YOUTH FOR CHRIST.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 278, 5 September 1936, Page 4

YOUTH FOR CHRIST.

CAMPAIGN IN ASHBURTON. COMBINED EFFORT BY CHURCHES. The “Youth for Christ Campaign” which commences in Ashburton to-mor-row should command wide-spread interest and support. It is marked by several features worthy of notice. To begin with, it is in a very real sense a united effort. In some quarters today much is made of the dilferenees that separate the various churches; and it is of course a fact that there are “unhappy divisions.” There is sometimes an absence of that good spirit of unity which ought to characterise those who worship the same God, and who seek the same ends. But the Youth for Christ campaign is a combined effort organised by the young people’s Bible Classes of the Church of England, the Presbyterian, Methodist and Baptist Churches, tiie Church of Christ and the Salvation Army. This is a demonstration of essential unity which cannot fail to impress even those who may not be.i'n very close touch with any branch of the church. Another feature of this campaign is that it is a youth movement. It originated among the youth of the churches concerned; and step by step the arrangements have been made by representatives of the Bible Classes of all the churches. It is good to see the youth of our community interesting themselves in the highest and best things. There can be no doubt that the Christian Church stands for the finest citizenship and that through her services and teaching and various organisations she is making an incomparable contribution to the well-being of the State. A nation’s greatest wealth is the character of its people, and the church is a great character-builder. The campaign to be commenced tomorrow is not only a “Youth for Christ” effort; it is also “Youth for Youth.” It is undoubtedly the fact that a very large proportion of the youth of to-day is out of touch with the church and the forces of religion. Much of this aloofness may be due to misunderstanding or indifference. The present campaign is an effort of the Christian youth of the community to pass on to their contemporaries something _ which they believe to be well worth having, to win the interest and capture the attention of their fellows to the claims and promises of the Christian Gospel. It is not necessary to remind readers inai some of the great national ideals that have such power in Europe to-day began as youth movements. Gradually their influence spread until it became a mighty force in the lives of a great multitude who were well passed all the stages of youth. The promoters of the pending campaign are hopeful that it _ will bring fresh interest and inspiration not only to the young, but to many ivhose youth lies behind them. They even believe that in the things of the mind and soul it is possible for such to find their youth renewed. In setting out upon this campaign they are in line with the great Teacher of Nazareth, who launched the greatest “youth movement” of history when He called twelve young men to His side “that they might be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach the Gospel.” The present effort is worthy of support and deserves to succeed.