This is the letter that Gerald Flurry sent out to his members to guilt trip them into pledging millions o dollars to him so he can buy a jet for his personal use. It is one amazing snow job in how he attempts to blackmail his members into supporting his quest to buy his his own private jet. Since it was reported some time back here that one of the reasons is that as God's personal representative on earth he should not be sitting by the unwashed masses on regular planes...or fly coach.
One of the things that all Church of God leaders do is always claim "God has told me..." in order to gain special favor with their deluded members. We see this today in Bob Thiel, Dave Pack, Rod Meredith, Gerald Weston, Ron Weinland, and many many others. Everyone of these lying crooks claim that God has told them that the end is near, BUT they need to build expensive auditoriums, dance halls, buy jets. Sadly, their deluded members will step up and give millions of dollars to finance these end time follies.
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February 3, 2017
Dear members and co-workers with Christ,
For the past year, I have been seeking God's direction on a significant project for His Work. It has become increasingly clear that we have just a few prophetic moments left before the return of Christ. Nothing is more important now than staying close to God and fulfilling His commission.
I recently wrote to you regarding the times of Jeroboam. The Old Testament prophecy found in the book of Amos gives precise details about God's activities through His Work and Satan's counterattack using prominent leaders on the secular level.
Amos 3:3 asks, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" God is communicating His thoughts and warnings to this world through this Work. And that effort will ultimately lead to this nation expelling us because they cannot handle the words of God's prophecy.
With all that in mind, I want to discuss my thoughts regarding the potential purchase of a pre owned long-range aircraft to serve this Work. Such a decision weighs heavily on my mind because taking on a project like this has long-term financial implications.
In July 2015, we contracted with Mente Group based in Dallas, Texas, to conduct an aircraft feasibility study for us. This firm specializes in consulting large businesses about the purchase of aircraft. They have provided wonderful counsel all along the way. We have done due diligence in understanding all the details about purchasing, owning and operating a private jet.
For more than 17 months now, we have monitored what we believe to be positive signs that seem to confirm this is an open door from God. For example, we have two Church members who are capable flight program managers who can assist in managing the aircraft. Hanger facilities at our local airport have recently opened as well, at a very reasonable price. Many other "signs" have reinforced in my mind that God wants us to move in this direction. But this is a big purchase, and the ongoing operational costs must be carefully considered.
We are all familiar with the Church's commission in Revelation 10:11:"And he said unto me, THOU MUST PROPHESY AGAIN BEFORE MANY PEOPLES, AND NATI0NS, AND TONGUES, AND KlNGS." Herbert Armstrong was used by God to take the gospel to the world as a witness, fulfilling Matthew 24:14. He personally met with more world leaders than any other ambassador. God taught us so much through the work He raised through this prophesied end-time Elijah (Matthew 17:10- 11). Those restored truths continue as the foundation of this Church. Part of Mr. Armstrong's commission was to take the message to world leaders. Revelation 10:11 indicates that we could and probably will meet some world leaders. This much we know for certain: We are going to impact this world and its leaders!
We just passed the 31st anniversary of Mr. Armstrong's death. It is hard to believe so many years have passed. With the urgent times we live in now, much uncertainty surrounds geopolitical affairs. Most of the leaders Mr. Armstrong met with are out of office or have died. We are in a new age-the last hour-and prophecy is being fulfilled right before our eyes.
Amos 9:11states, "In that day will I raise the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old." We have lived through the fulfillment of this prophecy! God has raised the ruins of the Work He did through Mr. Armstrong–in specific detail! That is why the Philadelphia Church of God enjoys the benefits of two college campuses, a global ministry taking care of members in 54 nations, a thriving youth program, a world-class auditorium with superior acoustics for the preforming arts and our own worship services, a television broadcast, periodicals, books and booklets. We have the original, inspired writings of Herbert Armstrong that we constantly promote. The Bible correspondence course has been taken by over 100,000 enrollees. We have elementary and high schools for our children. But most importantly, we have God's revelation that builds on the truth restored to the Church by God's Elijah. All these are restored ruins from the Philadelphia era.
There is one memorable, highly important asset that God's Work had in Mr. Armstrong's time that we don't currently have. Honestly, I didn't think we would ever need a private aircraft of our own, but God has impressed on my mind that He is thinking differently. Brethren, God is the one who is raising the ruins. God is the one who is warning this world-and is currently taking His final measurement (Amos 7:8) before destruction tears this world apart in the Great Tribulation. God is the one who gives new revelation to this Church. And that revelation takes on an increasingly important role as we are commissioned to reach world leaders before we are saved in a place of safety.
Revelation 10:11tells us that we are to GO BEFORE KINGS. And as covered in my last co-worker letter, God prophesies a meeting with Jeroboam (Amos 7).These prophecies are being fulfilled and will continue at an accelerated pace. You would be hard-pressed to find a political commentator who doesn't expect earthquake-sized geopolitical events in 2017! An aggressive Donald Trump is now president of the United States. Elections in Europe will radically shape that continent as the prophesied 10 kings of Revelation 17:12 come in line. The Daniel 8 man could come to power at virtually any time. And that is all in response to an aggressive king of the south (Daniel 11) that is about to PUSH this world into great tribulation!
If you have been watching the Key of David this past month, you will recall the programs directed at the "prince of Russia," Vladimir Putin. I also taped a program about who the modern-day Jeroboam is. THESE ARE THE STRONGEST PROGRAM I HAVE EVER TAPED. The response to these programs was strong. We are entering the time of the "Jeroboam end." Soon the land will not be able to bear our words!
l believe God is directing me to find and purchase an aircraft to serve the needs of this Work. Now I want to make sure that WE ARE ALL BEHIND THIS PROJECT. The cost to the Work is much less than the construction costs of Armstrong Auditorium. When I think about how God's people rallied around that construction project, I am inspired and filled with hope about this project.
If you recall, at the start of construction on the auditorium, we asked all of you to consider making a non-binding financial pledge. Using those pledges, we formulated a budget and a plan to pay for the construction as quickly as possible. While I am averse to carrying debt, sometimes it is necessary to move through an open door that God presents to His Work.
Thanks to your sacrifice, fundraising and consistent monthly donations to the building fund, we paid off the construction loan years ahead of schedule. Since that time, God has given us our campus in Edstone, which is also completely paid for. In addition, we just completed construction on the Dwight Armstrong Performing Arts Conservatory here on our Edmond campus. We are u sing that new facility for both the academy and the college. That beautiful building has also been paid for.
Brethren and co-workers, you have been loyal throughout the history of this Work. I am grateful for your vision and dedication to support God's efforts.
We anticipate borrowing $9 to 11million for the purchase of a quality used aircraft. Careful consideration has been invested to make sure it will meet our anticipated needs moving forward. Not only must we cover the purchase price of the plane, but we must also budget for the annual operational costs which we believe to be roughly 52 million per year.
As you can see, those are some large commitments, but I am confident God is opening this door. I pray that we are all behind this new incentive. Once again, we are asking you to make a non-binding financial pledge to this project. God would never ask us to give beyond what we are able, and never to the financial detriment of our families' fiscal needs. If you are able to make a pledge toward the aircraft fund, it should NOT compete the cost of your holy day offerings (and of course it should not impact your first tithe). We have been very grateful for building fund donations over the years. And while OUR needs won't disappear with the required maintenance of our current facilities, we will obviously have to suspend other building projects until the aircraft has been paid for. We would still be quite happy for you to contribute to the building fund, but we anticipate most special offerings now will be earmarked for the aircraft fund.
l am confident we can come together to support this endeavor. We will make a few planned adjustments to the budget, namely discontinuing some construction projects, cutting back on less-responsive broadcast station contracts and a small reduction in the number of concerts we host through the Foundation. But all of those reductions had previously been on the table. I believe God has been preparing us for this move for a number of years now.
We are also working on a few estate donations that l hope will reduce the amount of money we have to borrow. Estate donations are unpredictable, but often provide a surge in income that enables us to take on large projects like this. So far this year, estate income has been above average. We can all pray that God provides more income through this avenue. And if you are planning your estate, you might consider the needs of God's Work. That is a decision you make with God.
In closing, please let me share with you some of the different ways God's Work will use this plane. I have already planned a Personal Appearance Campaign in Chicago for May 2017. I recognize the need to visit more congregations in person this coming year. Planned visits extend outside the U.S. to Britain, Europe, Jerusalem, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Canada, the Caribbean and perhaps South America. It is not likely I can make all of those visits in 2017, but I need to and plan to travel as frequently as possible. My travel during the Feast of Tabernacles could also be more efficient and productive. I believe a private aircraft will help me be stronger physically for all this travel.
None of us can imagine Mr. Armstrong doing the Work without the aircraft God gave him. I don't believe that we will be able to fulfill our end-time commission without this plane.
Please pray about how you can commit to this exciting development in God's Work. All of us can contribute prayer and even fasting to make sure God is behind this effort. If you can help financially, please complete the enclosed pledge statement, or visit our website
http://pledge.pcog.org and complete a pledge statement there.
These pledges will help us set the budget for the coming year. They are non-binding, but we do hope that you make a realistic pledge which you can keep. Some might choose to make a one-time donation. Others might elect to support this project over time. Either way, I am grateful for your commitment to the Work of God. There is nothing to take more seriously than managing God's resources properly, so please keep me in your prayers to ensure we are walking in faith and conducting God's business responsibly.
Thank you for your continued support and faith in God's Work. This will be an exciting year ahead, please stay close to God and remember me and His Work in your daily prayers. I also continually remember you in my prayers.
With love, in Jesus's name,
Gerald Furry
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