Jeff Ambrose, David C Pack's right-hand man and 2nd in charge of the Restored Church of God resigned recently. As usual, Satan is trotted out as attempting to destroy the church instead of allowing the man to finally walk with his conscience and do what was right for him and his family.
Here is the letter that the Restored Church of God sent out to its members.
Dear brethren,
Greetings from a cool and breezy Headquarters. We hope this finds all of you doing well and enjoying a profitable week.
As would be expected, trials continue to come upon God’s people to build up their faith and patience so characterized by the “poor of the flock” (Jam. 1:3; Zech. 11:11). Coming off of a most joyous and uplifting Feast, it should be no surprise that Satan would try to rob us of “our days of prosperity” (see Ecc. 7:14). In the remaining time we have until Christ returns to Earth, it is not strange that God would allow these final tests to prepare His people. Sometimes this comes upon the whole Church when a senior leader departs.
We regret to inform you that Mr. Jeff Ambrose and his family have decided to leave the Church. They bear no ill will and expressed their personal gratitude to Mr. Pack for having lived in such a beautiful place for the last couple of years.
He offered an open explanation as to why they felt they could no longer continue. In his resignation letter, Mr. Ambrose expressed that they had “a fundamental difference in belief.” He has very carefully assured us that he has no plans to attack anyone but rather desires to leave quietly and in peace. He also clearly stated that he has no intentions of starting his own group or joining any other religious organization. It appears that after a lifetime in God’s Church, he wants to leave the ministry and organized religion altogether! (Keep this in mind when you listen to Part 145 this Sabbath.)
Additionally, Mr. Ambrose stated that “fairly serious, and permanent, health problems” caused by stress as the other driver compelling him to take action. This is never a reason to leave God’s Church! No one knew the full extent of his difficulties and he never sought advice from any us—even the medical doctor who was in the office next to him.
Obviously, this is not easy news for any of us to receive. The Ambroses have been in the Church for many years and served in various facets of the Work. As we did here, we are sure you are battling the same shock of this announcement. Rest assured that everyone on our Headquarters staff, Mr. Pack and all the ministry, including all our field ministers, are doing well. Everyone understands that this has happened before and is the pattern of centuries in God’s Church. No one is shaken.
The apostle Paul—whom God used to record the identity of the Man of Sin and warn the Church for three years during his time—knew himself that we only understand prophetic events “darkly,” meaning obscure or enigma (I Cor. 13:12). In the context of this is where God explains the most important thing for all of us to build is godly love, that is keeping His commandments in order to build His character and qualify to become part of His Family (I John 5:3; Ecc. 12:13; Eph. 3:15-20). It is vital that we do not lose sight of this—the Big Picture and ultimately the end goal. Time is short and this age is growing very thin!
Remember, our “adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour” (I Pet. 5:8). Do not give him an opportunity. We should all take this announcement as an admonition to pray for one another, fellow brethren in Christ, as we near the end. We hope that we will one day see the Ambroses again in God’s Church and pray that it will be much sooner than later.
Your steadfastness and faithful service are greatly appreciated, and we are praying for you daily. Stay fervent, stand firm, be sober and watch unto prayer—our salvation is sooner than we thought.
Mr. Pack will add additional comments and context throughout the sermon given at Headquarters this Sabbath (heard on November 3). In the meantime, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your local minister.
In Christ’s service,
Brad Schleifer and Greg Kaidannek
