READER'S EXCHANGE

 

Thanks for being a prophet in the churches of the Restoration Movement —and for speaking out to us concerning our shortcomings. — Demo Brown, Johnson City, Tn.

You are always so optimistic about change in our people. The change I see is all too often at a glacier pace, but any change is better than stagnation. — Midland, Tx.

After 47 years in the Church of Christ I have left to identify with an independent, inter-denominational group where I am at last free to love and accept all the brethren in the Body of Christ. I have read your The Stone-Campbell Movement three times and look forward to having my own copy. Your journal is very refreshing. — Buddy Hall, Colorado Springs, Co.

(More of us are coming to realize that when people leave the Church of Christ they are not necessarily leaving Jesus Christ. But it grieves us that anyone would leave because they do not feel free to love and accept all Christians. More of our people are now loving and receiving other believers without having to leave. Nothing, not even the most sectarian environment, can keep us from doing that. It might sometimes be difficult, but maybe that is our calling, to show sectarians how to love and accept others. We need you, so don't leave! By the way, if this brother would read my history book three times, perhaps you should read it at least once.—Ed.)

We continue to find signs in our brotherhood that the Holy Spirit is working among us to change many attitudes toward reform. Prejudices are being dissolved and Jesus is being exalted as never before. It is through the influence of your journal and others of like mind and talents that we accredit this welcomed phenomena. — Alfred C. Bradshaw, Nashville, Tn.

I find myself scratching my head over some of your articles, but all in all I find them refreshing. They make me think of the statement of Jesus, "What saith the scriptures, How readest thou?" — Jim Smith, Morro, Ca.

Due to your health problem this story will interest you.  An 85-year-old sheep rancher was admitted to the hospital for prostate surgery. He still worked, had a hardy constitution, recovered fully, and was released early. His doctor, a man in his early 30's, said to him when he was dismissed, "I will need to be seeing you over the next few months. "The man hesitated briefly and then replied, "Who do I see when you're gone, Doc?" Maybe you ought to check out your backup doctor! — Jerry Cook, Rifle, Co.

May the grace of God permit you to be successfully treated. I would hope you could achieve your 40 year publication goal. You are certainly loved and respected by multitudes of those who love God and are in submission to the Lord Jesus. May we get to hear "good news." The world needs you awhile longer. — Roland Steever, South Bend, In.

Our prayers are with you during this time of illness. We selfishly want you to "keep on running" here on earth. You are an inspiration to us all. Your paper has helped us to grow and mature in the Lord. We pray you are training someone to take your place and carry on the work you have begun. Ouida, we will understand if the paper does not arrive. We think of Philemon 1:7 when we think of you two. — Carol and Dora Bailey. Lee's Summit, Mo.