YOUTH EVANGELISTIC CAMPAIGN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21671, 15 June 1932, Page 12

YOUTH EVANGELISTIC CAMPAIGN

THE REV. LIONEL B. FLETCHER The closing meeting of the Rev. Lionel B. Fletcher’s evangelistic campaign in North-East Valley was held last evening, and it proved the greatest ever held in the district. Night after night eager crowds filled the Presbyterian Church, and the closing night found its seating accommodation taxed to the utmost. The singing, which has been a special feature of the mission, was again under the direction of Mr H. P. Desmoulins and the Rev. G. C. Reay. Before the evangelist proceeded with his address, the Rev. George Miller, chairman of the United Mission, expressed gratitude to God and thanks of the people to Mr and Mrs Fletcher, who had carried out the mission. Mr Miller said that the addresses of the evangelist had been outstanding, and the attention of the audiences throughout had been wonderful. He regretted that the mission had been so short, but was very grateful for the help given. He trusted that Mr and Mrs Fletcher would have journeying mercies as they proceeded to Australia and Great Britain, and assured them that the prayers of the people of North-East Valley would follow them, and wishing them great success in the evangelistic work they were undertaking in the Old Land. Mr Miller also thanked the Rev. G. C. Reay and Mr H. P. Desmoulins for the splendid help they had given in the mission as the leaders of the singing. In reply, Mr Fletcher said he and Mrs Fletcher were very grateful and very happy to do the wotk God had given them to do. It was an intensive and local campaign, and the results were remarkable, for up to the present close on 300 had come forth and confessed Christ, and he urged them to go forth in the future'' to be out and out for the Saviour. He said he was glad to know of all the activities for young people in the North-East Valley churches, and bade the elder people encourage them in every way. He trusted that these young people’s activities would be enriched by the young converts joining them.

In giving his closing message, Mr Fletcher addressed himself specially to Christians, and based his remarks on the story of Peter in prison, and how he was liberated. How hopeless he was situated, said the preacher, stone walls and iron gates holding him, and in the charge of and chained to soldiers. As we looked at the story, said he, wo- were faced witli physical imprisonment. “Do not let physical circumstances cloud your vision of God,” said the evangelist. “ The Christians in Peter’s time prayed. The greatest- thing any Christian can do is to pray. God told us to pray and prayer liberates' the soul. Prayer liberates an atmosphere, it creates a spiritual atmosphere in the Church. While the Christians prayed Peter’s chains fell, and there wo have the liberating power of God. He liberated an angel to light up the prison, to wake Peter up, to raise him up, and open the door of the prison.” The greatest need of Christians to-day, continued the missioner, was the liberating power of the Holy Spirit. Mr Fletcher’s closing appeal to Christians was: “ Will you really and truly give your lives afresh to Christ, and’ rcdedicate yourself body, soul, and spirit.” There was a wonderful response on behalf of the Christians present, and when the appeal was given to those who wished to confess Christ a good number came forward. To-night Mr Fletcher will speak in Knox Church, and his subject will be “ A Challenge to the Church.”