Items of Interest


[Page 46]

     The Trustees of Mission have established an annual Mission Awards program to encourage quality writing on religious topics and to focus greater concern on the problem of Christian relevance for our age. All forms of literature will be considered, including essay, fiction, poetry, drama and critical analysis. Prizes will be $150, $100, and $50, for the three articles adjudged first, second and third. Further information may be secured from, or manuscripts may be submitted to Mission, Box 326, Oxford, Ohio 45056.

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     FOCI, The Fellowship of Concerned Individuals, is made up of a group of brethren who are seeking to do something tangible as committed followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, to increase racial understanding and to offset the sin of race hatred and bigotry. Local chapters meet together one night per week for ten weeks to learn important facts about the racial crisis and the Christian message for that crisis. Guides have been prepared for the program. Those who are interested in securing further information may contact FOCI, Box 7203, Lexington, Kentucky 40502. Let us say, so that we shall be absolutely honest with our readers, that the leadership of FOCI is drawn principally from the ranks of brethren in Independent Christian Churches, although it is a little absurd to maintain our sectarian attitudes when our world is burning down around our ears. We urge any member of the fellowship of the concerned to write for the information.

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     Training Center for Service, Inc., 1520 North Leffingwell Ave., St. Louis, Missouri 63106, is an earnest effort of Christians to move into the ghetto with an effective program to train children to live as responsible citizens in an urban society. Walter and Ruth Short, the only white couple in the area, and Charles Owens, who is black, live at this location, and carry on a constant work of help to the community. There are daily Bible study classes, in addition to sewing classes, cooking classes, gardening and food preservation classes. The children who come from culturally deprived homes find an oasis in a world of sin and shame. The boys are welded into teams through an athletic program, and all are made to recognize that it is only in Christ we shall find answers to problems.

     The premises were purchased by Central Church of Christ, St. Louis, but other brethren help in many ways. A subsistence meal is served each Saturday by a volunteer group of sisters from one of the congregations. Clothing and canned goods are regularly distributed to needy families. We mention this because if you wish to do something besides grumble about conditions, your contribution or assistance will be welcomed, and you can be sure it will meet tragic need.

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     If you knew how many hours of needed time it saved for us when you renew in advance of expiration date, we are sure that most of you would never let your subscription expire. If it is to end any time in 1969, will you please send a dollar at once so we can set it forward. It will help us much more than you realize and time is a very precious commodity. Send your dollar today. If you renew for three years for $3.00 we will send you a free gift book.
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