“YOUTH FOR CHRIST.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20312, 23 May 1934, Page 12

“YOUTH FOR CHRIST.”

Increasing Interest in Campaign. A deepening interest in the “ Youth for Christ ” campaign was shown in the total attendance of 1743* at the various meetings conducted last evening, this number being a record for a weeknight. At the Choral Hall, the Rev J. F. Feron traced the way in which the world had been prepared for the coming of Christ, and showed how the disciples had been changed from weak, vacillating followers to strong men, ready to face death for Christ. The Resurrection was the cause of this change. The Rev Raymond Dudley, addressing a congregation of about 350 in Knox Church Schoolroom, chose for his text, “Whither shall I go., from Thy Spirit or flee from Thy presence.” He said that one of the greatest needs of the world to-day was a re-discovery of the majesty of God. To-day the world was realising its bankruptcy in the most holy and eternal things, and men were being driven back increasingly to the Divine. The arguments of the atheists drew little response to-day, as the humin spirit wistfully turned heavenward. God was inescapable. Hew Standards Heeded. Speaking to a gathering of sixty young men and women at Linwood, the Rev R. de Lambert said that the world could not adhere to its present mode of living and still follow the example of the Saviour. An alteration of standards was necessary, and when the world realised the emptiness of its present existence it would find a fuller meaning to life in the example set by Jesus Christ. The service at Sydenham was attended by a congregation of about 160, the address being given by the Rev K. W. Batts. Mr Ba'ts said that self-denial in the Christian life meant the dethronement of self and the enthronement of Christ. The Rev H. S. Kings addressed an attendance o? 110 at the Methodist Church, Lvttelton, taking as his text, “What shall T do to inherit eternal life?” “Many of us,” said Mr Kings, “are seemingly God-fearing men and women, yet we put wealth and materialism before allegiance to God. We must forsake selfish motives and follow Him.” There were 165 present at the service at St Albans. T,he Rev IT. G. Gilbert, who spoke on the text. ** If ye love Me ve will keep My commandments.” said that the call to follow Christ did not involve the giving up of everything that mattered, but rather entailed a weeding process by which only those things in life which were worth while were allowed to remain. At the Papnnui meeting there were 100 present. The Rev A. C. Watson, speaking on the text, “This is the victory that overcomeTh the world, even our faith,” said that religion was not something to carry: it was something to carry out. Meeting at South Brighton. Canon J. F. Course.v addressed an audience of eighty at South Brighton, taking <s his te>t, “It is hard for thee to kick again ->t the pricks.” He said many young people to-day were kicking against the pricks of holy homes and lessons learned in Sunday School, and although not intentionally persecuting Jesus, they wer~ turning their backs on Him He urged them to follow Jesus to the Cross. Although the way was hard, yet rest and peace were to be found there. “ Christ’s Willingness ” was the sub- , ject of the Rev M. J. Eade’s address at Spreydop, when he spoke to a gathering I of seventy young people. He explained J

that Jesus could not enter into a person’s life urtil the individual heart was willing and prepared to welcome Him. A solo, “The Spirit Divine,” sung by Mrs E. Belcher. There was a splendid attendance at the rally held irf Southbridge, when Mr J. L. Hay spoke on "The Spirit Behind the ‘Youth for Christ' Campaign.” emphasising the call to the heroic in life that is being counted in the campaign. He stressed the fact that the Christian life was the abundant life.