History
OVERVIEW
Since 1970, by the LORD'S Grace, through the generosity of the brethren, the Divine Plan Foundation has been able to assist
ecclesias in various witnessing and publishing activities—bringing forth fruitage. Through the years the Foundation
helped initiate and fund such activities as:
The Bible Student Newsletter (Dayton/Miami Valley*)
The Radio and Television work (Fort Worth*)
Printing in English and foreign languages:
Fort Worth
New Brunswick
Oakland County
Piqua
Preparing the Volumes on Cassette Tape
Japanese Work
Pyramid Production project (Columbus, OH)
Tabernacle Shadows (New Brunswick)
Russian language Volumes (New Brunswick)
Tracts in Russian (Oakland County)
Booklets in Romanian (Oakland County)
Comfort to Israel (ABSCO)
"Israel: Appointment with Destiny" production
Assisted both ecclesias and individuals:
Showings of "The Messiah" video
Showings of "For This Cause" multimedia production
Preparation of the Seklemian Lessons (Piqua)
*Eventually sponsored independently by ecclesias
With the coming of free religious assembly and activity in Romania, the Foundation also provided printing equipment and assistance
for the acquisition of a meeting hall for brethren in Romania. In more recent years, support has been made available for public
witness efforts of individuals and ecclesias, such as, the Hope (IN) Ecclesia with funding for the "Black Expo" in Indianapolis
— as well as providing assistance to the Oakland County Bible Students in their support of the witnessing work in India.
More recently, the Foundation has responded to the need for assistance created by the "Internet Key-Word Advertising" carried on
by the Associated Bible Students of Central Ohio (ABSCO). Their effort has led to an overwhelming demand for mailing literature
to thousands of people each month.
More than a quarter of a million dollars has been donated and distributed to promote the Harvest Truth. The Foundation would be
pleased to hear from ecclesias which are contemplating Harvest Truth projects or witness activities and are in need of some
financial support. The ability of the Divine Plan Foundation to continue these efforts to distribute assistance depends upon the
awareness of the Foundation's function, and availability of funds to meet needed assistance. Since the Foundation is recognized
by the IRS as a non-profit organization, it will provide the appropriate documentation for tax exempt donations as well as
information which may be needed to make bequests to continue this work.
DETAILS
Bible Students Newsletter — Vol. 1, No. 3 — 1972
DIVINE PLAN FOUNDATION
This report comes to you as a result of many inquiries about the Lord's work in Japan. Several brethren have indicated that both they, and others in their classes would like to know what activity is engaged in.
The present, effort of the brethren to preach the Gospel in Japan is a direct result of Brother Russell's efforts there in 1909 and after. There were public meetings and many tracts placed there, as well as several classes begun. Little has been heard of the brethren of that time, especially since 1924. In September 1967, Brother Robert Alexander was sent to Japan on business for his employer. Believing that his primary purpose there was for the Lord, he inquired about people's faith and investigated some of the possibilities of a harvest witness effort there. He also discovered that less than 1/3 of 1% of the Japanese population profess Christianity. Returning to the United States and the Antioch, California, Convention he mentioned to the Convention his experiences and what he had learned. Some of the brethren were very interested in determining the Lord's direction of a possible work there. As a result of prayer and meditation, the small group of brethren interested in pursuing the opportunities in Japan decided in February, 1968, to write three one-half hour radio programs for translation into Japanese and broadcast in Japan. These were prepared just about the time the stations in Japan decided they would no longer accept a series of less than thirteen programs. Again seeking the Lord's direction, the brethren decided that the best thing to do was to complete ten more half-hour programs. The full thirteen programs describe God's Plan in an overview.
By the Lord's overruling providence a native Japanese Christian minister was located. He was both happy to learn of the Truth and translate the program scripts.
As plans became more definite it was decided to make the scripts of the Japanese-language programs available as booklets, to be given free to interested listeners. There were 10,000 of each of the thirteen programs printed as booklets.
The interested brethren decided to incorporate as a non-profit corporation in California for two reasons: 1) to enter into international contracts; and 2) to provide the benefits accruing to a non-profit corporation, such as tax relief for contributions to the work.
In April, 1971, the half-hour programs began broadcasting in Tokyo. They continued for 26 weeks. (The series of 13 were rebroadcast to complete the 26 weeks.) At the end of the 26 weeks there were almost 900 responses requesting booklets. Some listeners were quite interested. Some wanted several copies of the booklets to give to friends. And a few ministers wanted many copies of some of the booklets to be used in their congregations.
As a result of the interest in the programs, Brothers Arthur Newell and Carl Hagensick went to Japan in July 1971, to do follow-up work, including 2 public talks through an interpreter. They returned with reports of sincere interest. Brethren believed that the Lord's will was to continue our activity there. Twenty-six programs, 15 min. each, were authorized and prepared, and their broadcasting began in October, 1971. continuing through April, 1972, in Tokyo. Presently, 26 more programs are being considered.
Brother Homer and Sister Grace Hamlin have gone to Japan to continue follow-up work and start study classes. Their efforts have been richly blessed.
The Lord blessed the efforts of some brethren in Connecticut in securing a copy of the First Volume in Japanese, Though translated in Brother Russell's day and somewhat out of date with the current Japanese language, it is helpful as a basis for reprinting into Japanese using current character forms. It will be a valuable tool in helping to do Harvest work in Japan. More than one listener has mentioned to the Hamlins that they had read the First Volume more than 50 years ago.
Bible Students Newsletter — Vol. 2, No. 2 — 1973
DIVINE PLAN FOUNDATION
A letter from the Foundation April 21, 1973 reports that 103,400 newsprint editions of the First Volume have been mailed, and 60,000 more are being printed to go out in the near future.
The work is done by a direct mail service in Dallas, Texas at a cost of $130.50 per thousand including the cost of the magazines. Addresses for the mailings can be supplied by the service or by the brethren who wish to prepare labels for their areas. For information write: Divine Plan Foundation, P.O. Box 1679, Los Gatos, Calif. 95030
Bible Students Newsletter — Vol. 3, No. 2 — 1974
DIVINE PLAN FOUNDATION
A communication from the Secretary of the Divine Plan Foundation given below, includes a special report on the work in Japan, and points up the fulfillment of the Lord's promise to "give the increase" to all who labor in the Harvest:
Members of the Foundation desire to express appreciation to the Newsletter for enclosing the Divine Plan Foundation story with the last issue. It is believed that the story was informative to many brethren as it was intended to outline certain features of present Harvest work.
In the story three particular fields of service were highlighted: the continuing ministry to Japan; the First Volume bulk mailings; the participation with the Fort Worth Ecclesia in maintaining the Divine Plan Radio Program on 60 or more stations. We will comment on each of these services with added news since the last report.
Brother and Sister Homer Hamlin have returned from their third trip to Japan. Following is the main portion of Brother Hamlin's report to the Foundation's members dated April 9, 1974:
"Dear Brethren: Greetings in the Lord from your brethren in Japan! We are pleased to bring to you the love of Japanese brethren in Tokyo, Murakami and Kyushu. The interest in the Truth continues, and we believe it is accurate to say that more than 70 Japanese are continuing to show interest in the Truth.
"During our three weeks stay in Japan, we did the following: held Saturday and Sunday meetings for three consecutive weeks with the Tokyo class; traveled by train to Kyushu to meet Bro. Yoshitomi and several young people who are interested in the Truth; traveled north to Murakami with June and Yutaka, and held a Bible Study with 11 members of the church there. We traveled by bus to visit 76 year-old Sister Hideko Nakayama, who wonders why God has allowed her to be the only Christian in Ohsuda, a mountain village of 300 people. She feels God has chosen her to have eternal life. She asked about the Holy Spirit and the 1,000 years. We told her that in the next age she could understand and help her Buddhist friends and relatives better than anyone else.
"Our evaluation of the Japanese program is that the results have been better than expected and certainly justify our continued efforts. Let us tell you what the brethren have to say:
" 'Dear my Great Big Brother & Sister Hamlin: thank you very much for your kind leading and encouragement for us while you were here. In spite of short time, you did a lot of things. The people in Tokyo class are really seeking the Truth. If you do not come back to Japan, we will be lost sheep. From your tiny little June (Kamada).'
" 'Japan is now said one of the most economically advanced countries. Speaking of religious situation of them it is quite desert. They more need the words of God than people in Africa and Polynesian countries. So please keep on witnessing work in this area. Here, there are 45 churches. True Gospel, alive Christ, true words of God, have not been preached in them. I feel now is the time to witness the Divine Plan. Please take care of this area, Kyushu, for it. Please remember they are starving for the Word of God. Bro. Yoshitomi.'
" 'Thanks for your visiting Japan, and please give my kindest regards to members of your Bible Students of all. Please pray for our group and our works in Japan, more. May the Lord bless your Bible Students in your studies. Your brethren by His name, Yutaka Takahashi.'
" '... never before have we had such detailed study of Bible — and so accurate. Thank God for sending Hamlinsan to Japan. Prayer in Japanese. Tadasi lshikawa.'
"After consulting with Mr. Yamamoto of our public relations firm, and learning that the only radio time available on Sundays would be prior to 5:45 in the morning, and that daily newspaper ads in major papers for about 2 inch space would cost from $500 to $1,000 per day, we concluded that further investigation of these media would be useless. Arrangements were then made to run four consecutive ads in the weekly Asahi Journal, and three consecutive monthly ads in the Life Care magazine, offering the Japanese Divine Plan of the Ages free. Radio booklets will be included as a bonus. (This cost will be about $1,200.) Bro. Yoshitomi can use the remaining inventory of volumes and booklets — he gave us a list of 58 persons who are interested in the Truth on the Island of Kyushu.
"We believe that the primary need in Japan is for the building up and encouragement of those who have responded to the witness and continuing a personal witness work.
"Brother Homer Hamlin."
First Volume Mailing — In our March report we stated that over 323,000 volumes have been mailed through the Foundation. This does not include the direct mailings from Fort Worth, Texas and it is believed that the combined total would exceed 500,000. Since the March report, another 50,000 volumes have been ordered from the printing firm and of these 39,000 will be mailed as requested by brethren. It is remarkable how the Lord has directed all the details of this service — even with rising costs we can mail a volume for about 13-1/2 cents ($135. per thousand). This service is still available for brethren who may desire a witness for their town or area.
In our report of participation with the Forth Worth Ecclesia for support of the radio programs we failed to properly acknowledge the financial assistance provided by many classes and individual brethren for the work of the Foundation over the years. We know that our Returned Lord is directing the work of His Harvest and each consecrated saint desires to work with the Master in the remaining hours of the Harvest Day. Surely it has been many hands and many hearts working together that permitted a witness in Japan, a radio message of Present Truth now over 70 stations, and the opportunity of many thousands to read the wonderful pages of the Divine Plan of the Ages. As pointed out to us in a recent letter, Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 may still direct our steps.
Bible Students Newsletter — Vol. 3, No. 3 — 1974
DIVINE PLAN FOUNDATION
Following is a report of the Foundation's annual meeting, and statement of its doctrinal standard submitted by its Secretary:
"During the days of the Fort Collins convention the Divine Plan Foundation held its annual membership and Trustee meeting. In previous Newsletters some details of the Foundation were covered. The brethren may enjoy this additional report.
It has been stated the purpose of the Foundation is to engage in Harvest activities that an ecclesia may not be able to assume.
The annual meeting requires that one third of its members be voted upon. This permits a review of these members as to their continued fidelity to the high doctrinal standard. It is believed that any message brethren may prepare for either public or class presentation should be fully in harmony with the full text of the writings of Brother Russell. Any less standard than this will eventually lead to false teachings and will do great harm to those accepting them.
The following is the doctrinal standard of the Foundation:
The members of the Foundation shall be consecrated to the Lord and give evidence of spirit begettal and personal conduct consistant therewith. They shall support, believe, and teach the doctrines of the Bible as explained in the six (6) volumes of Studies in the Scriptures (including their Oct. 1, 1916 Forewords, and the total statement of the Truth stated in the reprints of Watch Towers from 1879 thru 1916, and the Tabernacle Shadows as follows:
1. That the Returned Lord, through Brother Russell,brought forth "meat in due season" and that these truths are essentially set forth in the six volumes of Studies in the Scriptures, Tabernacle Shadows, and the Reprints through 1916.
2. That our Lord, according to His promise, returned as a King in 1874 at which time He began His reign; thesetting up of His Kingdom; binding Satan; the first work of the times of restitution; the early stages of the work of Jubilee; and about 1878 the resurrection of the sleeping saints.
3. That the bullock of Leviticus 16 was typical of the humanity of the Lord Jesus and the goat was typical of the humanity of the true church and these, jointly sacrificing, comprise the sin-offering.
4. That the Christ — our Lord and His Body members — comprise the Mediator of the New Covenant, and that this covenant is the instrument which God will use to take away ungodliness from Jacob (Israel) first and eventually all mankind that are obedient to the law of that Covenant.
5. That the natural house of Israel will comprise the earthly seed of Abraham and will be the prophetic people through which the Ancient Worthies will work to establish peace and authority in the earth.
6. That the commission of Jesus to His disciples; "Go ye and teach all nations", "and this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations" is still incumbent upon all His footstep followers to the extent of their ability.
In the Spring issue of the Newsletter a total membership of 31 members was listed. The following brethren have been added: Bros. Gene Burns, Mike Gowryluk and Rodney Hugelman. Each year the Trustees are voted upon. They are R. Alexander, C. Hagensick, H. Hamlin, O. Kindig, L. Kirkham, E. Lorenz, R. Seklemian, A. Sheppelbaum, G. Tabac, K. Rawson, G. Rice and G. Wilmott. The Trustees then elected the following officers: Bros. L. Kirkham, Chairman; K. Rawson, President; E. Lorenz, Secretary/Treasurer; R. Alexander, First Vice President; and G. Rice, Second Vice President. The work of the past year by the Foundation was reviewed. The ministry to Japan continues. The success of recent magazine advertising in Japan has exhausted the supply of Japanese First Volumes. Plans to replenish the volumes were approved.
When the work began in Japan it was necessary to engage the service of an agency for follow up work. Now brethren of the Tokyo class have assumed this privilege. This represents growth in the Truth.
Brother and Sister Homer Hamlin will make their fourth trip to Japan in September for a stay of several months. In November, Brother and Sister Owen Kindig will spend a month there to enlarge the work and deepen the knowledge and faith of the brethren. These brethren solicit your prayers.
The overseas witness work will be expanded by the use of Radio Luxembourg beginning October 1, 1974. The Divine Plan Program in English will be broadcast each Tuesday evening at 8 o'clock. This station covers Europe, the British Isles and Russia. Our contract is for thirteen-week intervals, to continue as long as the Lord directs and it can be financially supported.
A previous report stated that the Foundation has assisted the Fort Worth Ecclesia in maintaining financially some 70 radio stations.
Since last October the Foundation has provided $27,384 in support of the Divine Plan Program. This work, like all work of the Foundation is dependent upon the Lord's blessings and the necessary support of the brethren. Many hands and hearts have shared in this privilege.
During the days of Brother Russell, newspapers carried his sermons across the country and in other lands. If the Lord wills a syndicated news column of truth may result from a present effort.
There is a need for additional television programs projecting a full clear message of Truth. A committee for this project was selected.
It is clearly evident that none of these objectives or plans can be reached without the blessing of the Lord. We do seek your prayers toward that end and do appreciate your continued share and interest in the work of the Harvest.
Bible Students Newsletter — Vol. 3, No. 4 — 1974
DIVINE PLAN FOUNDATION
A Report on the Japanese Work!
As a result of the initial Divine Plan Foundation activities and particularly the continued trips of Brother and Sister Homer Hamlin, the Lord has blessed some in Japan with a knowledge of the Divine Plan of the Ages. Among these are those who give evidence of God's leadings in their lives and a few who manifest the fruits and graces of the holy spirit in love and knowledge. As the harvest of the gospel age draws swiftly to a close, the gleaning of one here and one there rejoices our hearts, though the numbers be limited in relation to the harvest work in the past. In this regard the situation in Japan is very much like the situation in our country. A major part of the Hamlins' activities involve watering the increase of the Lord. Also, as here, there are testings and siftings. The Lord's arrangements are the same everywhere.* While the fruitage is not great in numbers, we consider the work in Japan to be an important work since the Lord has led us there. Brother and Sister Hamlin and the Foundation ask an interest in your prayers for the Japanese work.
*The following letters directly from Brother and Sister Hamlin indicate this.
September 24-27, 1974 Murakami Trip
On September 24, Junko, Grace and I went by train to Murakami to visit the only Christian church in that city of 30,000. The electric train was quiet and fast, making the 235 miles from Tokyo in a little less than 5 hours. The route crosses over the central mountains and then northward along the Sea of Japan, with scenery very similar to crossing the Cascade Mountains in Washington.
About 10 of the 30 members of the church in Murakami have shown an interest in the Truth sufficient to read through the Divine Plan of the Ages, and the others have varying degrees of interest. We were privileged to lead a study on God's Plan for All People on the 25th, attended by 10 members including Reverend Sekihara and the 3 of us. Among those attending was little Sister Hideko Nakayama who is the only Christian in her village of Ohsuda, some 20 miles away.
We later had a private discussion with Reverend Sekihara. He attended Bible School for 5 years and, of course, was taught the trinity, that Jesus is God, and that the return of Jesus will be in a visible body with the literal sound of a trumpet, etc. Nevertheless, he is prepared to listen to our message and is open-minded, having recently come to understand what our message actually says. At his request, we will send him a study on the chronology of our Lord's return and the end of the Gentile times. They are very anxious to have us bring Brother and Sister Kindig to Murakami, which we are scheduling for November 11-14.
We were put in a Japanese Hotel in downtown Murakami as guests of Mr. and Mrs. Togashi who have been extremely kind to us. Mrs. Togashi (I think Sister is appropriate) is an excellent Bible student and we have had several profitable studies with her through Junko as interpreter. Her comments and questions indicate a sound knowledge of Scripture. The spirit of love manifested by all in Murakami is very beautiful to experience.
Our little Tokyo group is now smaller due to the moving of Tetsuo and Shigeo away from our area. Junko, Yutaka and Mr. Isikawa are doing a great deal for the truth in sending out Volumes and booklets, translating lessons, etc. Recently, Mr. Isikawa said, "Since attending your Bible study I have had power of living, hope and courage from you."
October 12, 1974 Kyushu Trip>
Greetings in the name of our reigning Lord.
Have just returned from a 5 day trip to the city of Tosu in Kyushu (Southwest Japan, 600 miles and 14 hours by train from Tokyo) where Reverend Yoshitomi lives. The day after we arrived we had a meeting with 12 young people which lasted for 3 hours. Later, after dinner, 5 of the young men, all college students, came to our hotel for another session and returned again the next night. They all belong to a young Buddhist organization, but have become interested in Christianity through Reverend Yoshitomi. They asked that I direct them in studying the Bible, and are going to meet with us next month when the Kindigs are here. There were two other groups who came to see us, 10 boys of high school age and several nurses, but we missed them due to other commitments.
Reverend Yoshitomi is planning a meeting in Hita, 60 miles from Tosu, when we go back with the Kindigs next month, and has invited some ministers, a doctor and others.
October 31, 1974
The Tokyo Class is meeting each Sunday. We are currently studying Bible chronology, including the Lord's second presence and the end of the Gentile times. These studies have proved to be very interesting to those here, so we have sent the lessons along with chronology charts to Murakami and to Reverend Yoshitomi in Kyushu. Those who attend here are Junko, Yutaka, Mr. Isikawa and his son, and Takako. Three others who used to meet with us have moved away including Tetsuo.
There have been both encouraging and discouraging happenings in the last week. On Monday, October 28, I traveled alone to Kobe (300 miles west of Tokyo) to meet with Tetsuo who is attending a Bible college there since April. We firmly believe that the Lord's providence directed us to Japan in March so that we could talk to Tetsuo before he enrolled and explain to him that there would be differences in the teachings there compared to what he had learned in studying the Truth. I spent a wonderful day with him and was pleased that he had not been indoctrinated with hell fire and the trinity. The school emphasis, he said, is on "holiness" and the second coming. They study the Bible every day and are taught that the main thing is to "believe." I explained that to be a consecrated member of the body of Christ requires much more than just "believing." That we must study to show ourselves approved unto God and to understand God's plan for blessing all the families of the earth. Tetsuo said that they had weekly prayer meeting, and that they would pray for us and for our witness in Japan. We talked all day, and I emphasized to him the importance of the ransom which is the foundation of our faith and belief. Before we parted, Tetsuo asked me what he should do to serve the Lord and to help others. I suggested that he study the Bible in connection with the Six Volumes in order to come to a sound knowledge of the plan and especially the ransom. He then asked that we pray together, he first in Japanese, and then me, in English. I can only say that I have rarely met anyone with such a loving spirit and such a sincere desire to serve the Lord. As I told Sister Grace, "For this experience with Tetsuo, I would have gladly walked the 300 miles in each direction."
On Thursday afternoon, Sister Junko came with some discouraging letters. First, Mr. Takemoto, an English instructor from Kumamoto (near Tosu, Kyushu), who had volunteered to translate the fifth chapter of Volume 2, returned the text with a note that he was too busy to do the work and could find no one else to do it. Since the other possibilities were checked out by me personally, and rejected, this project is out for the time being.
Next was a letter from Reverend Sekihara of Murakami stating that we would not have a meeting in his church on our next visit when the Kindigs are here in November. However, Junko called Mrs. Togashi who said that there would be a meeting at her home. As we sat there feeling discouraged, Junko said, "But I told Mrs. Togashi that we should not be discouraged; we should be stronger in the truth from experiences like this.!!!"
We think that we are getting an indication here. In the past 3 years we have had radio programs, ads in religious magazines, card mailing, reprinting of the First Volume, meetings in Tokyo, Murakami and Kyushu, and ads in popular magazines. Only recently have we distributed most of our Japanese First Volumes. From present indications, there is a sorting process going on among the very few who have been called. Those for whom we ask your special prayers here in Japan are Junko, Yutaka, Tetsuo, Mr. Isikawa, Mrs. Nakayama, Mrs. Togashi, Takako and Reverend Yoshitomi.
We are impatiently waiting for the arrival of Brother Owen and Sister Peg Kindig on November 6. What a joy it will be for us to have their company and fellowship!
May the Lord richly bless you all in your walk up the narrow but joyous way.
Brother and Sister Hamlin
Divine Plan Foundation
November 15, 1974 Zushi, Japan
"Dear Brother Raffel:
"Greetings in the name of our reigning Lord! We are rejoicing in the fellowship of Brother and Sister Kindig, who are with us in Japan for three weeks. They are responding well to the different conditions here i.e. sleeping on the floor, very little heat, and mosquitos who don't seem to know that they should give up when the weather gets cold.
"We forgot one item in our report to Brother Kirkham: the apparent reason for Rev. Sekihara's action, was that he was 'shocked' at our discussion of the Holy Spirit, because he considers the trinity a very important doctrine, AND, he cannot accept a literal interpretation of the O.T. chronology; believing that man is much older than indicated in the chronology of the Bible! He had asked me for scriptural proof that our Lord returned in 1874.
"One more item of interest: The Kindigs, Junko, and ourselves, went to Murakami on November 11. We had a two hour study session with Mrs. Togashi, Mrs. Hoshii, and Miss Tada, primarily on Romans, which is Mrs. Togashi's favorite Book, and Brother Kindig's special knowledge. In the meantime, the Japanese Railway Union announced a strike* for three days, from Nov. 13-15. Then Junko called Rev. Sekihara to see if he would meet with us; he refused. So, rather than remain in Murakami for three days, at considerable expense, we came home on one of the last trains before the strike was to start, arriving here at 11:30 p.m. on the 12th.
"The next day at the Post Office, a young lady (Japanese) offered to help Grace and the Kindigs in obtaining stamps, since she spoke good English. Sister Hamlin invited her to our home, after Brother Kindig discovered that she had studied for two years in the U.S.A., and was interested in religion. Yesterday, Yukiko came at 10:30 a.m. and stayed for four hours discussing the Truth with us. It seems as though the Lord overruled all of our affairs, so that we would meet Yukiko. We expect that she will return, and we are beginning to wonder if we will really be home for Christmas.
"We sincerely appreciate your service to the Truth and the brethren, with the Newsletter; we know it is a considerable effort on your part.
"Christian greetings in the Lord from Brother and Sister Kindig, and Brother and Sister Hamlin.
"Brother Homer
"*The strike was called off before midnight on the 12th!"
Bible Students Newsletter — Vol. 4, No. 1 — 1975
DIVINE PLAN FOUNDATION
After reviewing the results of the radio and TV work with which the Foundation has had the privilege of cooperating, committees have been formed to initiate pilot projects; to evaluate the witness activities of the brethren throughout the country, the material available, and produce new material where desirable. These projects have been approved and the following is a brief report of each.
Radio Committee Project
A series of thirteen new radio programs with a dialogue format will be produced. A number of brethren are being auditioned to assure voice quality for the programs. Broadcast time will be purchased throughout the country.
Television Committee Project
Available TV programs were reviewed and thirteen color tapes selected from the programs produced by the Fort Worth and Chicago ecclesias. One new TV tape will be produced for this pilot project. Placement of the programs will be through Modern Talking Pictures Service.
Four 16mm color films will be produced for public meetings. The old style, speaker-type meeting generally draws poorly. Whenever films have been used the public attendance has increased appreciably. But a film that is primarily a lecture, defeats the purpose. These four films will be suitable for public meetings.
Magazine Ad Committee Project
Editorial ads have proven to be an effective means of witnessing, and the cost per response is the lowest in mass media advertising. The committee is negotiating for an ad in the Reader's Digest, but the details could not be confirmed in time for this issue of the Newsletter.
Booklet and Tract Committee Project
A number of new booklets and tracts are in production.
Brethren of the Divine Plan Foundation believe the emphasis should be on the ecclesia. The committees will seek classes that are willing to cooperate with them, and only class names and addresses (not the Foundation's name) will be used in these projects. We invite your prayers and cooperation that together we might fulfill the mission of the feet of Christ as given us in Isaiah 52:7.
Bible Students Newsletter — Vol. 5, No. 1 — 1976
DIVINE PLAN FOUNDATION
The following is the Semi-Annual report of the Divine
Plan Foundation, submitted by Brother David Doran,
Secretary-Treasurer:
"Beloved Brethren, coworkers with the Lord,
"This notice has as its purpose the distribution of a little information concerning the work of the Divine Plan Foundation. Many brethren have asked concerning our purpose and projects, and we wish to keep any informed who may wish to be informed.
"It is the purpose and practice of the Divine Plan Foundation to engage in witness work activities normally beyond the ability of an individual ecclesia and, when requested, to subsidize individual ecclesia witness efforts. It is a principle of the Foundation not to violate, but rather to encourage, the divinely appointed autonomy and superiority of the ecclesia arrangement.
"At present, Foundation projects include: (1) The preparation and distribution of television films; (2) The subsidizing of the Fort Worth Ecclesia's "Divine Plan Program;" (3) The work of strengthening our few brethren in Japan by engaging with them in fellowship, in studies of the harvest truths, in literature preparation, and in the Japanese witness effort; (4) The broadcasting of the "Divine Plan Program" in China (Taiwan), Western Samoa, Ceylon, Isle of Man, and Indonesia; (5) The support of the Jackson, Michigan Ecclesia in nationwide magazine advertising.
"We have other suggested projects which must yet await the Lord's opening. These include the possibility of nationally syndicated newspaper columns and a pilgrim service.
"If your ecclesia would care to participate in any of these works, the Foundation would prefer to see them handled by an ecclesia. Some can be handled more easily than others. Some could be handled by two or three small ecclesias working together. Note, for instance, the per-week cost of the foreign radio broadcasts:
LOCATION:
PER WEEK:
Western Samoa
$15.00
Ceylon (reaches well into India)
33.86
Isle of Man (British Isles)
17.80
& 8% tax
China (Taiwan—reaches into
Mainland China and includes
the whole 7 station network)50.00
Indonesia
35.00
"These are within the budget of several ecclesias. If you wish to sponsor such a program, the Divine Plan Foundation will transfer it to you if you so request.
"We encourage you to investigate free radio program time in your own localities. It is very simple to inquire regarding available time. Take an audition tape (which we or Brother Wilmott can supply), and call on the Program Manager of the station. Inquire about public service time the station has available, offering the audition tape. You may be more successful than you would suppose, and you will be increasing your work of spreading the Gospel of the Kingdom.
"If you have ideas for projects which your ecclesia cannot handle, the Foundation would be happy to consider them or to help in finding an ecclesia which could handle the project.
"Attached is a financial statement so that you may see the monetary disbursements of the Foundation in recent months.
"Should you wish to be on a regular mailing list from the Foundation, please write us indicating that desire, and let us know if we may be of help to your ecclesia in any manner.
Your brethren in the Holy service,
Divine Plan Foundation
SemiAnnual Financial Statement
July 1, 1975 through January 1, 1976
Total Funds on hand July 1, 1975
$15,631.82
Income for period:
Donations:
$11,426.25
Interest:
170.03
Total:
$11,596.28
Total Funds available through
January 1, 1976
$27,228.10
Expenses for period:
Postal
$83.73
Copies
54.25
Foreign Radio
1,224.97
U.S. Radio Support
3,000.00
T.V. Work
3,456.38
Supplies
23.39
Japan Work
8,657.84
Lost to Canadian donation
exchange rate
10.92
Total:
$16,511.48
Total Funds available on
January 1, 1975
$10,716.62
Bible Students Newsletter — Vol. 9, No. 1 — 1980
DIVINE PLAN FOUNDATION
"Inspirational Syndicate"
A national newspaper witness effort entitled, "Inspirational Features Syndicate" is being promoted by a committee of the Divine Plan Foundation. It is not a campaign of costly advertising, but an offer of brief articles to newspapers for use as column fillers. Syndicated material cannot include an offer of literature or name of sponsor, but interested persons could contact the newspaper for an address.
Approximately 3,000 introductory letters including a sample article on the Iran crisis have been mailed to religious editors of newspapers in the United States, and requests are beginning to come in from editors.
A catalog of sample articles is available to brethren who may wish to contact their local newspaper. For information write or call: Lauren Stewart, 46 Millfield Avenue, Westerville, Ohio 43081. Phone: (614) 890-1814.
Note samples following:
Bible Students Newsletter — Vol. 24, No. 3 — 1995
DIVINE PLAN FOUNDATION
Divine Plan Foundation Celebrates
25 Years of Witness Activity
It seems hard to believe that the Foundation has been about the business of assisting in the spread of the Harvest Message for the past 25 years. Begun in 1970, many opportunities of service have been helped by and through the brethren worldwide. Many rich blessings have been given and received.
Those blessings continue with a number of projects currently being carried out by various ecclesias. A few of those projects include the following:
• The Ministry to Japan
• The Witness to Israel
• First Volume Mailings
• Volume Translations
• The Romanian Work
• Large Print Volumes
The Foundation is interested in your ideas for witness work. We believe that there may be a number of ecclesias and individuals interested in particiapting in this endeavor. A list of these ideas may be compiled and published in a later Newsletter. Perhaps there will be one that you as an ecclesia or individually may want to sponsor and support. Please send your thoughts and ideas to Br. Allon MacAlister, 46 Paradise Rd., East Amhurst, NY 14051.
Additional information and a report will appear in a later issue.
Bible Students Newsletter
Vol. 27, No. Special Supplement
DIVINE PLAN FOUNDATION
The Divine Plan Foundation
A Short History
by Br. Edward Lorenz
It all began in 1969 as a result of the late Br. Robert Alexander, then of Palo Alto, California, being sent by his employer IBM on a special assignment to Japan. While there he noticed that many of the Japanese were reading books printed in English. He thought it would be great if they had Truth material to read. He recalled that in the days of Br. Russell there was a large class with several elders in Japan. He thought that some of those families might still be found. When he returned to the States he brought up the matter at a California convention. As a result, several of the brethren said they would work with him. I was among them.
Contact was made with a radio station in Japan and it was learned that they would deal only with a corporation, and that no less than a series of thirteen programs in Japanese would be acceptable. Nine brethren came together to work out a plan. The result was the present Divine Plan Foundation. Brs. Gilbert Rice, Bob Alexander and I filed to obtain a corporation status which was granted in March 1970 by the State of California. Then a Federal tax exemption from the IRS was obtained on July 13, 1970, making donations to the Foundation deductible for tax purposes. The State of California followed shortly with its tax exemption status.
A strong doctrinal statement of position, in harmony with the Harvest Truth, prepared by Brs. Alexander, Rice and Lorenz is included in the Articles of Incorporation. The Foundation today has fifteen voting members: of these Br. Alton MacAlister is President, Br. Lauren Stewart is Vice-President, and Br. Edward Lorenz Secretary-Treasurer [until his death on April 14, 1998].
With all the legal requirements in place the Foundation could begin the work in Japan. Br. Robert Seklemian prepared thirteen programs for our radio broadcast. Br. Gilbert Rice found two Japanese ministers in San Diego who translated the programs into Japanese. When Br. Alexander contacted the broadcasting company he found that the rate was very high because each broadcast covered the entire country of Japan. As a result of these broadcasts a Japanese minister contacted the few brethren in Japan, and read the First Volume that had been printed in the Japanese language. Br. Ishikawa consecrated, met with the little class and remained in the Truth until his death a few years later.
Sr. Junko Kamada was another one drawn to the Lord who raised her up for the work of translating several of the Volumes into Japanese. She has continued her consecrated walk faithfully laboring incessantly in the work of translating the Harvest Message.
With the start of this little class, some brethren from the States began serving it. Br. Owen and Sr. Peg Kindig made six trips to Japan over two and a half-years. Br. Homer and Sr. Grace Hamlin also made six trips in two years time. Sr. Mary Jane Burns, Brs. Richard Doctor and Robert Davis served there for a period of four months. All of these were supported by the Foundation.
Other Foundation Grants
The Divine Plan Foundation has assisted numerous classes that requested funds for class activities: printing tracts, certain books, or planning public meetings, all were helped when all factors were considered. The Winnipeg Ecclesia had a need when they undertook the printing of the Volumes in foreign languages.
Then there was the special project of Br. Kenneth Rawson's video Israel: Appointment with Destiny.
Many brethren will recall receiving the sermons of Br. Seklemian printed by the Piqua Bible Students [now Miami Valley Bible Students].
Another great need for Foundation funds was the plight of 150 brethren in Cluj, Romania who had no meeting place. A suitable building was for sale, but they had no funds. The Foundation was called upon and its treasurer arranged through his bank to transfer $9,500 to Br. Gruhn in Paris to be paid him in cash (U.S. dollars) to take with him to Romania. The building was purchased and has provided an acceptable meeting place for the brethren.
[These reports were prepared by Br. Edward Lorenz in late February, less than a month before his terminal illness was discovered. He finished his earthly course on April 14, 1998. Ed.]
