OUR CHANGING WORLD

 

There are some sobering statistics relative to the future of the world for those of us concerned about the mission of the church. The present population of the world is 4.2 billion. The lowest estimate for the year 2000 (less than 16 years ahead) is 6 billion. The highest is 8.5 billion. Going by the lowest estimate, the non-Christian population will be 4.5 billion, more than the present population. By the year 2000 there will be, at present trends, twice as many hungry people in the world than at the present time. Presently 40,000 people starve to death every day or die of malnutrition. If we look at but one country, India is expected to reach a population of one billion by 1992, just eight years away. Calcutta alone will have sixty million people huddled together in hungry agony. One organization that docs an effective work toward feeding the hungry masses is: Food for the Hungry, Box E, Scottsdale, AZ 85252.

Another worthwhile effort that Ouida and I support is the National Federation for Decency, conducted by Donald E. Wildmon, which is enjoying phenomenal success in lobbying against indecency on TV and in magazines. Several big-time advertisers have cancelled their support of TV programs with an anti-Christian bias. An extensive campaign against 7-Eleven Stores, largest sellers of pornography, is presently having its effect, and in Wildmon’s latest mailout Toyota, which advertises in pornographic magazines, is a target. Wildmon asked all of us to both call and write Toyota’s president and protest. On my card to him I added the note; “I am now driving a Toyota, but I am waiting to see how you respond to this before I decide to continue driving one of your automobiles.” If you want to help get smut and filth (and anti-Christian bias!) off TV, join Wildmon’s efforts. He knows where to hit them where it hurts, their pocketbooks! His address: Box 1434, Alexandria, VA 22313.

The day has come when at least some Churches of Christ are comfortable in working with other churches. The Arcadia Church of Christ in Arcadia, Ca. is joining 70 other denominations and Christian groups in a massive witness to the multiplied thousands that will be at the summer Olympics from all over the world. They will house 44 workers in their building as well as join the evangelistic teams.