In the Hospital

W. Carl Ketcherside

[Page 13]

     On April 25, I began a series of meetings at Mount Eagle, Pennsylvania. After three nights I was taken to the Lock Haven Hospital, suffering from an acute infection. I was hospitalized almost a week, during which Darrell Bolin finished the scheduled work. Much of my time at home is spent in hospital visitations, but it was a new experience to he a patient. When my fever subsided and I could read, I sought to make good use of the time. I read the accounts of Matthew, Mark, and Luke in an attempt to ascertain the real attitude of Jesus toward suffering mankind. It was a rewarding and enriching experience. I have a new concept of mercy as opposed to law and sacrifice. I was visited by clergymen of the Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, and Christian Churches, and conversed at length with them about the state of religion in our day. All impressed me as interested and interesting.

     The state of the congregations in that section betokens good for the future. With few exceptions brethren are learning the value of the "work of faith and labor of love." Hope for peace and unity seems brighter in an area once torn by strife and schism, and where every variation from tradition and custom left a trail of heartbreak and tears. Under the ministration of two good elders, Raymond Neidigh and Dick McCloskey, the little group of disciples at Mount Eagle is making progress. A congregation of saints recently formed in Lock Haven is in the process of erecting a modest but attractive meetinghouse, upon which project they greatly need your financial assistance.

     Bro. Bolin, a humble and sincere laborer, is beginning to see the fruits of his arduous efforts. He is an original and individual thinker, and he helped me greatly. Patiently guiding those whom he contacts in their investigation of the sacred oracles, he regularly immerses men and women into our Lord. I am deeply indebted to all of the gracious brethren in that area for their comfort and cheer. I am also grateful to doctors and nurses who labored so diligently to combat the virus which has left me greatly weakened, but no less determined to press on "while it is called today, for the night cometh when no man can work."