The
Hope of the Believer . . . Restoration Review, Vol. 31, No. 10, December 1989
My
recent illness, reported in this column, led to tests that eventuated in a
diagnosis of prostate cancer, which is believed to be confined to a small
area. A bone scan revealed that the cancer has not spread. Since there is
some uncertainty about the diagnosis, I expect to get a second (or third)
opinion from a noted urologist in Houston in early December, who, if the
diagnosis is con-firmed, will perform a prostatectomy a few weeks later. The
prognosis is thought to be good. The delay is to allow me to supply my own
blood for the surgery. I am feeling great and run two miles most mornings.
When I kidded my Denton urologist that I might ignore the diagnosis and go
on running through life, he said that even at 70 I might be able to do that
and live 20 more years and die of something else, but then again I might be
dead in six months. A dear friend of mine in our Denton church, who is the
pathologist that made my diagnosis, says he has done many autopsies on men
in their 80's and 90's who had prostate cancer for many years but who died
of something else. But still he advised surgery. While I pondered the
options, Ouida, who doesn't like the statistics on deaths from prostate
cancer in older men, made the decision. I go to Houston! Another close
friend, a Denton business man, insists on taking me to Houston for the
surgery and seeing me through the initial stage while Ouida cares for Mother
Pitts. The lesson in all this is to stay away from specialists and you won't
put yourself and others to so much trouble and concern! (Ouida wants me to add
that if the next issue or two is late, or does not arrive at all, you'll
know why.) With
this issue we complete our 37th year of publication, 31 years as Restoration
Review. It has been a work of faith and a labor of love. We have made
many friends through the years, many of whom we love A
favorite charity for Ouida and me is the American Friends Service Committee,
who are experts in helping the dispossessed all around the world and who are
very fiscally responsible. Recent word from their office expresses concern for the homeless in our own country: A just world seems out of reach for
our homeless population here in the U.S. Three million singles and families
spend their nights in cars, shelters, welfare motels, or, on the street. As
winter approaches, the need for help and attention to the homeless is
critical." This Quaker organization is making a concerted effort to
help alleviate this problem, such as recently opening a shelter for women
and children in Boston. If you are interested in learning more about them,
their address is Box 13885, Philadelphia 19178-3885. In
Richardson, Texas, which is part of Greater Dallas, two Disciples of Christ
congregations, one Independent Christian Church, and the Richardson East
Church of Christ joined together in a Thanksgiving service. The last named
also served a free Thanksgiving dinner for all who would be their guests. In
Ontario, Oregon a Christian Church (Independent) and a Church of Christ are
now doing things together, especially with their young people. Kids from
other of our churches in the area were invited, and the effort grew. But in
time there was political pressure on the Church of Christ elders to withdraw
from the cooperative effort. Many Church of Christ kids had to quit coming.
But the Church of Christ elders stood firm, placing unity above politics,
and the youth gatherings continued to grow. There were finally efforts
involving adults. On a Lord's day the two churches met together with 300 in
attendance in the high school auditorium since their own buildings were too
small. Mike Trautman and Mike Sublett, ministers of the two churches, tell
the story in the Christian Standard as
a testimonial of what two small churches can do. It can be done!, they say,
insisting that unity is easy to preach but more thrilling to practice. Cornerstone,
the inner-city ministry in St Louis often referred to in this column and
associated with Carl Ketcherside, is continuing its ministry in spite of the
loss of brother Ketcherside. Since there are those that look to this
ministry for food, clothing, and Bible studies, the work goes on. They have
developed a basketball program for kids in the area. Now that Carl is gone,
who raised lots of money for them, they are in need of financial help in
order to keep all the pro-grams going. The address is Cornerstone
Fellowship, 3258 Ohio, St. Louis 63118. In
Newslog, published by the Associated Church Press, theologian Joseph
Sittler is quoted as saying that the church would be more true to her
purposes if she had a better-developed sense of humor, for a sense of humor
is the outer mark of a better under-standing of the world. The church must
look to the future, he says, but with a smile, realizing that what the
people say they want may not be what they need. Remember, he adds, that what
the people wanted was Barabbas instead of Jesus! Several
Churches of Christ in the San Francisco area are helping earthquake victims with food, clothing, and shelter. $250,000 has been received from churches
all across the nation. The programs, which include rent vouchers and
distribution centers, will continue as long as there is need-Many of the
needy are low income, Hispanic migrant workers. |