I was in London earlier this week helping executive editor Stephen Flurry with the Trumpet’s first Public Appearance Campaign here in the United Kingdom. My family came with me, and we had a lot of fun working on the campaign with the Flurrys and staff. But the most enjoyable part of the event was talking to the 125 or so Philadelphia Trumpet subscribers who joined us at the Euston Hilton.

On Sunday, I’ll return to London and speak to 53 people at a follow-up Bible lecture, including 31 attendees who are not already pcg members. We were chuffed with how many signed up for Sunday’s lecture (almost 25 percent of non-pcg pac attendees).

If you’ve followed the Trumpet for any length of time, you know we don’t try to baptize and convert readers. We don’t go door to door “selling” salvation. We don’t ask for money or donations. We don’t compel people to request our literature. We don’t pressure people to accept our religious views and teachings. We simply put God’s message out there, letting readers do with it what they will.

Over the past few weeks, however, I’ve begun to wonder if some of our readers—perhaps many—might actually want more direction. If this is the case, I’m wondering, how well are we serving these people?

During some of my conversations with Trumpet subscribers at this week’s campaign, I was struck by how many questions some of them had about the Bible and the teachings of the Philadelphia Church of God (the publisher of the Trumpet).

The letters I receive in response to the Trumpet Brief have also got me thinking. Almost every week, there is a handful of e-mails from people who appear to be grappling with some really serious and important questions—about life, about God, and about the Bible. I sometimes receive letters from Trumpet readers who are experiencing serious trials and are clearly searching for a solution. Some letters reveal a mind in spiritual crisis, or a confused mind. Many of you who have written in obviously want to know and follow God, but are uncertain of how to do it.

It’s not rare for us to receive letters requesting to speak with a minister, asking about baptism, or even asking to attend Church services.

This suggests that at least a segment of our Trumpet audience wants more information, and perhaps more engagement with us. If you have some of these questions, then please read on.

First, take your questions and reflections seriously. Life is busy and there are endless distractions. It’s so easy for searching thoughts to just slip away. Don’t let this happen. Read 1 Kings 19 and the example of God communicating with Elijah through a still, small voice. “God does not often manifest Himself in mind-shattering physical events,” wrote Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry. “Usually He comes in a still small voice. But it is still the same omnipotent God! You must learn to recognize God in that ‘still small voice ….’” Be like Elijah. Give attention to the thought or urge to open the Bible, to ask a question, to say a prayer, to send us an e-mail, to read a recommended piece of literature.

In his campaign lecture Monday night, Stephen Flurry concentrated on the prophecy in Ezekiel 33. This chapter focuses on the end-time mission of Mr. Gerald Flurry, the editor in chief of the Philadelphia Trumpet. Verses 30 through 33 describe how many in the end time will be curious about and even supportive of Mr. Flurry’s prophetic message, but they will not act on what they hear. “[T]hey sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words,” Ezekiel writes, “but they will not do them ….”

Verse 32 says Mr. Flurry’s warning message—delivered via the Key of David television program and the Philadelphia Trumpet magazine—will be like powerful, inspiring music. In the words of Ezekiel, it will be like “a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument.” But again, notice the general reaction to this enthralling message: “for they hear thy words, but they do them not.”

As Mr. Stephen Flurry put it Monday: “God wants us to turn to Him. He is evaluating our actions!” (Stay tuned to theTrumpet.com; we hope to post this segment of Mr. Flurry’s campaign message next week.)

Next, I’d encourage you to really explore what the Trumpet has to offer. We offer subscriptions to various programs and shows, and have a wealth of free literature. Take the time to check it all out. Our two most important products are the Key of David television program, presented by Gerald Flurry, and the Philadelphia Trumpet, our monthly newsmagazine. Make sure to watch The Key of David each week and subscribe to the Trumpet.

If you haven’t done so, also check out Stephen Flurry’s Trumpet Daily Radio Show. It is a terrific resource for keeping abreast of prophetically significant world events. But it’s also a fabulous way to get to know the Church that teaches these prophecies. He often gives updates on Church events and activities, interviews Church staff, and gives short studies on biblical doctrines. Listen to a few programs and you’ll soon feel like a member of the Trumpet family.

Perhaps you are doing all this—and you still want more. Maybe chaotic world events or circumstances in your life have caused you to ask the fundamental questions that so many ignore: Why am I here? What is the truth? Can I be happy and fulfilled? Who and what is God? Why does man exist? What is God’s purpose for my life? Where is God’s Church?

If you are asking these questions, your first step is to read Mystery of the Ages. No book is more important to you right now. Believe me, it will answer all these questions—and more. Written by the late Herbert W. Armstrong, Mystery of the Ages is an inspired synopsis of the entire Bible. It puts the puzzle pieces together. If reading and following the Trumpet has inspired you to want to know more about God, His plan, the Bible, why you exist, then you need Mystery of the Ages.

Finally, some of our followers inquire about the Philadelphia Church of God, the organization that sponsors theTrumpet.com. Some want to speak with a minister; some seek baptism; some ask if they can become a member of the pcg. If you feel this way, we want to hear from you. When you reach out, however, make sure you’re ready to do a little work.

In Luke 14:28, Jesus Christ tells the man or woman who wants to follow Him to “count the cost.” Christ’s logic here is rational and smart. Before one chooses to follow Jesus, shouldn’t he educate himself in the basic beliefs and practices he is choosing to support?

To get in touch with a pcg minister, please e-mail pcd@pcog.org. If you’d like to get in touch with theTrumpet.com, you can e-mail us at letters@theTrumpet.com

If you would like to get in touch with me, please e-mail BradMacdonald@theTrumpet.com.