EMPTY CHURCHES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22620, 7 January 1937, Page 13

EMPTY CHURCHES

Sir, —Why don't some of these professing Christians instead of blaming the minister for the empty churches, look to themselves for the reason. They arts more to blame than he is. He has always been friendly and decent to iiip wherever I have gone. But I've met with very little friendliness from his congregations. 1 am only a poor widow, left years ago with little children, too proud to tell anyone that we were up against it, and too proud to apply for tho widow's pension; often shabby and not able to give much. While the children were young they regularly attended church and Sunday school. When old enough' to think, they became sick of shams and hypocrisy and decided they would get more of God in our garden. So we stay home and listen to the beautiful old hymns over the air. My heart aches often, for there is no one who cares, no one who tries to understand. If these counterfeit Christians would only be real ones for awhile much of the loneliness would be done away with, many of the present-day troubles would be solved and a happier future be made certain. My advice is don't blame your minister; don't profess Christianity; just act as Christ would act. I've been too proud to ask for help, but it has meant such a lot to me to receive a pleasant word au.d smile sometimes irom a stranger, and it costs nothing. Helped »v the lli<;her Power.