OUR Co-Workers'
BULLETIN
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VOLUME VI. Number 3 April 5, 1945
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Published every little while to keep our Co-Workers
informed of the progress, problems, and future plans
for carrying on God's work in these closing days;--
broadcasting "The WORLD TOMORROW;" publishing The
PLAIN TRUTH, and other Gospel literature. Address,
HERBERT W. ARMSTRONG, Box 111, Eugene, Oregon **
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WHAT THIS C R I S I S IN EUROPE MEANS!
As I write this BULLETIN, we have reached the final CRISIS
of the final and last battle in the European war--the Battle of
Germany! The allies have vaulted the Rhine, and are racing toward
Berlin. NINE allied armies are blitzing on thru Germany. Chaos
reigns. Germans are surrendering so rapidly the allied soldiers no
longer have time to take them, or bother with them, but instruct
them to march on toward the rear.
In telephone conversation with the chief of the Portland
bureau of the Associated Press a little while ago he told me he
expects a flash, momentarily, that it's ALL OVER in Europe. It may
have happened before this BULLETIN reaches you. Every AP reporter
is instructed to keep within constant telephonic communication--
every reporter carries definite written instructions outlining
exactly what he is to do as the news men leap into action, if and
when the flash comes.
Yet it may NOT come. It may not come at all! There may be
no "V-E" Day. The Germans may just keep on surrendering, bit by
bit, little by little, until there are no more left to surrender.
Those who know NAZIS say they will NEVER give up or surrender. For
weeks and weeks the Nazis have been transporting vast quantities of
supplies, food, ammunition, into southern Germany--in the
mountainous and wooded section surrounding Munich and
Berchtesgaden. And, since March 26, a great exodus of the very
pick of the YOUNG Nazis toward these Bavarian Alps has been under
way. Apparently these born-and-bred-Nazis plan a last ditch stand
in that region. There they might hold out indefinitely--one or
two years. There the German engineers and scientists may CONTINUE
their feverish efforts to perfect the WEAPON OF THE FUTURE--the
jet-propulsion and rocket-principle weapons, already introduced,
but not yet perfected to point of military decisiveness. The Nazis
all winter have been stalling for TIME. Time to perfect this
weapon. IF they succeed, it's possible they might turn the tables
and start blitzing on thru allied forces as if they were putty. We
COULD lose the war, yet--and that possibility remains until the
Nazis have been COMPLETELY conquered, to the last man!
Even though the allies meet the Russians in or south of
Berlin--even though all Germany gives up and is occupied by the
allies, except this region of the Bavarian Alps,--if Hitler is
still in that wooded mountainous region with a million or a half-
million fanatical young Nazi troops, and with his engineers and
scientists still working on that new weapon, then as long as they
are there, WE COULD STILL LOSE THE WAR! We shall do well to
REMEMBER that!
These are the most TENSE days of earth's history. None can
understand these events unless he understands biblical PROPHECY,
knows GOD'S PLAN, and grasps the terrific significance of these
events in the fulfilling of that Plan! There is absolutely NOTHING
that will cause millions of worldly, un-Christian people to LISTEN
to Christ's Gospel Message, and heed it, like this present world-
crisis and its connection with God's PLAN, and with the BIBLE!
Do you know that the surveys to determine radio-interest,
and which programs are most listened-to, all show that ordinary
religious broadcasts are the LEAST listened-to of all radio
programs? Do you know that this is one reason it is becoming
almost impossible for religious programs to get on the air? And do
you know that these same nation-wide check-ups, questioning
millions of people to determine radio-interest, show that NEWS
ANALYSIS is the number 1 radio interest today--even topping such
fun programs as Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Charlie McCarthy, etc.?
That's why the nation's top news analysts all draw larger salaries
than the president of the United States. That's why I was
offered, some few months ago, $2,000 per week salary--$100,000 a
year--if I would give up the ministry and conduct a daily news--
analysis program over one of the great net-works for a nationally
known sponsor, analyzing the war news with a slight occasional
mention of prophecy, and BASED on my knowledge of prophecy, though
little could be said directly concerning it, or the Bible, in the
broadcasts. The offer, of course, was instantly turned down. God
has called me to a far more important mission than selling break-
fast food by a radio broadcast and earning a huge salary!
But He has called YOU, my dear Co-Workers, to this mission,
too. And so do you really GRASP just what this great war-crisis
MEANS?
It means that this is the most important hour of earth's
history so far as OPPORTUNITY for reaching multitudes with the
GOSPEL and Christ's last WARNING MESSAGE is concerned. As the war-
crisis grows intense, more and more people will listen to this kind
of broadcast. And THAT is why "The WORLD TOMORROW" program
analyzes today's news, with the PROPHECIES of The WORLD TOMORROW!
I wonder if you grasp that this type broadcast simply lifts
our program out of the ordinary religious-program class--the class
FEWEST people listen to of ALL radio programs, according to
absolute test--and instantly places our Gospel program at the VERY
TOP of the list, as one of the MOST-listened-to programs? Did you
really ever grasp this fact before? Did you ever realize that with
just SEVEN stations--all large, powerful, important stations,
however,--we have a listening audience, as indicated by the mail-
response, of between ONE MILLION and a million and a half listeners
every week?
Our vast listening audience has DOUBLED since last Fall.
We now have an office staff of eight, including Mrs. Armstrong and
myself. And since SO MANY letters indicate that our Co-Workers
like to know all about us--even about our family, and our staff
which actively carries on this great work--the most important work
in this world--I believe I'll just tell you a little about them
here, in this BULLETIN.
We are fast outgrowing our office quarters in Eugene,
becoming very crowded and cramped for space. And just when the
need became critical, a few weeks ago, the way miraculously opened
for us to more than double our office-space, with what we feel is
just the nicest suite of offices that could be had in Eugene. We
could just see God's hand in it.
Well, since you are, so many of you, interested in knowing
more about us and this work personally, I'll tell you briefly the
story of our office from the start. This work of God was started
more than eleven years ago, on our little local radio station in
Eugene. Our expenses then were $2.50 per week. Now they are
$1,000 per week. For several months we were GIVEN office space,
then moved into a little inside room without any windows--without
sunlight or fresh air or ventilation. We could only work in the
office a few hours at a time without going out for fresh air. I
had no desk. A few old tables were loaned to us. We had an old-
fashioned Neostyle mimeograph, and an old type-writer, not much
good. With this Mrs. Armstrong and myself printed The PLAIN TRUTH
for three or four years on that old mimeograph. After two or three
years a radio listener sent us money to buy a better second-hand
mimeograph. That served us until about two or three years ago,
when we got a more modern, fully automatic machine. I used to
write the articles, design and cut the stencils and Mrs. Armstrong
ran the mimeograph hour after hour, addressed the papers all by
hand, folded, stamped, and sorted for mailing. Always before
taking the one or two armfuls of The PLAIN TRUTH to the post-
office, we knelt, laid our hands on them, and prayed over them that
they would bring blessing and salvation to those receiving them.
Today, 40,000 copies of The PLAIN TRUTH go to the post-office in
large mail sacks, taken in trucks.
Never did we complain about our little inside office room.
Rather, we thanked God for it. But we did finally begin to ask God
for an office with sunlight and fresh air. Then one day, after at
least six years in that room, my wife came in saying she had just
happened on the very kind of office we had longed for--only it was
much to big for us. How it all came about, I don't really know
even now. But I went with her to see the new offices in the IOOF
Bldg., on the 3rd floor. There was a large room the size of two
offices, and a corner private office--on the shady north-east side
of the building, overlooking a downtown park. I had never seen
offices with so much natural sunlight, and natural ventilation.
The manager of the building offered to let us use only the smaller
private office at first. Then some three months later, when we
began to need some of the additional room, we were allowed to take
it on a sliding scale, starting at small rental and raising it
gradually so we did not have to pay the full amount for six months.
The work continued to grow and expand. Soon we had to
employ a secretary, full time. Then another, and gradually the
staff has increased until there are now eight of us. Now even our
larger office became overcrowded, with desks, filing cabinets,
mimeograph, addressing machine, dictaphones and other office
equipment. And just when we came to really need it, a few weeks
ago, the building manager came to me with a plan to open up an
adjoining room, larger than the combined two rooms we had. This
room was all painted and redecorated, and the girls moved into it
two weeks ago, just HAPPY in their new quarters, feeling it now
begins to look like a real institution. Today the carpenters are
just completing the installation of new hall-ways and partitions,
dividing our former larger room into two private offices.
One of these will be occupied by Brother Gene C. Carter, a
young man from Southern Illinois, converted thru the broadcast, who
came to Oregon last summer to be baptised. We know now God has
definitely and specially called Gene to a life of active service,
to which he has consecrated himself, in whatever capacity God may
lead. He is now financial manager, and is beginning to assist me
in answering correspondence and in research and securing of factual
data for broadcasts and for articles. I have never seen a young
man develop and grow as he is doing. For years I had searched for
the right man to join me in this great work of God. Twice I felt
I had been led to the right man, but always circumstances
prevented. Now we know that when God's time came, He provided the
man He had chosen and called for this position. We now have a
total of more than 1500 square feet of office space, and we rejoice
in this growth of space and of personnel, because we have seen
God's hand so definitely in it, step by step.
Perhaps you'd like to know a little about others of our
staff. Mrs. Esther Olson is manager of the larger office. She is
a sincere and consecrated Christian woman, has been with us in our
little local church several years. Circumstances just seemed to
work out to place her in charge of the office staff, and I was
amazed at her efficiency. Then it was we learned what she never
told us before, that she had formerly been manager of an office
over 35 girls, and before that had taught school. God always
prepares those He calls for whatever service He has for them!
Assistant manager is Miss Evelyn Paeschke, a talented young
Christian girl, also in our church. Evelyn has a very beautiful
soprano voice, which is being developed. Sometimes, at church,
where she is music director, she and our daughter Beverly Gott
(whom you've heard sing in the closing theme music of the broadcast
before we changed to the male quartette) sing duets together.
Sister Olson has developed an efficient office staff. We receive
from 1,000 to 2,500 letters from every broadcast. It now takes
five large steel cabinets to hold the mailing list. Every night a
large amount of mail, carrying Gospel literature to all parts of
North America, is taken to the post-office by special truck
messenger.
WHAT LISTENERS AND CO-WORKERS ARE SAYING
When opening and reading letters that pour in from
listeners and co-workers, I often wish you could just be there in
the office, looking over my shoulder, reading and sharing with me
the interest and inspiration in these wonderful letters.
I wanted to use several pages in this BULLETIN just to
reprint interesting portions from some of these letters. But
Mrs. Olson tells me the paper shortage limits this BULLETIN to 5
pages, and here I am on page 4, so I can give you just a few.
Thousands of people over the United States are being
helped spiritually, coming into a better, deeper, fuller
understanding of God's Word, being led into a closer walk with
Him, their lives being changed as they are converted--CHANGED. I
just now happen upon a letter from California, typical of these.
This sister writes: "In accordance with your suggestion I have
been praying and studying the Bible, and as much as I have enjoyed
reading novels in the past there are none of them as interesting as
the Bible to me. God's plan is slowly being unfolded to my
bewildered mind, although it seems entirely too slow as I become
more and more inquisitive. I got so hungry to talk with someone
who has a like belief, I can hardly wait from one Sunday to the
next to hear you short sermon. I say short because I am so anxious
to understand and know God's laws and get a clear perspective of
just what my duty is in life. My children have some problems I
hope you can advise me with. I certainly hope you can get those
articles on the story of the Bible written soon." And let me add
I'm more anxious than words can express to get this big series of
articles written and printed, but it seems my time and capacity are
limited, and it is taking time.
A most interesting letter from Flagstaff, Ariz., says in
part: "Ever since I listened to your broadcast on the subject
"World of Tomorrow" I have listened attentively each Sunday night.
Your clear explanation seems to give one a greater desire to study
the Bible and become interested in it. The fact that you are
undenominational, do not attempt to play upon one's emotions, speak
with authority in the kindest, yet intelligent, sort of way, begets
confidence in what you have to say in plain language that all may
understand. All who hear your Message should have a strong and
burning desire to learn more of Him thru the intense study of His
Word now as it is daily applying to world affairs, in this terrible
struggle. I first heard your address over XELO, Mexico. Now I am
most interested in getting copies of these publications. There is
nothing in this whole world I desire more than an intelligent
knowledge, and true of course, of prophecy as it applies to world
affairs. Please, please, send me all the literature available."
I want now to give you part of a letter received last year,
most interesting, which I treasure--from a man of wide experience
and great accomplishments, who, in SPITE of this is interested in
GOD and His Word--a rare thing among men highly successful in this
world. The letter comes from his executive offices in Florida:
"It was just after midnight thru WOAI I listened to your most
interesting and convincingly practical message--so favorably
impressed I am taking this means of getting in touch with you
personally and will esteem it a great favor if you will send me
such literature as you may have to spare. I have lived all over
this world, amongst all people, a vigorous prosperous life of
intense activity--building docks, railways, arsenals in China and
Japan, mines in Malay, oil wells in Burma, dams in Africa, steel
mills in India--now as familiar with all our fighting fronts as
our local main street. Have enjoyed personal acquaintance with all
our Presidents since U. S. Grant--when I used to sit on his knee
and play with his waste-basket collecting stamps, etc., most of all
so-called royalty and potentates occidental and oriental. Made
millions and spent same as generously. I know your country, too
(Oregon). My wife drove the golden spike Pacific and Oregon Short
Line in the 80's. I am a student of human life as IS, and as
should be. The environment is overdue for marked change. I have
never lost faith in our merciful Father God. There is much to do
ahead of us. My boy (officer) on his battle-ship is doing his
part. I must be doing mine, you yours, of one mind." Just thought
you, too, would find this interesting. Yes, prophecy says we are
overdue for a MARKED CHANGE! WE HAVE MUCH TO DO!
So many women write that their unconverted husbands, who
never go to church or listen to ordinary religious broadcasts,
have become interested and listen regularly to "The WORLD
TOMORROW." Here's one I just now came across: From Missouri: "My
husband was born and raised a Catholic, but now he enjoys and
watches for your Sunday night broadcast." Usually such husbands
have never been in any church. People everywhere tell me, (that
is, those who have checked up), that most of the people listening
to The WORLD TOMORROW are those who have not been going to church.
I wonder if our Co-Workers really grasp the fact that our program
is DIFFERENT--utterly different! Just as Jesus' preaching was
different in His day on earth, so the SAME MESSAGE is "different"
today. Just as people were "ASTONISHED at His doctrine," so are
they still astonished at it today. Just as Jesus either was the
ONE true prophet and divine Son of God, or else a total imposter,
so with the SAME identical Message proclaimed over the nation on
The WORLD TOMORROW program, today! GOD CALLED US to this Mission
--your mission as well as mine! Let's press on more determined
than ever!
REPORT ON PURCHASE OF STATION, AND GOING ON XEG
My, I have close to 100 letters here before me as I write,
and I had hoped to get a large portion of them into this BULLETIN
--they are all so interesting I don't see how I can leave any out,
yet I must stop here and report on the progress of the work.
First, a fund has been started toward the PURCHASE of a
great multi-super-power station of OUR OWN in Mexico, at the border
of the United States. We hope to purchase either a station, or
equipment of one which I happen to know has been available, which
can be moved to the very best spot on the border, and it is our
plan to increase the power to 250,000 watts. That's FIVE TIMES the
power of the largest super-power stations in the United States.
Probably it would be the most powerful standard-wave broadcast
station on earth, surely the most powerful in this hemisphere.
With it we could shout God's last solemn warning to this entire
continent. It would come in like a local station everywhere.
People everywhere would hear it without static or interference, but
strongly, plainly. Our audience would be many MILLIONS. Its very
power and the Message carried would astonish the nation, attract
international ATTENTION. It would give us power to send out the
most powerful, far-reaching evangelistic campaign of all earth's
history. Surely that's the way God intends that "This Gospel of
the KINGDOM shall be preached into all he world, FOR A WITNESS unto
ALL NATIONS, and then shall the END come." We would be heard even
in the British Isles over such a great station. God opened the way
for us to purchase all facilities, and open up the station, for
$125,000. I have just had a long-distance telephone conversation
with the agents, and it appears we may now be too late for that
particular equipment--a deal is up on it, and looks like it will
be purchased. Our fund toward it, so far, is a mere few hundred
dollars. We must take this more SERIOUSLY, dear Co-Workers, and
PRAY--pray as we never did before, that God will move some one, or
a few, who have large sums of money or who have property that could
be sold to supply it, to put into this fund amounts up to $100,000
or more. It may be there is not a single person among our growing
Co-Worker family who has, or could possibly raise such a sum. BUT
ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITH GOD, and all things are possible to
us, IF WE BELIEVE! AND PRAY! We can know this is God's will.
Twice, now, He has opened the way--just waiting on SOMEONE, or
some few of large means, to supply the money. There is a station
we could have bought for $250,000, but it is fast becoming too late
to purchase that station, too, and the longer we, delay the higher
the purchase price will be. Take this seriously! PRAY!
Now as stated in the last BULLETIN I had planned on going
to Chicago, about three weeks from now, to go on the nation's most
powerful independent station DAILY for six or eight weeks,
thereafter continuing just the regular Sunday program. This would
reach a VAST audience thru Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan,
Iowa. Then the opportunity came to go on another Mexican station,
recently increased to 150,000 watts power. The time, 9:PM Central
war time Sunday nights--best time of the week--and the most
expensive. It is more than I can obligate myself to on my personal
responsibility. In the last BULLETIN I asked for pledges. Well,
many pledges have come in, but it is ONLY HALF ENOUGH. Others now
want that time. By long distance the managers have just agreed to
hold off ten more days for us. So I now ask MORE OF YOU to send in
pledges, (as God makes possible) for weekly or monthly offerings
over and above your REGULAR offerings, or tithes, for the rest of
the work in general. We MUST not let this wonderful opportunity
slip. This station would give us around an added million listeners
in Illinois, Ind., Ohio, Mich., Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey,
West Va., Ky., and Tenn., Mo., Ark., La., Miss.,Texas, Ga., and
Kansas. It would almost DOUBLE the present listening audience. It
is my personal responsibility if we start, and I cannot undertake
it without reasonable assurance of that much increase in offerings
received. Many letters have come from those states, especially
Pennsylvania and Eastern states, joyful over the prospects of
getting to hear the program PLAINLY, and earlier, on that station.
They say they get it plainly and strong. As it is now, I cannot go
on that station and also the one in Chicago, without additional
pledges. These pledges to be conditioned on your continued
ability, as God provides, of course. You would not be in any way
bound by it if circumstances change. ALSO I MUST TELL YOU WE HAVE
RUN ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS SHORT OF REGULAR EXPENSES THE PAST THREE
OR FOUR WEEKS. Even to keep the regular established work going, we
MUST now have a quick, liberal response from our faithful
co-workers! It is our solemn responsibility before God, laid on us
by HIM! We must not fail Him! Whether you can only send a dollar,
or are able to send $50, $100., or $1,000 for the work--or a
larger sum for the Mexican station--I know you'll send AT ONCE the
largest amount you can, and GOD BLESS YOU for your loyalty and
sacrifice for the GREATEST WORK ON EARTH!
-HERBERT W. ARMSTRONG
PS: Next BULLETIN will be written from San Francisco, where I
will report to you the inside facts of the United Nations
Conference. We now have a new edition of the KINGDOM series,
BIBLE STUDY QUARTERLY, suitable for home study, or for Bible class,
Free on request. WRITE TODAY!