Global Church of God
1998  Feast of Tabernacles
Sunset 10/4/98 through 10/12/98
(Dates include The Last Great Day)



Respectful fellow worshippers from any branch of God's Church are welcome.   
To facilitate our limited accommodation, we would appreciate knowing ahead of time that you are coming.
Travel "Links" are for information purposes only.

If any of you are planning to be at the Feast Site on the Sabbath prior to the Feast and are looking for a place to meet, please e-mail your request to the coordinator of that site and find out the location.
Festival Housing Information
Service Before and After the Feast

Branson, Missouri       735 Attended
Message received during Feast:   "Greetings from more than 735 brethren rejoicing together in beautiful and entertaining Branson, MO.  Heavy rains, which failed to dampen our spirits on the first day, have cleared out and are heading toward Florida..."

Services in the Bobby Vinton Theater, 2701 West Highway 76, Branson, Missouri
Branson, in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, has become one of the most visited vacation destinations in the world. And the quality family entertainment keeps them coming back. October is a wonderful time to see this region, with the trees donning their fall colors. Feastgoers can also visit Silver Dollar City, voted one of the top six theme parks in the world. Besides all the rides, performances and crafts, visitors can get wet at Splash Harbor, a local water park. The strip, besides offering many fine restaurants and gift shops, features a number of Country/Western performance halls. Temperatures in early October normally range from 64-75 during the day, and cooler at night
Coordinator Gerald Weston.

The "Live Music Capital of the World"   Branson Shows
Branson Pictorial Guide   |  Branson On-Line   |

Flagstaff, Arizona            300 Attended

Services in the Little America Hotel 2515 East Butler Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ 86003 is located next to I-10 Exit 198, just East of the I-17 intersection.
"Northern Arizona has it all - mountains, meadows, lakes, forests, canyons and deserts! Nestled here at the base of the San Francisco Peaks is Flagstaff, a picturesque community of 46,000 people. Within easy driving distance is the Grand Canyon, one of the natural wonders of the world. In October, temperatures can range from the mid-60's during the day to the 30's at night. Generally the sky is clear and blue, the pine-scented air is fresh and you can see "forever" across one of the largest stands of P.O. Ponderosa pine in the United States - Coconino National Forest."
Health note: Be aware that Flagstaff is situated at an altitude of 6,900 feet above sea level, which can be a strain on the heart and lungs. Although thousands of visitors each year experience no problems, individuals with medical conditions that could be aggravated by the "thinner air" of a higher-than-normal elevation should consult with a physician before attending the Feast site.
Coordinator Dr. Doug Winnail

Flagstaff    On-line (Chamber of Commerce)  |

Florence, Oregon                    600 Attended          

Services in the Florence Events Center.   
Florence is located 50 miles west of Eugene at the junction of State Highway 126 and coastal US 101. the town lies at the northern end of the Oregon dunes National Recreation Area, which boasts wide, sandy beaches, and plenty of recreational opportunities such as hiking, dune-buggy, and horseback riding. Westward Ho offers cruises of the harbor. In the town the family can enjoy miniature golf, a breathtaking small plane rise, tour the Suislaw Pioneer Museum or just lounge around the motel pool. Services will be held in the state-of-the-art, 500 seat theater section of the Florence events center. Average daytime temperatures in October range from the mid- to high 60s.
Coordinator,  Hadden Pace   818-447-4476  

Florence Oregon,  Chamber of Commerce  |  City Travel Guide  | Florence OnLine Highways   |

Jackson Hole, Wyoming              Attendance 383

Services in the Teton Village Walk Festival Hall
"Jackson Hole is a beautiful, mountain-enclosed valley in Wyoming. From its floor - at an elevation of 6,300 feet - the breathtaking Tetons rise 7,000 feet higher still. Grand Teton's peak is 13,770 feet above sea level. Besides the frontier town of Jackson, the 60-mile-long and 20-mile-wide valley includes the towns of Wilson, Moose, Kelly and Teton Village. "
Health note: As with Flagstaff, those who think they might experience health problems due to Jackson Hole's high elevation should consult with a physician before coming here.
Singles note: Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Panama City, Florida are designated  as singles  Feast sites. This does not mean others can't go here, but these sites will try to have extra opportunities for SINGLES to meet.
Coordinator Mr. Ben Whitfield
Jackson Hole Photos (Long Load)  |   Jackson Hole, Welcome to the Feast with Elk

Kerrville, Texas         300 Attended

Services in the Holiday Inn Y.O. Ranch Hotel and Conference Center.  The Hotel and conference center is 65 miles northwest of San Antonio's International airport, located just off Interstate 10 at 2033 Sidney Baker, Kerrville, TX 78028
"Kerrville is a friendly town in the heart of the Texas hill country. Its mild climate and location on the banks of the Guadalupe River provide the opportunity to enjoy many outdoor activities. Kerrville will still be pretty warm at Feast time. Expect daytime temperatures in the 80's and the nights to drop to the 50's or low 60's."
Coordinator Mr. Frank McCrady, Jr.

Kerville Trails  |

Panama City, Florida

Panama City Online  |  Panama City Beach  |

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee         1042 Attended

There is no place like Pigeon Forge  |

San Diego, California     250 Attended 

Services in the Rancho Bernardo Courtyard, 16935 west Bernardo Drive, San Diego, California 92127. Take the Rancho Bernardo Road exit from I-15-north of I-8 and south of Highway 78.  
Limited seating in the auditorium.
"Church headquarters" will be showcased for this year's Feast at a special San Diego site for transfers only. Rancho Bernardo is a lovely retirement community in the northern part of San Diego. This popular spot offers close proximity to inviting beaches and world-famous attractions like the San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park and Sea World, Sunset Cliffs and the La Jolla Coves are must sees. And on Coronado Island, you can visit the popular Hotel del Coronado - and , after dark, from the Ferry Landing Marketplace, you can look across the bay to the beautiful lights of downtown. San Diego's north county combines the warm, dry air of the desert with the cool breezes of the Pacific. The result is the fabulous climate that meteorologist have labeled "perfect." October temperatures range from the mid-70's in the day to the high 50's at night."
This is a transfer site. Our headquarters auditorium will hold 300 people at most. Those living in areas assigned to the Flagstaff and Jackson Hole sites with health problems that might be affected by the mountainous altitudes of more than 6,000 feet may find Rancho Bernardo to be a good alternative.   Please call for transfer approval to this site.
Coordinator Dr. Jeff Fall

City of San Diego  |  Beaches  |  San Diego Zoo and Wildlife Park  |  California Landmarks   | 
LiveNet San Diego Bay Camera  | 

International Feast Sites
If you are interested in transferring please contact the coordinator of the international site that interests you as soon as possible.
Click here  $$$ Foreign Currency Exchange Rates $$$

Prince Edward Island, Canada
Limited-transfer site.
Services in the Port LaJoye Theatre, Carrefour de L'Isle Saint-Jean, Located on the water front.

Canada's tiniest province couldn't offer a better family vacation even if it had been designed exclusively for the purpose. It is known for it's beautiful beaches, gorgeous farmland, splendid fall color and an abundance of recreational activities. This is a limited transfer site because of space. Those wishing to transfer to PEI should phone Headquarters for confirmation. Temperatures should range in the mid 40s F.
Coordinator,  Jack Hendren

Official Website of the Gov. of PEI  |  Travel   |  The All Canadian WEB Site   |

Vernon, British Columbia, Canada        About 240 Attended

Services in the Best Western Vernon Lodge & Conference Center, 3914 32nd St., Vernon, B.C. V1T 5P1 Canada.

"Canada, my Canada, you're a lifetime of wonder on this planet earth." So says Disney's song about this awesome land. And indeed it is! The Feast in Western Canada this year returns to Vernon, British Columbia, in the heart of the beautiful, sunny Okanagan Valley. Temperatures in October should be in the 60's (high teens C)."
Coordinator  Mr. Laurie Nyhus

Vernon Tourism  |   WWW Pages of Vernon  | 

Niagra Falls, Ontario, Canada

Nothing quite prepares you for the spectacle, the fearsome white arc shrouds in clouds of dense spray, with the tiny river boats below. Services are about 2 1/2 miles from Niagara Falls. The Ameri-Cana resort features a fitness center, swimming pools, playground, tennis, basketball courts, squash and sandpit volleyball. You could trek through the Niagara Glen Nature Reserve, go to Marineland or visit the nearby 19th Century town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, with its wineries, quaint shops and elegant clapboard houses surrounded by well-kept gardens. Toronto, Ontario and Buffalo NY are not far away. October temperatures are usually pleasant with daytime averages in the high 60s.
Coordinator, Mr. Don Contardi

Resorts  With Music |  City of Niagra Falls   |  The Falls & Other Pictures (Long Load)  |
Niagra Falls Daily Review  |

Centro Vacacional IMSS

It is a beautiful resort town--a hot springs area where even Emperor Montezuma of the Aztecs used to take his vacations some 500 years ago. Oaxtepec is located 1 1/2 hours by car from Mexico City. It offers a mild mountain climate or "perfect cool weather". Access is easy by taxi for about 15.00 US.
Don Davis  don.davis@gcg.org  or Jane Campbell  jane.campbell@gcg.org 
Call The SanDiego Office at 619-675-2222  Extension 230 or 242

The Mole Fair Mexico City  |

Israel Tour             59 Attended
Message during feast:   "Greetings from Jerusalem!   59 members and guests are enjoying excellent weather and a splendid tour of the nation of Israel and its Capitol.   What a thrill it is to be in this place for the Feast of Tabernacles and the Last Great Day! ... please read Psa 122:1-9.  We are praying for God's blessings on all of you."   From Richard Ames and Don Davis.

Don Davis  don.davis@gcg.org  or Jane Campbell  jane.campbell@gcg.org
Information and costs available by contacting Don Davis in the Headquarters Office.
Call The San Diego Office at 619-675-2222  Extension 230 or 242

Celebrating their 50th Anniversary of the founding of Israel.
An Interesting Link to those Attending the Israel Tour on the Temple Mount

View of the Western Wall in Jerusalem  |  Chambers of Commerce  |  The Jerusalem Post  | 

Australia

Sydney City sightseeing, Sydney Harbor cruise, Great Barrier Reef excursion, Kuranda, world Heritage Rainforest, the Skyrail in Cairns, Alice Springs and Ayers Rock, Melbourne city sightseeing, Auckland Harbor Cruise, , Waitomo Caves and traditional "Hangi" dinner in Rotorua, the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve and a Milford Sound Cruise  and much more.
Coordinator,  Bruce Tyler btyler@argay.com.au

Australia Travel Directory  |

Belgium (English translation available)   
Message during the Feast: "Greetings and warm festival wishes to our brethren from over 300 brethren coming from 15 different countries enjoying the Feast of Tabernacles in Europe.  May God bless you all with the peace and harmony we are experiencing here."

Rees Ellis rees.ellis@gcg.org
[Specific Information on the Belgium Feast Site]
Hengelhoef is a family resort situated in the Park Midden Limburg Forest in the Dutch speaking part of Belgium. The domain has many activities to offer for all ages: several playgrounds, an animal farm, several lakes, sport fields, tennis courts, etc. The most popular attraction for many at this site is the huge indoor water recreation center.
Mr. Jean Carion and Mr. Rees Ellis Coordinators       011 32 89 386940

Belgium Travel Network  |  Discover Belgium  |

England                           200 Attended
Message received during Feast: 
" Greetings from around 200 brethren assembled at the Cheltenham Spa Feast setting the beautiful Cotswolds area of England.  This is an area of outstanding natural beauty representing traditional England at its very best.   The Feast got off to a fine start with Dr. Meredith's opening night message.   We have members attending from 15 different countries and 3 visiting ministers from the USA--Don Haney, Randall Kobernat, and James Wells.        Trips around Cotswolds and to historic Bath are planned, together with many other activities and meals.    We send our love and best wishes to our brethren around the world and hope you all have the best Feast ever. " Brian Gale

Cheltenham, England
Feast to be held in the beautiful and historic town of Cheltenham Spa, set in the rolling Cotswold Hills of Gloucestershire, England.  Just one hour from London and close to William Shakespeare's birthplace in Stratford upon Avon, the ancestral home of Sir Winston Churchill at Blenheim Palace and one of England's finest castles at Warwick, this venue is ideal, and particularly attractive to US brethren contemplating a European trip.  Respectful fellow worshippers from any branch of God's Church are welcome, but to facilitate our limited Auditorium accommodation, we do need to know ahead of time that you are coming. Unfortunately, reservations for the remaining limited availability have to be on a strictly "first come, first served" basis.
Brian Gale 106033.1154@compuserve.com
Be Sure to click on the UK FEAST SITE PAGE

Cheltenham Travel  |  Travel England  |

Guyana

Guyana is the only English-speaking country on the South American continent. An intricate network of rivers dissects its rain forests, mountains and savannahs. The rain forests are home to thousands of undescribed species of plants and animals. The spectacular Kaieteur Falls, with its 741-foot (226-metre) single drop, is one of the world's great waterfalls. Guyana's population consists of Africans, East Indians, Portuguese, Chinese, Europeans, Amerindians, and a mix of these races reflecting its immigrant history.
Coordinator,  Fitzroy Greeman    Phone 592-2-68536

Guyana Web Sites  |   Guyana News & Information   |  A Guide to Guyana |

Jamaica
Paul Fisher     Phone 878-962-8816

Geography: Jamaica is the third largest Caribbean island, measuring 146 miles at its widest point. Primarily of volcanic origin, the lush island features a mountain ridge that peaks at Blue Mountain which is 7,402 feet high. Many white-sand beaches and clear seas ring the island.
Population: The population of Jamaica was 2.4 million in 1990, with an average annual rate of growth of 1.1% from 1980 to 1990. Approximately 45% of the people are 19 years or under, and a little less than 8% are above 65. Based on the census of 1982, at least 48% of the population was urban; in 1943, the census estimated the urban population at that time to be 15%.

Jamaica Information | 

Kenya

Kenya is a country on the eastern coast of Africa, right on the equator. It is a land of striking landscapes, ranging from snowcapped Mount Kenya to rich farmlands, barren deserts and tropical beaches. Kenya is located astride the Equator on the East Coast of Africa. It borders Somalia, Ethiopia and Sudan in the north, Uganda in the west, Tanzania in the south, and the Indian Ocean in the East. It covers an area of 583,000 sq., km (225,000 sq. miles). Kenya’s capital city is Nairobi with a population of approximately 1.4 million people. The other major towns are Mombasa the main port on the Indian Ocean with an estimated population of 1 million and Kisumu on Lake Victoria with an estimated population of 400,000 people
Coordinator,  Ernest Owino      Phone (02) 340-540

| Kenya -- Our Land  |

Martinique     (No English translation)

The Caribbean has been settled by peoples from North and South America, Europe, Africa and even as far away as Asia. As a result, ancient and modern cultures have blended in the Caribbean to create modern, vibrant and truly diverse experiences. Something unique for everyone. Martinique was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1502, and then was ignored for years by the Spanish. The French were the first settlers who arrived in 1635. By the late 1600's the native Caribs had been nearly eliminated, and African slaves were brought in to work the sugar plantations. Control of the island alternated between the French and British, until 1815, when the Treaty of Paris returned permanent possession to the French.    Its allegiance to France was established in 1943, and since 1946 has been an Overseas Department of France.
Coordinator,  Marcel Ginier     Phone (596) 51-30-33

Martinique Promotions Bureau  |  Welcome to Martinique  |

New Zealand

New Zealand is a country in the South Pacific that is located southeast of Australia. It is made up of two main islands, the North Island and the South Island, and several dozen smaller islands. New Zealand is an island country with beautiful mountains and coastal plains.
Coordinator,  Kinnear Penman      Phone 64-9-435-2558

New Zealand Travel Guide  | 

Philippines
Messages During the Feast: 
"Greetings from Tacloban City Feast Site.  Hello and Happy Feast to you all.   Our Attendance is 34,  we are all happy in in good health and have enjoyed eating and fellowshipping together.  The weather condition is good, with occasional light rain.  We are having our best Feast ever. "  From Mr. Eleno Cabahit.

"Greetings to our brethren globally!  51 cheerful and spirit filled people God called out to His church gathered this year to keep the Feast of Tabernacles in Davao City, Mindanao Southern Philippines.  Fabulous messages on the truth of God's plan of salvation were outlined by the festivals..."   Felipe Casing.  (This is one of the 4 sites in the Philippines)

"Greetings from 141 happy brethren of the Baguio City Feast Site - one of the four Feast sites in the Philippines.  We have good weather since the start of the Feast.    We are all rejoicing as God commanded us.  We hope all the brethren around the world are rejoicing as well."

Location and Size: Archipelago off coast of Southeast Asia, total 300,000 square kilometers, land area 298,170 square kilometers.
    Topography: Archipelago of 7,100 islands: Luzon, Mindanao, Palawan, and numerous smaller islands, all prone to earthquakes. Largely mountainous terrain, creating narrow coastal plains and interior valleys and plains. Major plains include those of Central Luzon, northeastern Cagayan Valley, and Agusan Basin in far south. Numerous dormant and active volcanoes, notably Mount Pinatubo in Central Luzon. Highest point Mount Apo (2,954 meters).
    Climate: Tropical marine; northeast monsoon (December to February), southwest monsoon (May to October). Mean annual sea-level temperatures rarely fall below 27° C. Frequent typhoons.
   Philippine society was relatively homogeneous in 1990, especially considering its distribution over some 1,000 inhabited islands. Muslims and upland tribal peoples were obvious exceptions, but approximately 90 percent of the society remained united by a common cultural and religious background. Among the lowland Christian Filipinos, language was the main point of internal differentiation, but the majority interacted and intermarried regularly across linguistic lines. Because of political centralization, urbanization, and extensive internal migration, linguistic barriers were eroding, and government emphasis on Pilipino and English (at the expense of local dialects) also reduced these divisions. Nevertheless, national integration remained incomplete.
Coordinator,  Rod McNair 75347.470@compuserve.com

South Africa

Trinidad & Tobago

Tobago, a great destination,  with plenty of time for a swim in the warm Caribbean.  Rich in colonial history, fabulous for the beauty of its beaches and crystal-clear sea, Tobago is a logical choice for a healthy and educational holiday destination. 
Coordinator,  Donald Sohun  
Call The San Diego Office at 619-675-2222  Extension 230 or 242

Contents  | Highlights  | 

Vanuatu
Bruce Tyler btyler@argay.com.au

The Republic of Vanuatu is an archipelago of over 80 islands located in the South Pacific. The population growth rate exceeds three percent per year. There are insufficient educational opportunities for children and a shortage of trained teachers.    Many youth lack the skills necessary to find employment, and many more are forced out of the educational system because of a shortage of spaces at the secondary and higher levels.   With 75 percent of its land area covered with tropical forest, Vanuatu is facing the challenges of managing this valuable resource. Eighty percent of the population live in rural areas and work in subsistence agriculture. Many are focusing their efforts in the areas of economic development and education.

Local Church Locations

Services Before and After the Feast