Letter to Christians

By L. E. Ketcherside

[Page 11]

     "Who is my neighbor?" This question has been tossed about ever since the talk between Jesus and the Jewish lawyer (Luke 10: 25, 37). Weymouth translates it, "What is meant by my neighbor?" Our Lord did not show who his neighbor was, but pointed out the qualifying characteristics of a neighbor. I think if we consider his description we will cease wrangling over "Who is my neighbor"? We will search our hearts to see if we can qualify as a genuine neighbor.

     I doubt if the description given satisfied the Jewish lawyer. Perhaps the construction I place on the answer may not satisfy many of you. But we would do well to ask ourselves constantly if we can qualify as a neighbor whom others can as consistently love as they do themselves.

     A constant flow of letters directed to certain congregations in this area reaches me. Many are soliciting funds for varied purposes. Some appeals are very worthy. The majority of such letters are from men wanting to preach the gospel. Some hold certificates from several "brotherhood schools" but have not made the connection they expected to make. Some have suffered the humiliation of having to resort to secular labor for a livelihood.

     A letter just received contains a photograph of the preacher and urgently insists that congregations bestir themselves to guarantee him a minimum of $500 per month. With such a guarantee he would even condescend to do some mission work. One elder knows a score or more young men well trained for the ministry, if only congregations would call them. How pathetic!

     Brethren, I pray for an increase of true evangelists whose love for the Cause of Christ is great enough to carry them beyond the established pulpit into whitened fields. I pray that all such men be supported to the extent of the need of themselves and their families, and will gladly use my influence to encourage such support. I pray that every one of those disappointed young men, holding a certificate of graduation in the field of Gospel Ministry, can be made to see they cannot evangelize the saved so will turn their thoughts and efforts toward saving the lost.

     The basement project for the meeting-house at Bismarek is making progress. Now that I have the feel of hammer and saw again, I will continue light carpentry for the next twelve months, and personally support a thirty minute radio program of teaching (not preaching) each Lord's Day for a year. The time will cost me $15 per week and I am certain I can average earning that amount by doing small jobs, even during the winter months. Our local station has good coverage in this area, and I will augment my radio teaching with personal work.