LCG: Sciatica, Rumor Mill, Church Successor, Church Wide Fast, Humbling Ones Self, and DON'T PLAY CHURCH!

We are drawing close to the fall Holy Days time and Satan is getting angry. LCG is starting to feel his wrath by Gerald Weston being sidelined by painful sciatica and a herniated disc and busy rumor mills are already starting to spread rumors wondering who his successor will be.

Weston has seen several doctors about this and the prognosis is that it will heal in time. Gone are the days when the church taught that all illnesses in the church were a direct result of personal sin in one's life. And, that God refused to heal many due to their lack of faith. It's interesting that when Herb started getting sick this teaching swiftly went into the digestor in Big Sandy 

Also, it seems pride and haughtiness have set in in the membership of the LCG. Remember, church members can never do anything right so they now need to humble themselves on August 3 to see what's wrong with them in order to appease that incessantly angry COG god.

Oh, and apparently some LCG members are only "playing" church. Stupid members! Don't you realize that all the problems of the church and the failure of Christ returning to spank everyone's behind is all YOUR fault?

Dear Brethren,

 

Rather than allowing rumor or speculation to occur, I want to let you know about my physical condition at this time. Seven years ago, I had a bout of sciatica—a very painful condition. It lasted about three weeks and went away. It came back last September before the Feast of Tabernacles, but it improved enough for me to fly to Texas for the Feast, even though I had to stand at times due to pain while sitting. 

 

By November I was much better, and it was very manageable. However, a few weeks before the Texas Teen Camp this summer, the symptoms started coming back. Though painful, this did not prevent me from traveling to Texas to direct the camp, but I had to fly back to Charlotte on Friday to be here for Mr. Ames’ funeral. 

 

Dear brethren, even though I regrettably had to miss speaking at the funeral, I am extremely thankful to have returned to Charlotte. I was very, very blessed to be able to come back because by Sabbath it was worse, and by Sunday morning, I went to the emergency room for some relief from excruciating pain. This situation would be far more complicated for a variety of reasons if I were stuck in Texas. 

 

I have seen several doctors and the diagnosis is that it is a herniated disc causing pressure against the sciatic nerve that runs down from the buttocks, along the leg, all the way down to the foot. I am surprised how many of you have also experienced this and understand exactly what I’m talking about. While similar to past episodes, this time is far more intense. 

 

I am letting you know of this as I am a little sidelined for the moment. This is something that is temporary. It is excruciatingly painful and very unpleasant, but my doctor told me that 80 to 90 percent of people recover without surgery. 

 

Even though I don’t like focusing on my problems, I know that if I don’t say something then rumors and speculation can get started and people start worrying needlessly. It is kind of funny, but when I get a cold, a few members become anxious and wonder who is going to succeed me. Suffice it to say that there are some very fine men here at Headquarters who are thoroughly converted, strategic thinkers. The only concern I have about succession is which one is Christ’s choice. So far, He has not made that obvious, but it is encouraging to know we have men who can step in when and if needed. 

 

This is written to let you know that I may not be as visible for a few weeks. I sincerely do not like focusing on my own problems because there are brethren who are going through trials that are far, far greater than mine. Some have been going through long trials—very painful situations. And some are in end-of-life situations. So, while I appreciate your prayers, I feel unworthy of them and hope you will remember our dear brothers and sisters who may be going through much greater trials. They are precious in the sight of God the Father and Jesus Christ and must be in our eyes, too. 

 

Now may I address another subject—the upcoming fast on August 3. Sometimes people ask the question: Why are we fasting? What is the cause, purpose, or focus of the fast? Sometimes we miss the major focus of fasting, which is to draw close to God. As we read in Matthew 9:14-15, the disciples of John asked why the disciples of Jesus did not fast. Christ pointed out that since God was with them in the flesh there was no reason for them to fast, as the purpose of fasting is to draw close to God. It is very important that we recognize that we do not approach a fast from the perspective of ganging up on God to force our will upon Him. 

 

There are cases, for example with Esther, where there was a specific issue, a crisis for which to fast and cry out to God. But, as Mr. Herbert Armstrong taught, the focus should be on humbling ourselves. That is what fasting is: humbling ourselves, finding out what is wrong with us, finding out what we need to change. And while there are times where there is a specific focus, most of the time our fasts are about getting closer to God. 

 

Consider what is happening all around us. The world is in turmoil and looking for a savior. We already have three major upsets in elections. Here in the United States Mr. Biden has dropped out of the Presidential race. We had the assassination attempt on Mr. Trump. We have Mr. Macron in France who took a significant hit in the polls. I don’t understand the French system, but certainly Marine Le Pen won the greatest number of votes. Macron it appears, is still in charge, but the dynamics have changed. And, there was a major overthrow in the British government, with power returning to the Labour Party. Several other significant elections are upcoming this year. We also have members suffering serious trials. Our world is burning up in many respects and who knows where we are going to be by the end of the year. 

 

So, brethren, we need to recognize the need to draw close to God. This is a time when we must be serious. As Dr. Meredith used to admonish us, “Don’t play church!” I understand that most of you are not. Most of you are very serious and dedicated. But these are serious times, and we must grow closer to God. We need to examine ourselves, praying for God to show us how we can change as individuals and as a Church to get the message out to the world. Our focus should be on humbling ourselves, drawing close to God, being moved in light of all the things that we see in our world today. And be sure to reference Dr. Winnail’s comments on the fast. 

 

Sincerely, in Christ’s service,
Gerald E. Weston