personal accounts, Many years later, when I began the picture. I don’t know how many members ferences between the CGI, the ICG, other books (by David Robinson, writing about the WCG, I inter- the Intercontinental Church of God the Churches of God Outreach Min- Marion McNair, John Tuit, Stanley viewed senior figures in the offshoot Unconverted seats and the GTA Evangelistic Association istries, Christian Educational Min- Rader, etc.), and interviews I’ve con- churches, people who had worked I understand that, after their final have, but according to their Web sites istries and other churches and min- ducted with people who were there alongside GTA in the 1960s and blazing row in 1978, Herbert and they have 25 ministers and 134 con- istries that have stemmed from at the time—I know I cannot claim 1970s. Almost without exception, Garner Ted never met again. That gregations associated with them. Garner Ted’s version of his father’s to have a full understanding of though they hadn’t seen him for must have been a source of great That’s pretty impressive, consid- teaching. everything that went on in that most years, they spoke fondly of him. sadness for Ted Armstrong. At ering Garner Ted had to start from troublesome decade. One was critical of his managerial HWA’s funeral his son and former scratch and for the second time. The post-GTA future I doubt if anyone can, including— skills—“He was a very mercurial heir was relegated to the unconvert- Whatever his faults, GTA could So what about the future, post- perhaps especially—those who were man who never really had any inter- ed seats. draw people with his message. GTA? Is there any possibility that, involved in it, for they will in- est in the details of operations . . . He According to one church leader I unusually for ex-WCG churches, evitably have a personally biased was very capable; like many people interviewed, “Herbert Armstrong, A league of his own they might come back together viewpoint; they will have been in who are an instant read, quick-wit- before he died, said, ‘I’m choosing So where does this brief glance at again? one faction or another or caught ted, he lacked the patience to Joseph Tkach because I know he reactions to Garner Ted Armstrong Organizationally, I think probably somewhere between all of them. become profound; that, I think, is the will protect this church against Ted leave us? not. As always, memories linger of (If you doubt the inevitability of problem”—but then emphasized Armstrong.’ ” My source then ironi- He was clearly a complex and which ministers left and which ones personal bias coloring an account, “He’s a very, very pleasant man.” cally added that GTA “was the one contradictory character. His personal stayed at different times and for dif- just compare the books about the Another told me, “Ted is a great person who didn’t attack” HWA. behavior can certainly not be ex- ferent reasons, and such memories 1978 State of California receivership man, and great men tend to have Indeed, we have good reason to cused on the grounds that as God’s may inspire bad feeling. by Mr. Rader and Mr. Tuit!) great sins.” believe that GTA would have wel- Chosen Minister he was above nor- But at the grassroots level I’d As a scholar, I simply have to Perhaps this is not the most ring- comed a return to the WCG, and mal moral restrictions. guess there will be considerable con- accept all accounts, however contra- ing endorsement of a man of God, even that HWA would have liked He probably had many of the tact, both socially and in sharing dictory, as equally valid personal but it shows an acceptance of the him to, but Stanley Rader was im- other faults that people have each other’s Feasts of Tabernacles— viewpoints of events. reality of his failings while display- placably opposed to it and blocked ascribed to him. and, because of the doctrinal close- ing a genuine warmth for Ted the any attempt at a rapprochement. Yet even some of the letters to ness, there will probably continue to One name stands out man. Although Mr. Rader claimed to Missing Dimension have empha- be some sharing of literature. In these accounts, through nearly There were others who were have been the devoted servant of sized that as a person he was warm But I doubt that one figure will all of the decade of the ’70s, one opposed to him because of the HWA, the consensus both then and and friendly, and, as the second- emerge to draw together the various name stands out: Garner Ted Arm- changes he brought about in the now is that all too often the tail was ranking person in the WCG, happily strands of the GTA branch of the strong. WCG in the mid-1970s when, for a wagging the dog. joined in with informal social activi- Worldwide family of churches. Yes, HWA was still at the top and fairly brief period, he had a position By this stage in his life HWA was ties such as sports and music. And I regret that I now shall never at times still had a huge influence on of real power and was able to liber- distrustful of many of his ministers, I doubt that as a preacher anyone meet Garner Ted Armstrong to inter- his church, and, yes, Roderick C. alize some of the more conservative but he believed utterly in Mr. Ra- else in the extended Worldwide fam- view him face to face. 12 THE JOURNAL Sept. 30, 2003 Evangelist’s son says church will continue his father’s work Continued from page 1 Home manager, estimated as many as quarters two days later). the days after his death listed two However, some in attendance at the 700 people sat or stood in the chapel books among his writings (apart from Sabbath service said they were in the you prayed with all you had as we did Good-bye, friends here, and fully expected God’s inter- and in other areas of the building church-produced works such as The process of urging Mr. Armstrong to vention. We cannot fully understand while the audio from the service could Mr. Trent delivered the funeral ser- Plain Truth About Child-Rearing), assume many of his father’s responsi- why the healing we begged for was be heard everywhere in the facility. mon, which included an outline of the Mr. Armstrong wrote at least three bilities, including television broad- not granted. But God’s thoughts are Mark Armstrong delivered his plan of God as understood by many books published by outside publish- casting. not our thoughts, and He has plans father’s eulogy, saying he was “one of people in the congregations and min- ing firms. But Mr. Armstrong said the church sometimes that we as mortal humans the foremost teachers and professors istries derived from the Worldwide He wrote The Real Jesus, released will continue to sponsor his father’s cannot see . . . Church of God. in 1977, and Peter’s Story: A New telecasts, including its airing on WGN “I’m in the process of contacting all The service—the two messages and Gospel, in 1978, published by Sheed, in Chicago, Ill. of the area coordinators and leaders a prayer—lasted a little less than an Andrews and McMeel of Kansas City Mr. Armstrong, addressing the Sab- throughout this fine organization you hour. (the latter was revised and rereleased bath-service audience, said, “I know all have helped my dad build. I will be Mr. Trent said the “200 to 300 in 1981 under Mr. Armstrong’s Emer- that you respect and admire my dad looking to them for wisdom and coun- splinter groups” from the Worldwide ald Enterprises label), and a novel, greatly. How could you not?” Church of God owed their “core Churchill’s Gold, published in 1988 by sel. Thank God for the fine gentlemen Making a difference who have unselfishly given of them- Tudor Commu- selves during this most recent phase of nications, New In his Sabbath sermon Mr. Trent my dad’s ministry. Thank you all for York, which Mr. described what he considers to be “the the generous support you’ve shown Armstrong wrote most endearing quality” of members my father.” under the pseu- of the Intercontinental Church of donym William God. Near family members Talboy Wright. A trait that he said “typifies” the ICG is that its members are “willing to Mr. Armstrong, 73, was laid to rest No changes Sept. 18 in Gladewater Memorial forgive.” Park, off U.S. Highway 80 between Mark Arm- “They say that of the 250 to 300 fel- Gladewater and Big Sandy, Texas, strong and Mr. lowship groups out there, we’re all the four miles down the road from the for- Trent also both same,” he said. mer campus of Ambassador College. spoke at the Sab- “We have the Sabbath. We have the His grave lies next to a huge old bath service on holy days. We tithe. live-oak tree near the graves of mem- Sept. 20 at ICG “There may be a few differences bers of the Roy Hammer family. headquarters, in about the place of safety and about the Roy Hammer was the father-in-law Flint, south of seven church eras. of Garner Ted Armstrong. Roy’s son Tyler. “But I’m here to tell you that there Buck (who was in attendance at the Mr. Armstrong is one very important difference. funeral and brief graveside service) INTERCONTINENTAL LEADERS—A ranking member of the board of the said that “we here at headquarters in “The Intercontinental Church of was the donor in the early 1950s of the Intercontinental Church of God, after the passing of his father, Garner Ted Tyler intend to carry this work and my God took on the nature of its leader, original parcel of land that became the Armstrong, Sept. 15, is Mark Armstrong (left photo) of Flint, Texas. The father’s message forward as long as and I can assure you when he breathed central area of the campus of Ambas- younger Mr. Armstrong here delivers a brief message at ICG headquarters God provides the strength and sup- his last breath on that hospital bed sador College, which began near Big in Flint the Sabbath of Sept. 20, the first Sabbath after the death of the ICG port. There will be no—capital N cap- over in Tyler, Texas, he had no ani- Sandy in 1964. founder. Right photo: At that Sabbath service, Cecil Reece of the Tyler area ital O—changes in doctrine or policy. mosity against any man, because he Mr. Armstrong’s interment came (left) and George Trent of Princeton, W.Va., visit. Mr. Reece is a longtime The Sabbath, the holy days and the had in him the capacity to forgive.” after a funeral attended by an estimat- Church of God member. Mr. Trent is the ICG elder who delivered the main true doctrines of God’s church will Mr. Trent mentioned Israel’s watch- ed more than 600 people at Croley message at Mr. Armstrong’s funeral in Gladewater Sept. 18 and the sermon continue to be honored and observed.” man, prophesied in Ezekiel 33. Funeral Home in Gladewater with at the first Sabbath service at headquarters. [Photos by Dixon Cartwright] After noting that the Armstrong “Mr. Armstrong was the watch- ICG elder George Trent of Princeton, family is “shocked, incredulous, stu- man,” he said. “Mr. Armstrong is still W.Va., officiating. pefied” because of his father’s demise, the watchman. Mr. Armstrong, in my Mr. Armstrong is survived by his of the misunderstood truths of God in teachings” to Garner Ted Armstrong Mr. Armstrong noted that some fellow eyes, will always be the watchman.” wife, the former Shirley Hammer, this time.” and his father, Herbert W. Armstrong. ICG members have urged him to step He concluded with a warning to sons Mark, David and Matthew, five Garner Ted, said his son, could “get Mark Armstrong encouraged into his father’s shoes. “grievous wolves.” grandchildren, and a sister, Dorothy people to look into their own hearts Church of God members not to let his But “I hope you’ll understand when “This church is solid,” Mr. Trent Mattson of Sun City West, Ariz. and look into their Bibles.” father’s work “be in vain.” I say his shoes are huge and too big for said, so “all you wolves that intend to Pallbearers were Mr. Armstrong’s He said that anyone who had been He ended his message with the me,” he said. “For now I’ll do my best cover yourselves up in sheep’s cloth- three sons, Mark, David and Matthew; “out of touch” with Mr. Armstrong words Mr. Armstrong had pronounced to step up to the plate as it’s required ing, you just forget it. The work of Mark Petkovich of Austin, Texas; over the past several years had at the end of thousands of radio broad- and appropriate.” God will continue as it is until Jesus Chester Roberson of Frankston, Texas; “missed his very best work.” casts, “Good-bye, friends.” Mr. Armstrong said his father’s Christ returns because we’re built on a and Earl Timmons of Lexington, Ky. Mark said his father “was a wonder- “beautiful sermons, books and televi- solid foundation, and that foundation The service took place in the chapel ful dad” and “a romantic and loving GTA early history sion programs will always be made is the Rock.” of the mortuary, which could accom- husband to my sweet mother.” He was Mr. Armstrong was born Feb. 9, available” through the church and the modate about 200 seated persons. “a disciplinarian, but was forgiving.” 1930, in Portland, Ore. He served in Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Contact information However, many others sat or stood in Mark Armstrong departed from the U.S. Navy on an aircraft carrier Association. The Armstrong family receives mail other rooms, hallways and a lobby his prepared text to read a message during the Korean War. “My dad’s sickness and now his at the Garner Ted Armstrong Evan- throughout the facility, which is a for- of condolence and remembrance He entered Ambassador College in death have brought us close to God,” gelistic Association, 17444 Highway mer residence converted into a mortu- from family friend Robert Kuhn of Pasadena, the school founded by his he said. “Now let’s stay there.” 155 S., Flint, Texas 75762, U.S.A. ary in the mid-’90s. Pasadena, Calif. (which he also read father, in 1956. Mr. Armstrong noted that the E-mail messages to the family and Bubba Smith, Croley Funeral at Sabbath services at ICG head- Although newspaper obituaries in church’s area coordinators and other church may be sent in care of Chris leaders, “all of them, have pledged Cumming at sunshiner@worldnet. their loyalty to me,” and “I take that att.net. very humbly and solemnly.” See also “Garner Ted Armstrong in At one point Mr. Armstrong re- Hospital With Pneumonia,” THE JOUR- Woman escorted out after attempt ferred to himself “and the other minis- NAL, Aug. 31. ters,” then quickly corrected himself, See also tributes to and comments to address Garner Ted Armstrong funeral referring instead to himself “and the about Mr. Armstrong in articles begin- ministers,” an apparent indication he ning on pages 3 and 5 of this issue and LADEWATER, Texas—One “She just had something on her briefly read the scriptures that were does not consider himself to be an in letters to the editor, beginning on of the guests at the funeral, on mind she wanted to announce and used on her mind,” Mr. Havir told THE elder or evangelist. page 2. GSept. 18, of Garner Ted Arm- extremely poor judgment in wanting JOURNAL. “The three of us listened to strong was escorted from Croley to discuss it at the funeral,” he said. her for a short time. Once we got the Funeral Home when she attempted to The woman turned out to be a gist of what was on her mind, the speak at the conclusion of the service Church of God member from Illinois minister from Intercontinental wrote in the mortuary’s chapel. who had traveled here to visit a rela- down her name and again offered to George Trent of Princeton, W.Va., tive and to attend Mr. Armstrong’s talk with her in the future.” had concluded his message with a funeral and attempt to make an an- The scriptures, concerning Pass- prayer when a woman began walk- nouncement. over and the Days of Unleavened ing up the aisle and asking if she “She had attended the Worldwide Bread, were from Deuteronomy 16. could say something. Church of God in her youth,” Mr. The scriptures she wished to read At that point some men escorted Havir said. “I believe she has family “had nothing to do with Mr. Arm- her from the building and the proces- that attends the Intercontinental strong or the funeral,” Mr. Havir sion of guests by the casket began as Church of God in another state, and I said. “It was a doctrinal matter. Like scheduled. know her aunt in another part of Texas I said, she just used poor judgment.” Dave Havir, pastor of the Church who attends the United Church of God. After the ICG minister “was fin- of God Big Sandy, was present at the She came from Illinois to see her aunt.” ished handling the matter,” said Mr. funeral and, when he saw what hap- When Mr. Havir approached the Havir, “I asked where she was pened, walked outside the mortuary woman outside the funeral home, an parked and I escorted her to her pick- and talked with the woman. elder from the ICG (which Mr. Arm- up truck. We talked briefly at her “I went outside to see if I could strong founded) was already talking vehicle. I found out that she was help,” Mr. Havir said. “My main con- with her. staying in the home of people I cern was that this woman might try to “He stressed to her that the funeral know. I told her that I would be say something critical about Mr. Arm- service was not the appropriate time happy to talk with her, and I invited REST IN PEACE—Garner Ted strong, and I wanted to help maintain for her to speak up,” said Mr. Havir. her to church on the Sabbath.” Armstrong was laid to rest Sept. 18 the dignity of a funeral service.” Mr. Havir was present when an- The woman attended Sabbath ser- beside a huge live-oak tree in But, after conversing with the other ICG member joined the group vices with the Church of God Big Gladewater Memorial Park. Visiting woman, Mr. Havir decided she was and asked the woman what she had Sandy two days later and a brunch at the grave site Sept. 19 are Linda not attempting to say anything that wanted to say. the church building that Sunday Cartwright of Big Sandy, Texas (left could be considered critical. “The lady opened her Bible and morning. in above photo), and Connie Evans of Tulsa, Okla. [Photos by Gary Vance] Sept. 30, 2003 THE JOURNAL 13 Not many know the real story behind the events of 1978 Continued from page 5 Body of Christ, the true Church of In 1978, when Ted Armstrong was beside his father during his dad’s last firmly believe, in the same spiritual then increasingly becoming the dom- God at large. going through one of his greatest days alive and that he, Ted, should organism, the same “Body of inant voice of The World Tomorrow, struggles, resulting in his separation have been the person to carry on the Christ,” that makes up the true the one-half-hour daily program. Australian visit from the Worldwide Church of God work of the Worldwide Church of Church of God. By the late 1950s Ted was doing In 1961, after we had been in Aus- and his own father, I can thankfully God. virtually all the radio work, with his tralia for less than a year, Ted, who say I was one of the few who worked After all, it was his work that in a Remained friends father recording only an occasional was the director of the overseas diligently in an effort to bring father dramatic way had been instrumental I loved and respected Ted for more Sunday program. work, visited us in the Sydney office. and son together in the hopes of rec- in the growth and development of the than 65 years. Though Ted may have Ted’s radio ministry was powerful While there he had a heavy and onciling the differences. Worldwide Church. bugged me occasionally along the and effective. Requests for visits by full schedule of work including the We cannot second-guess God as to way—and I am sure I bugged him as trained ministers that were received production of several radio programs Trumped-up charges why things worked out as they did. well—it was never essentially over at headquarters in Pasadena, Calif., at a local recording studio, but he Few know the whole and real However, we can and should second- doctrinal matters, and we always increased in volume. Those of us took the time to come to our modest story of the events that transpired at guess and criticize the carnal and cor- remained friends. who were field ministers were chal- Every time I saw Ted, whether in a lenged to keep up with making per- Tyler restaurant or at the airport or sonal visits in response to these re- Doris and I still find it hard to believe any other place, we gave each other a quests, and local church groups made hug and exchanged very pleasant steady and rapid growth. that Garner Ted Armstrong is no greetings. A powerful voice for God, wit- longer among the living. Doris and I still find it hard to nessing to the masses and resulting in believe that Garner Ted Armstrong is regular growth in church member- no longer among the living. We will ship, was speaking out. home for an evening and dinner with that time, nor of the trivial and rupt actions of men. surely miss him! And the powerful and dynamic our family. trumped-up charges leveled against Garner Ted Armstrong can now And our love, best wishes and sin- voice and personality at the very Ted was a friend to many of us. He Ted, and I don’t believe the whole say, as the apostle Paul said, that he cere condolences are extended to source of this burgeoning work was was an associate and fellow worker story needs to be told now. has finished his course. He has Shirley, Mark, David and Matthew that of Garner Ted Armstrong. to some of us. But before God I can honestly fought his fight. He has traveled his and families. We wish them well as Many thousands of members in The road that we as Christians say that I remained Ted’s friend dur- road through life, and he awaits the they continue in the footsteps of the scattered Church of God groups have all traveled has been at times ing those troubled days, and later words of his Master, Lord and Savior Garner Ted Armstrong. today first heard the voice of Ted as difficult, always full of challenges Ted thanked me several times for in issuing the final decree. I believe the world has lost a pow- the very beginning of their personal and personal struggles and quite fre- doing so. Even though we were not working erful voice that cried out and spared conversion process that brought quently unpredictable. But travel that I have long believed and have told side by side in the same organization not in preaching a message of hope them to repentance and receiving the road, with its ups and down, we have many people that Ted Armstrong during the last years of Garner Ted in a dying world, offering a way to a Holy Spirit, placing them in the all done. should have been allowed to be Armstrong’s ministry, we were, I better tomorrow. More letters from our readers

Continued from page 4 ple Mount Faithful movement and ing responses from several, and God WCG ministers and later by two . . . this moment bewildered and seeking pocrisy and national sins and think that mention that I’m a Christian member has used THE JOURNAL and me and my ministers [of a WCG derivative]. He help but do not know whom to trust. “God bless[ing] America” is a per- of it who was deported for my personal experiences in the church to had concluded (based on his experi- THE JOURNAL is making this possible. manent state of affairs like doctrine. beliefs. help some who appealed to me for ences) that he had lost his salvation Those who contact us soon realize Vic Singh One Israeli son (about 30) was help in understanding what has hap- when he ran across my article in THE who and what we are and that they can Fresh Meadows, N.Y. explaining to his mom and dad about pened to them. JOURNAL. trust us not to mislead them. I even heard from people I knew God’s Spirit in me was able to America the beautiful Christian Zionists, and they were all I tell people out front that I cannot impressed. I loved the opportunity to back in the ’50s and ’60s while work- assure him that he had not lost his sal- I’ve just returned from traveling solve their problems for them but that become all things to all men, in this ing at Radio Church of God head- vation (we had an extremely profitable for just over two weeks across this God will guide me in helping them case Jewish and Israeli, to help plant quarters in Pasadena. One gentleman conversation). He is now on the road great nation of Manasseh (Menashe find the solutions but that they are the some scriptural seeds for God to wondered if I recalled corresponding to spiritual recovery. in Hebrew). Praise God for letting me ones who must solve the problems water in His good time. with him in the late ’50s and early At the end of our first telephone continually stand in awe of His great with guidance from God through the David Ben-Ariel ’60s when the church did not have conversation (we have had two phone creation that was foretold by the contacts), he assured me he received Holy Spirit. Toledo, Ohio local congregations and people prophets. sought help from headquarters via more help from me in 45 minutes than God is not playing games with us. Along the way, at various national More help correspondence. he had received from all others over a He offers us salvation—eternal life— parks, whenever I heard an Israeli I am personally very thankful to In spite of the thousands with 25-year period. in His family. accent I started speaking with people THE JOURNAL and editor Dixon Cart- whom I corresponded, I did recall his The response received confirms This is real. It is time to cut through in Hebrew and we’d enjoy a friendly wright for printing my letter to the letters. what I have believed and solidifies the the religious confusion and the hurt but brief conversation in which I editor in the March 2003 issue and Another response received was reason my wife and I began the Living and disillusionment and get on track would mention “We the People Are my article on “what counts with God” from Ontario, Canada, from a person God Ministry, and that is that there are for the eternal Kingdom of God. Manasseh” (www.britam.org), men- in the April issue. who has been in the church for 25 many people scattered all over this Bill Glover tion Gershon Salomon and the Tem- I received very good and encourag- years. He was traumatized by two earth for whom Christ died who are at Eugene, Ore.

AMBASSADOR DAYS— We talked about why we Right photo: Three young Ambassador College stu- dents, David Jon Hill (left), can’t get together Garner Ted Armstrong and Norman Smith, fellowship Continued from page 5 I’ve thought of his comment during the reception for alongs with the students. many times since then. Ted be- incoming freshman stu- He loved sports, including bas- lieved he played a part, along dents in the old Ambassa- ketball, handball, hunting, fishing with God’s Spirit, in the calling dor College library building and flying airplanes. process and building of the spiri- in Pasadena, Calif., in 1953. He had the ability to focus on tual church. So seeing the divi- Below photo: Mr. Arm- sions that once were one church strong and three other one task at a time and do an excel- musicians lead a sing-along lent job. really bothered him. I watched Ted’s broadcasts on the Ambassador Col- We will also remember these lege campus in Pasadena things about Mr. Armstrong, but grow from radio to TV and into c. 1974. From left: Lee Pet- they are not what we will remem- an audience of millions that in- tijohn, Mr. Armstrong, Jim ber most about him. spired the growth in circulation of Thornhill and Mark Arm- Over the years we went our The Plain Truth to more than 8.5 strong. [Right photo cour- separate ways and saw each other million copies a month in its hey- tesy Doris Cole; below only infrequently. The last time day in the ’70s. photo from The Envoy] Ted and I had time for a conver- We will remember Garner Ted sation was after he officiated at most for his speaking out, for giv- Betty Cunningham’s funeral in ing this world the real gospel and Hawkins, Texas, a couple of years announcing the coming world ago. government that will bring life to We talked then about the mem- a dying world. bers of the various Churches of I’ll remember Garner Ted Arm- God in attendance at the service. strong most for his unique way of Garner Ted said: “Ellis, it’s too presenting urgently the message bad we can’t all get together . . .” of the Bible with his powerful I said: “Well, you know why voice and personality, with God we can’t get together.” using him to broadcast seeds of He said: “I know. It’s because truth that resulted in many thou- the leaders [of the Church of God sands being called into the spiri- groups] keep us apart.” tual church.