Dear Friend,

Monday, January 31, 2005, the newspaper headlines read: "Ballots, Not Bullets; Iraqis Embrace Democracy, Reject Fear." Indeed, the previous day, Iraqi citizens, who had been routinely threatened by terrorists, boldly made their way to the polls. This first free election in over 50 years was braved by millions who faced threats of suicide bombings, mortar rounds and gunfire. One voter was quoted as saying: "We are not scared and we are not cowards." An election official reportedly said: "We broke the barrier of fear."

What will it take to "break the barrier of fear" for this entire troubled, fearful world? Millions today live in constant worry about war, crime, terrorism, job loss, financial failure, disease, failing health and natural disasters. What will it take to bring lasting hope, security, comfort and confidence to all nations and all people? The fact is, humankind cannot bring it about! Generation after generation has failed miserably to bring true prosperity and security to this world.

What is the answer? The scriptures of the Holy Bible have prophesied today's world conditions and trends and have also given marvelous advance news of a coming wonderful time of peace and universal prosperity. The interesting fact is that this coming era won't depend on men or anything men might do. No, God Himself is going to bring it about. Jesus Christ will return to earth to banish fear and replace weeping and mourning with peace and happiness. This is the good news of the coming world tomorrow—the very message of The Good News magazine and the work of the United Church of God, an International Association.

Allow me to give you an update about our latest efforts to reach people with this marvelous message of the true gospel. Pictured below are four brand-new subscription brochures with the following themes: Are We Living in the Time of the End?, Why Does God Allow Suffering?, Jesus Christ: The Real Story and The Book of Revelation Unveiled. These eye-catching advertisements offer potential readers booklets by the same titles and a subscription to The Good News.

Beginning this month we will distribute 560,000 copies of these brochures on Good Neighbor "take-one" displays in 4,000 major supermarkets and discount stores throughout the United States. Also, 160,000 copies of two of these brochures will be used by members of the United Church of God in the Philippines and in countries in the Caribbean to help generate new Good News subscribers.

Furthermore, 175,000 copies of smaller brochures are now being made available to members of the Church in the United States for free placement in stores, restaurants, shops, libraries and other locations in their communities. As these new brochures are distributed, our hope and prayer is that they will attract a large, interested audience.

Much has been accomplished in the past 12 months to reach new people with the message of the true gospel. Mail received at the Church's home office in Cincinnati was up 24 percent from 2003 (477,742 pieces). Also, literature sent out was up 21 percent (464,759 pieces). These figures don't include substantial quantities of The Good News, World News and Prophecy, United News and other periodicals that are not mailed from the home office.

Throughout 2004, subscription requests for The Good News came from many sources including subscription cards, brochures, waiting rooms, newsstands, display ads and television and radio programs. The total number of Internet responses was up 96 percent (from 76,417 in 2003 to 149,509 in 2004). Visits per month to the Church's www.ucg.org Web site broke the 300,000 mark.

So, as you can see, a great deal of productive effort is taking place. The message of the true gospel is going out to the world with growing godly confidence, strength and power. Your interest in this vital, worldwide work is deeply appreciated.

Yes, someday fear and terror will be totally banished from the earth and all people will be shown the way to true and lasting hope, security and peace. God alone will see to that! If you would like to know more about that time of peace, request your free copy of The Gospel of the Kingdom. It truly is good news!

Sincerely,

Roy Holladay
President
United Church of God, an International Association