READERS' EXCHANGE

 

Christianity has so many wonderful paradoxes, and one is rejoicing in suffering. I’m glad, and yet deeply saddened that you, and so many others must suffer at the hands of small men and fearful brothers. I have just read your account of your weekend of trouble in Mississippi, and feel that I must write to give you love and encouragement in the name of the Lord. I pray for you and your ministry, and especially for those you minister to. Please pass our love on to to two families in Mississippi.—Martha Davis, 3650 Oak Springs, Austin, Tx. 78721.

I read with deep sadness the account of the Mississippi brothers’ treat-ment of you and the two professors and their wives. It is hard to conceive of such unchristian rudeness—in the church of all places.—Vernon D. Parrott, 426 Live Oak Lane, Weatherford, Tx. 76086.

After reading it over through a hamburger last night and giving out all the groans from within, and finally ending up choking back tears and sobs, my prayers go up to my Lord and Savior to give those professors and you all the strength you need, and that His Spirit might guide you. Where does it place us when a dumb animal has more compassion for his master than we have for our Master? How many of us would take a towel and wipe the tears of pain from the Master’s face, much less snuggle up and lick the tears away? That just got the best of me, a poodle’s love.—reader in New Mexico.

Your article on “The Professor and His Poodle” really touched a sensitive nerve with me. The judgmental attitude of so many of our brethren on so many issues is a source of real heart-break with me. Somehow Christian love must conquer this worldly spirit!—Charles R. Boatman, St. Louis Christian College. Florissant, Missouri 63033.

Your article “The Professor and His Poodle” brought anguish to my heart. I do appreciate the fact, however, that you are able to participate in such experiences and hopefully create a little bit of constructive thoughtfulness in some hearts where it is needed. Let’s exchange prayers that both of us may be so used.—W. F. Lawn, president, Manhattan Christian College, Manhattan, Ks. 66502.

Your article made my heart bleed. What does our Lord in heaven say when He sees such lovelessness among those who claim to be His followers! We talk a lot about what the church needs, but from this man’s corner our greatest need is to learn to love one another more. If doctrine is right but the heart wrong, what good does right doctrine do?—Antoine Valdetero, Box 308, Jennings, La. 70546.

The Holy Spirit is working in this congregation in unbelievable ways. Love is beyond comprehension. This is truly one congregation where each part has found its place and is knit together as a body and is functioning as such. We have a great hospital ministry going as well as a benevolent work. The Lord is blessing us beyond measure.—Hank Allan, Church of Christ, 909 Laurent Ave., Caruthersville, Mo. 63830.

(This is one of the “free churches” that I wrote about in our November issue.—Ed.)

I grew up in San Angelo, Texas where across the street lived some Minnesota Catholics. After returning to California a friend took us to a prayer and share meeting on Friday nite. Most of those people there reading the Bible, quoting it, and praying were Catholics. What a shock! I’ve even learned since then that some Episcopalians believe the Book. I’ve learned that many fine Christians among the Presbyterians are struggling with the question of baptism.—Sam and Judy Lee, 1006 Old Dutch Mill Rd., Colorado Springs, Co. 80907.

Thanks for the challenge that is always there in each issue. How our people need to think! Elton Trueblood’s book The Validity of the Christian Mission deserves a plug, I believe.—George A Trueblood, Louisville Bible College.

There will be a Spiritual Life Conference conducted by Wes Reagan and Roy Osborne, March 4-6, at the Irving (Texas) Ramada Inn. The sessions are from 7-10 p.m. with a different topic each evening. The cost is 25.00 per person. Write me for more information.—Sandra Lawrence, 3805 Calgary Ct., Irving, Tx. 75062, phone 214-255-7473.