Letter to Christians

By L. E. Ketcherside

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     Dear Brethren: I am told there has to be a first time for everything. This is my first letter for 1957. My wife and I arrived at Orlando, Florida, yesterday for the first time we have ever been in the State. We are visiting our youngest son and family. This is the first time in near 49 years of married life that we have ever taken a vacation. But, we will have to

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make this one brief. I have many plans for the coming year.

     On our way here, we traveled in parts of seven States. We observed many things. The very great depreciation of rural and small town properties in each of the seven States was amazing, and about equal in each State. From Alabama north, livestock and poultry is seldom seen. Surely, prosperity in general was much greater in these Southern States 40 years ago.

     There are many congregations of the church of Christ along the way. But few of those we inquired about claimed any growth. There were long stretches of highway and very large areas where the simple Truth has never been preached. Scores of properties of other religious groups, especially those of the colored groups, are abandoned or do not appear to be safe to assemble in.

     In every village, at rural stores and around filling stations could be seen many men of all ages just whiling away the time. I talked to young men who were religious minded about utilizing the time between harvest and planting time in assembling these idle men either day or evening for a serious study of the word of God. Each of them liked the idea very much, but complained that there was no one in their community capable to direct such a study. I was told that reading matter was very scarce in many areas, and few had means with which to purchase reading matter. What I had to offer them was gratefully received and immediately read.

     Brethren, if you know of a brother that is really desiring to get into the "mission field," just remind him there will not be oceans or seas to cross in order to reach this very fertile field, but he will find a people of the African race who will, no doubt, be just as receptive of the gospel as any African in all the world. Christ died for the souls of these Africans. If he is looking for thrill and unusual, and perhaps unthinkable experiences, great satisfaction may be found in several of the various States through which we have traveled on our way here.

     It is early in the second day since we arrived, but I have met some very fine folks -- white, colored and brown. They were all very interesting. Orlando is made up of people of many nationalities and with many religious views. I hope to be able to tell you more about my experiences on this trip in my next letter.

     I am planning a different type of work after the first of the year than I have ever tried before. Perhaps I will not be able to accomplish very much for my Lord, but I will at least be out of a rut that I have been traveling for several years. My plans will open a field where I will have but little, if any, competition, as I know of no one else trying this plan. Your prayers will be appreciated, for I will need them very much.

     Brethren are planning many activities during the coming year. I am watching all with much interest. Others will be satisfied with their monthly preacher and their annual protracted effort. Perhaps few congregations will be stirred to start home Bible studies in their communities. Some disciples will produce an hundred fold during the year, while others will dig in the earth to hide their talent. Regardless of what we do, or do not do, we will have to appear in the judgment for an accounting.