American Methodists Conducting Schools

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30196, 30 July 1963, Page 15

American Methodists Conducting Schools

New Zealanders, even with their close proximity to Asian countries, were less aware of the poverty and spiritual needs of the Asian people than Americans, according to two American Methodist churchmen at present in Christchurch to conduct a school of evangelism. The visitors are Dr. J. Manning Potts, world editor of the “Upper Room,” a Methodist prayer manual printed in 32 languages, and the Rev. Dr. H. Denman, general secretary of the United States Methodist Board of Evangelism. During their short tour, they have conducted schools of evangelism for ministers and laymen in Auckland. Hamilton, and New Plymouth. The school being conducted in the city is the only one to be held in the South Island. Only half the world could

read and write, half the world went to bed hungry, and only one-third of the world had heard of Christ, Dr. Manning Potts said. In America, people heard these figures all the time, and, especially among women's groups and organisations, there was an awareness of many people who needed help, he said. Schools Successful Dr. Denman came to New Zealand to emphasise through the schools his conviction that evangelism is the job of every congregation and every church member. The schools so far have proved very successful and all concerned cooperated well to make them so. he said. Both Dr. Denman and Dr. Manning Potts come from Nashville, Tennessee, but they had little comment to offer on the racial situation in the Southern States. Dr. Denman said the Tennessee Methodist Conference had passed a motion, 500 votes to one, in favour of complete integration. Both the visitors liked New Zealand as a country. Dr. Denman because he liked the people, and to him the people, not the scenery made the country. Dr. Manning Potts, who has also travelled extensively, considered New Zealand “one of the loveliest countries in the world.” After the conclusion of the Christchurch school, they will fly to Australia to go on a similar tour there. They will address a public rally on Thursday evening at 7.30 p.m. in the Durham Street Methodist Church to conclude the school.