READERS' EXCHANGE

 

Labors of Love

I am now happily busy in an exciting ministry at this Congregational Church. I have written no “swan song” to the Churches of Christ, nor do I want any kind of publicity about moving to another fellowship. As far as I’m concerned, I’ve simply accepted a call to another congregation to continue my Christian ministry.—one of our ministers

Here in Appalachia we have had both blessings and disappointments. It is a chronically depressed area economically. We have more extremes here, socially and economically, than one will find in most parts of the country. Church work here is very difficult. While the early Restoration flourished in the Blue Grass section northwest of here, we somehow lost our hold in the mountains along the Kentucky-Virginia line. Baptists and Holiness sects are strong. A surprisingly large percentage profess no church affiliation of any kind. What few Restoration heritage congregations that are here are of Christian Church connections.—Kentucky

Yesterday I spoke at Rockview Prison. This is my fifth or sixth time with them. The chaplain made some favorable remarks after my message. Evidently many of the inmates were wanting me back. I am due there again on the third Sunday in January.—Pennsylvania

I am busier than I have ever been in my life and happier with it. What a genuine thrill to be in the Family. I am constantly amazed at the grace of God which caused Him to stoop in order to lift.—Missouri

A prayer group in this area recently went on a mountain retreat, and I have never experienced such a period of spiritual refreshment and worship as we experienced that weekend. The only thing we feel discouraged about is “How could we go back to the ritualistic, dry, formal worship in our usual way?” I do thank our Lord for having found this period of refreshment.—California

Oh, the wondrous grace and glory of God! I’ve been led into conducting and assisting with prayer, praise and Bible study group at Catholic University of America! These are sweet-spirited people and they are hungering and thirsting. Priests, nuns, brothers, professors and students—every Friday night on campus—40 to 60 each time. Praise God!—Virginia

Loving Rebuke

I am enjoying Restoration Review very much, but I feel someone should be willing to spank some others—in love. I have waited for someone else to do this, but it apparently has not been done. So here is the spanking I have to administer.

If all those who spend so much time, energy and hot air would only spend half as much time uplifting the person of Jesus and glorifying his name rather than issues and problems and even the church, there would soon be no factions or issues to debate over. I am afraid we stand convicted by 1 Cor. 3:3: “For you are still unspiritual, having the nature of the flesh, under the control of ordinary impulses. For as long as there are envying and jealousy and wrangling and factions among you, are you not unspiritual and of the flesh, behaving yourselves after a human standard and like mere unchanged men?”—Texas

They Have Hope

Your paper has helped me over some very rough times in the church.—Ohio

Through your efforts and those of Carl Ketcherside and Bob Meyers, and a growing number of other concerned individuals, I have some hope yet for the Church of Christ.—Kansas

Keep up the good work. I know God is blessing you. I believe you are working in one of the most difficult mission fields. Too many of us in the “Church of Christ” are depending on a so-called superior doctrinal understanding and in our own abilities and good works instead of a complete reliance and trust in Jesus our Lord. He alone is worthy and faithful, and our only righteousness is that which is given us when we trust in Him.—Atlanta

Your publication is a help to free thinkers who want nothing more than to show love toward all of God’s creation.—Nashville

The church is the only organization we have through which to take the Word of God to the world, so let us be thankful for it . . . Years ago I asked you a question in Detroit, Ill., as to why the church is not accomplishing more. Your answer: the congregation is of this world and made up of human beings who are not perfect, so we have to take what we have to work with and do the best we can. We know that God will not let His church fail.—Florida

They (two ministers, Church of Christ and Christian Church) are going to begin a prayer session and discussion for purposes of better understanding each other, and for perhaps laying groundwork for positive action toward unity. They have invited all who want to join them.—Oregon

Letters from all over the country indicate a growing hope for our brotherhood’s future. This is no time to leave. You were never needed more than now.