We are happy to announce that Dawn Blanks of California was baptized on Sabbath morning of February 19. Norbert Link conducted the baptism with the assistance of Michael Link, and in the presence of many of the San Diego brethren. We would like to congratulate Dawn and welcome her as a begotten child within the Family of God.

Frank, Shelly and Nicolas Bruno of Colorado wish to announce an addition to their family: Timothy James Bruno was born on Sunday evening, February 20, 2011 (8 pounds, 10 ounces and 20 inches long). Everyone is doing fine. Congratulations!

Our annual conference will be held in Rancho Bernardo, California, beginning on March 18. Please pray for God’s inspiration for the successful preparation of the conference.

A new StandingWatch program was posted on the Web, titled, “Where Is Your Hope?” Many in our Western World are looking for spiritual guidance by turning to eastern gods and goddesses. They feel disappointed by the confusing teachings of traditional orthodox Christianity, not realizing that according to the Bible, there is only one true hope for all of us. Do you know what that hope is?

A new German AufPostenStehen program was posted on the Web, titled, “Die Deutschen Kommen” [“The Germans Are Coming.”]. The program speaks of the merger between the NYSE and the German Boerse, and Germany’s economic future.

A new German sermon was posted on the Web, titled, “Im Anfang…, Teil 2” [“In the Beginning, Part 2”]. The sermon covers Genesis 1:1-26, including the fact that the earth became void and empty and that its surface was re-created.

A new StandingWatch program was posted on the Web, titled, “Bible Prophecy in the News.” While the focus on Egypt is continuing, other important events are occurring in Iran, the USA and Europe. All of these prophesied developments, taken together, signal the imminent return of Jesus Christ.

Norbert Link’s video-recorded sermon, “Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, Part 3,” was posted on the Web.

A new German sermon was placed on the Web. It is titled, “Im Anfang… Teil 1” [“In the Beginning, Part 1”]. The sermon is the first part of a series which will deal with the first few chapters of the book of Genesis.

Our ongoing Internet advertising campaign in the USA, offering our free booklet, “Do We Have an Immortal Soul,” has so far resulted in 270 requests.

Norbert Link’s video-taped messages, “Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, Part 2”, and  “The Future of Egypt”, were posted on the Web. In his message on Egypt, it is pointed out that much misinformation is being circulated, as to what is in store for Egypt. But what does the Bible say about the future of Egypt, other countries in the Middle East, modern Assyria and the modern houses of Israel and Judah? Norbert Link quotes Scriptures which are often times (conveniently or inadvertently) overlooked by those who have created a speculative prophetic scenario which does not include or allow for some of the mentioned biblical passages.

A new StandingWatch program, “Egypt in Prophecy”, was posted on the Web. The present turmoil in the Middle East and Egypt is not coincidental, but paves the way for monumental end-time events that have been prophesied in the Bible thousands of years ago. While the USA is losing all influence in the Middle East, Egypt’s future hostile relationship with the state of Israel is also clearly described in Scripture.

A German program on the future of the Middle East, titled, “Die Zukunft des Nahen Ostens,” was posted on YouTube and on our German website (www.aufpostenstehen.de).

Michael and Noelle Link are happy to announce the birth of their son, Mason Brody. He was born on February 1, 2011, at 7:25 pm, after 9 hours of labor. His weight was seven pounds, and he was 19 inches long. Everything went perfectly and everybody is doing fine.

A new StandingWatch program, titled, “The Future of the Middle East,” was posted on the Web. The program asks: What is the meaning of the tumultuous developments in Tunisia, Lebanon and Egypt? Where is it all heading? What will Europe and the USA attempt to do to solve the fragile situation in that part of the world? Does the Bible give us answers as to what the future holds? 

Norbert Link’s sermon, “Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, Part 1,” was posted on the Web.

A new German sermon was recorded this week. It deals with the life of Jacob and Esau (and Israel and Edom today and in the near future) and is titled, “Die Geschichte von zwei Bruedern” (“A Tale of Two Brothers.”)

A new StandingWatch program, titled, “Arizona’s Real Murderer,” was posted on the Web. The program discusses the fact that some on the political left were anxious to blame some on the right for the terrible mass shooting in Arizona. This absurd and baseless accusation negates the real causes for such horrendous crimes. But our sophisticated Western World is unwilling to consider the evil influence of the powers of darkness, while moving farther and farther away from the true God of the Bible.

A new German StandingWatch (“AufPostenStehen”) program was posted on the Web, titled, “Warum das Massensterben von Voegeln und Fischen?” (“Why the Mass Deaths of Birds and Fish?”)

A new German sermon was posted on the Web, titled, “Erkenntnis und Wissen.” It deals with the first letter of John and discusses certain aspects of true knowledge and the wrong concepts of Gnosticism.

Our newest (32nd) booklet, “Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians,” was sent out this week to our readership, together with a cover letter.

A new German sermon was recorded this week and will be posted shortly on the Web, titled, “Die Welt der Daemonen, Teil 3” [“The World of Demons, Part 3”].

Norbert Link’s video-recorded sermon, “Babylon’s False Prophet,” was posted on the Web.

On Sunday, January 16, we will be conducting a memorial service for Lois Bargar in Ramona, California. The services will begin at 1:00 pm Pacific Time.

Our new member letter was sent out this week and posted on the Web.

New pocket Holy Days calendars were enclosed with the member letter and are also posted on the Web, under “Feasts.”

Our new booklet, “Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians—How to Understand It,” was posted on the Web. The files were sent to a printer in the USA.

A new member letter has been written and will be sent out early next week, together with new Holy Days pocket calendars. In the letter, Brian Gale addresses the affairs of this world, which is unwilling to obey God and His Word.

A new StandingWatch program was posted on the Web, titled, “Birds and Fish Will Waste Away.” What is the meaning of the worldwide deaths of thousands of birds and over 150,000 fish? What will happen next? Is the Great Tribulation about to begin? Will Christ the Messiah return soon? Will mankind rejoice when He appears?

Another StandingWatch program was posted on the Web, titled, “The Origin of New Year’s Traditions.” Why do we observe New Year’s Eve on December 31 and New Year’s Day on January 1? Why do we have fireworks, firecrackers, oracle traditions and party games? What is the origin of many of these and other customs? Should true Christians participate in such activities?

A new German sermon was posted on the Web, titled, “Die Welt der Daemonen, Teil 2” [“The World of Demons, Part 2]”

A new StandingWatch program was posted on the Web, titled, “Christmas Traditions and the Bible.” What do we know about the “three wise kings” from the East? Were they magicians? How many were they, according to the Bible? When did they visit Christ? What do we know about the star leading them? When was Jesus born? Why do we celebrate His birth with a Christmas tree, and why do we exchange gifts? How did Christmas become one of the most important festivals in orthodox Christianity?

The German version, titled, “Weihnachtsbräuche und die Bibel,” was posted on the Web as well.

A new German sermon was posted on the Web, titled, “The World of Demons, Part 1.”

A new StandingWatch program was posted on the Web, titled, “U.S. Democracy in Danger?” The international media claims that the US government’s reaction to the release of documents by WikiLeaks is a greater threat to democracy than any information revealed. We hear of intolerable censorship and unconstitutional conduct. What is going on in America? Do we really have to fear for our individual liberties and freedom?

A new German sermon as posted on the Web, titled, “Die Welt der Engel, Teil 4” [“The World of Angels, Part 4”].