OUR CHANGING WORLD

 

Those who want to “rough it” in a glorious kind of way might attend the Macrorie family camp, July 28-Aug. 2, in Macrorie, Sask., Canada. The speakers this year are Rick Scruggs, Jim Phillips, and Doug Barrie, all from Canada, and Darrell Bolin of Lock Haven, Pa. Since I was present for this affair last summer, I can recommend it highly. It makes an ideal Canadian vacation, especially if you have a camper. For further information write to Greg Tweedie, Outlook Church of Christ, Box 97, Macrorie, Sask., Canada, SOL 2EO.

The Duke Street Christian Church in Kingston, Jamaica appeared on a Christmas stamp issued by that island nation. This church, which has 600 members, was founded in 1858. The red brick building, which was once destroyed by an earthquake, is a historic landmark in the heart of Kingston. There are 40 other Disciples congregations on the island, and they, along with Duke Street, will host the 1984 World Convention of Churches of Christ.

A historical marker in Dallas recognizes the Western Heights Church of Christ, founded in 1872 and disbanded only this year due to demographics (a debilitating modern heresy!). The marker, erected by the Texas Historical Survey Committee, notes that the church was founded by a Civil War general, Richard M. Gano.

If you think that it is only the young among us that will change, you have underestimated the power of the Spirit. James W. Russell, editor of Outreach, which circulates mainly among non-Sunday School, one-cup Churches of Christ, tells in an editorial how during World War Two he drew the line on a group of believers who was like his own, except that they had a teaching training program along with their Sunday service. “We refused to allow them to think they were in our fellowship until they dropped the teaching program,” Jim explains, which they did eventually. In retrospect the editor, who has long been a peacemaker among his people, laments: “I was such a coward that I would not be physically or vocally involved but I did support those who did. We cried victory to the heavens when we succeeded in this terrible effort.” The editor now cries out, Drop the exclusiveness! So the older ones can and do change, even older editors! That Jim reads cowardice into his behavior back in those days is worth underscoring. Cowardice may have more to do with our continued separations than we realize. Many know better. Many believe in more openness. But they dare not speak up. Why?

In a recent gathering in the White House with pro-life leaders, President Reagan asked a physician if the child does not feel pain in an abortion. “Isn’t there actual cruelty involved, cutting a human to pieces, cooking them with acids?,” he asked. The physician replied that that was precisely the case. The President then told the group, in righteous anger, that they were being too gentle with the issue. People who wouldn’t abuse a kitten, he commented, are taking human life. The President also stated that he believed in intercessory prayer and expressed appreciation when he was told that tens of thousands of believers pray regularly for him.