‘Great future for Church’

Press, 24 August 1976, Page 4

‘Great future for Church’

The Rev. David Manuel, an Indian minister touring New Zealand at the invitation of the Presbyterian Church, believes that there is a great future for the Church in India

Mr Manuel is a pastor at Morrison Memorial Church in Dehra Dun, North India. During his six-week visit he is speaking to church groups. Two per cent of India’s total population was Christian. said Mr Manuel. India was developing rapidly although there was still much to do to fight poverty. The Church was now realising its self-hood.

Mr Manuel did his theological training in Saharanpur, where his teacher was a New

Zealander. Dr W. M. Rybum. When Dr Rybum retired. Mr Manuel was asked to take his place. He was sponsored in the position by the New Zealand Bible Class movement and became known as New Zealand’s “own missionary.” Although he can neither write nor read music, Mr Manuel has composed more than 100 songs which he uses in his church and on regular Christian radio broadcasts. His wife, Stella, plays the tunes by memory, and they are recorded. Mr Manuel enjoys visiting the poor in his parish, many of whom were close to God and very down to earth, he said. He also enjoys meeting the elderly.