DR. KAGAWA'S VISIT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22139, 19 June 1935, Page 14

DR. KAGAWA'S VISIT

Sir,—There must be many in thi» country who have been inspired by the witness to vital and practical Christianity in the life of Dr. Kagawa. His presence among us is more than something we may appreciate; it is a challenge—a clarion call to Christians of all denominations to follow the Master more nearly. What the world needs is vital Christianity, with all that that entails of personal surrender, sacrifice, adventure and joyful ■witness. Only this can enable our Lord to redeem and change the world for which He gave His life. And it is a fact that wherever such Christianity is practised the miracle is taking place. It has come to light that, so far as the foreign missionary undertakings of the Anglican Church in this country are concerned, the total amount budgeted for and already pledged for this year has been £16,500. Up to the end of May, with .only one month to go, less than .half the amount has been fact that this is so may call for the criticism of some, but will surely touch the hearts of many ,who may have omitted to do their full part. My wife and I have made up our minds that our answer to this challenge is to contribute the whole of our available savings, and to start afresh in thfl service of the Master from to-day v My only reason for making this public is that I believe practical leadership is what is now needed, and that pepple are ready to respond where it;. 1,5 a matter of actions, and not jrords. I appeal to Anglicans to do anything they may feel disposed to do in this regard this week, for it is urgent. But my appeal is equally to Christians of all denominations to back up their own churches in all works of chanty and love, and tc men of goodwill where to do their- part with sacrifice on behalf of all the crying needs of suffering men. Such practical response to the message of Dr. Kagawa would surely be something ';very near his heart. Fbajtk W illis. St. Andrew's Vicarage, Epsom.