READERS' EXCHANGE

 

You Are Not Alone

It has been a long, rugged road out of legalism for me, into liberty, light and love. As for my telling my story for Restoration Review, some sordid chapters would make it inadvisable. But someday I’ll try to write something that will be worthwhile.—California

Your articles by and concerning Pat Boone are very good, and his influence will help the cause of unity.—Jere McWinn

The more I am associated with the church in this area the more I am convinced that we are so steeped in tradition that we can hardly worship the Lord in spirit and in truth... For the past several weeks we have been worshipping with the colored congregation. As a result of this we have had many of the white brethren to turn their backs on us... I was encouraged by your report about brother Waters at the Lubbock unity meeting. I wish it were possible to have him on the lectures at Abilene, but because of the power of those in charge I know this is wishful thinking.—Colorado

We would urge the brother in Colorado to take heart and believe that the Holy Spirit can work wonders even in Abilene. For instance, a new annual series is beginning this January at ACC called The Preacher’s Workshop. The agenda calls for a discussion of some of the live issues among us. There is to be open and free discussion, with no tape recorders allowed. It would be just the place for the likes of Ervin Waters. You see, I’m not surprised when great things like this develop, for I still believe and have hope.

As for the brother in California, his story is such a heroic one that I have urged him to tell our readers about it. Perhaps he will. We want the rank and file of brethren everywhere who are among the concerned ones to realize that they are not even almost alone. There are multitudes, even among the preachers, that are calling for and working for “a change in Washington.”

We appreciate Jere McWinn’s statement about Pat Boone’s articles. I was impressed that Pat said as much as he did about unity in his new book. He insists that unity is the Spirit’s fruit, not our achievement, and that the Spirit will make us one as we all yield to His leadership.

Sweet Commendations

We love you for your honesty and openness and find the Review exciting and refreshing. I remember seeing you when I was a little girl back in Missouri.—Indiana

Please renew our subscription for five years and keep the balance to help in your wonderful work for our Lord. Thank you for your enthusiasm and love for Him.—Texas

I don’t always agree with all that is printed, but I feel that it is good that your little publication has caused me to think for myself instead of taking as truth every view put forth by the “hierarchy” of the brotherhood.—Texas

Leroy, it was a real joy to meet you and your charming wife Ouida at Lubbock. Madelaine and I have enjoyed reading your tremendous little journal, Restoration Review, each month, and have hoped to meet you personally for a long time. I think your journal, along with Mission Messenger and others, is doing a great thing in helping and challenging many people to start their search for meaningful answers. I eagerly look forward to receiving it each month. Many thanks for your work of faith and labor of love through this medium.—Frank Gifford, California

I would like to take this brief moment to express my appreciation for you and your writings. I have not been a reader for very long, but I have grown to appreciate the thoughtfulness with which you discuss the various topics. You have truly stimulated my mind< and I hope the results are pleasing to the Lord.—Oklahoma

I continue to enjoy Restoration Review and find myself passing much of it on to the two classes I teach each week. I was opposed to some of our bound traditions a long time before I ever heard of Restoration Review or Mission Messenger, and even Freed-Hardeman wasn’t able to bring about a purge of my thinking, but I appreciate your voice speaking out in such a dynamic way. Keep up the good work—Tennessee

Elsewhere in this issue I have a piece on Sweet Reasonableness. Well, I don’t know how reasonable such letters are as the foregoing, as commendatory as they are of our work, but they are certainly sweet! I am always hesitant to publish compliments, and those that are very complimentary, I do not publish; but I file them away for my own personal encouragement as a girl might stash away her love letters. But we share the above with you so that you might see that many across the brotherhood are not only willing to think and act for themselves, but who also rejoice and thank God for their liberation. We are pleased to have a small part in this.