CITY 'DOWN AND OUTS'

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 113, 16 May 1933, Page 11

CITY 'DOWN AND OUTS'

THE SINGER WHO FORGOT. EXHIBITION OF FAITH. There is one building in Albert Street different from all the rest. It is old and dilapidated, and some say that it should have been pulled down long ago. But there are others who know better. It ia an old hall, built well over half a century ago, and is now used as a "down-and-out" Mission, where meetings arc held three or four times a week by Mr. F. Williams. A "Star" representative who attended a meeting, and became one of the congregation, otherwise comprised of "down-and-out6j" here eproduces- the substance of the service. A man who had been ruined by drink, but who had arisen again, gave nn address, ably quietly ' delivered, and, received the attention of. all., Then the missioncr led in a hymn, "Be Like Jesus." A young convert rose and gave testimony. Then a young Maori stepped, in''fjajmt and'•' eang'T'a, liyjjui' solo, but broKffikdown with a, fit of coughing. But there Vivas.spirit in the congregation and the retrain was taken up, and the voice's echoed through the oM'nalk The young man then continued alone, this time in Maori. But there was music in his singing, and when, he had gone to hie ?eat the missionor explained: "George ias got a cold to-night." "Blessings Too Numerous." There was a late arrival, a finc-look-ng old Maori, a convert for some three years. The missioner asked him to give !iis testimony. "Ah," eaid the Maori, 'I cannot mention all the- blessings 1 iave had. They are too numerous, far too many to mention." He expressed ;he . opinion that the depression was lothing, nothing, because he had faith :n God. "As he puts His trust in me, I put it in Him," he said. Another young man started to sing a hymn alone. He suddenly found that he had forgotten the tune, although he knew the words. He tried hard to recall •it, but failed. Then, forgetting' that there was a congregation before him, he prayed there and then for that tune. "Watch me, brothers," he said as he was going to pray. "I'll get it yet.'" Then the tension in his face relaxed. "Air through the week my Saviour hae been watching me," he said, and he struck up again, more melodiously. "I'll give my testimony now, brothers," he said. "I am not a good singer,' brothers; but I've got to do it; and the Lord knows all about it. To know Christ, you must be born again, i'ou can know all about the Bible, but you still cannot know God. I thank the God of right that I am under the banner of'Jesu.s. I've come up again and again against temptation, but I've gone down on my knees and.been strengthened. Some men say 'I've got,a strong willJ' Yes, but the devil's got a. strong will, too." . Other men gave their testimony, and the mis'sidpe.r closed',the service wit a short sermon, taking a text "Get Righ With God," on the wall at the rear of the building. He said that he had known both sides of life. He did not carry on the mission as a. joke, to save sinners iwho wanted to be saved. He then asked if any of the congregation were willing to accept God that niffht. Seven went to the frolic and shook tands with one of the assistant missioned. Then, after a supper was handed round. It consisted 01 coffee, fresh scones and apples—all donated by charity. There are no paid servants, and the missioner himeelf gardens by day and carries on his mission at night.