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5 February 2010
Hello brethren,
I just mainly wanted to report this week on the death and funeral of Vince
Whalley. Vince was a member of God's Church since 2004 when he was baptized
at the Feast that year. He attended the fellowship group that met originally
at Raymond Terrace and then subsequently at East Maitland. His health had
been problematic at times over the years due to a heart complaint. But last
Feast he had to cancel his intention to attend when he was found to have
bowel cancer. Unfortunately things had progressed too far. Vince was in and
out of hospital the last few months but a week ago told his family he wanted
to come home to die. He did die in the early hours of Wednesday morning a
few minutes after his daughter arrived to join her brothers around their
dad.
Linda Garthwaite, Fay Avery and I traveled up to Muswellbrook today for the
funeral, that was well attended by Vince's family and friends. It was very
well done. I say that because the service was conducted in an Anglican
church, where some of his family members attend, with an Anglican minister
presiding. As part of the service I spoke on Vince's coming into God's
Church, his baptism and faith, mentioning a few scriptures that we had
talked about years ago when he first was called and had discovered the
Bible's teaching on the resurrection, including passages from 1 Corinthians
15. Vince had been studying the Bible since the mid 1980’s and had some
knowledge of HWA. When he came into contact with ICG through the GTA
telecast he was ready for the challenge.
The Anglican minister, who had spoken to Vince a few times in the past two
months, had obviously been impacted by Vince's belief in the resurrection
given some of his references as well. Later at the graveside service he
included recital of 1 Cor. 15:50 -54, that I had also read in my remarks.
I don't recall attending a Church of England funeral service where the
resurrection featured. In any event Vince is at rest awaiting God's call.
Since I have written elsewhere this week I'll leave comment on other topics
from this report. (see Mark Armstrong's Update).
The GTA telecast this past week on "the rapture" brought in 44 responses
with 15 new contacts and 52 program packages were requested and sent out.
This coming Sunday the GTA telecast is "All About Angels" and we offer a two
part sermon on tape, CD and DVD. We will probably include a copy of the
Bible Correspondence Course lesson on Angels as well.
Enjoy the Sabbath day.
Regards
Murray Allatt
Sydney
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