Bibles for Communist Lands
From time to time statements appear in the public press and often from Church leaders closely connected with the World Council of Churches stating that Bibles are available behind the Iron Curtain through the recognised and registered Christian organisations. While it is true that a limited circulation of Bibles is allowed in certain Eastern European lands, it is also true that this supply does not in any way provide for the needs of Christians in these lands. Furthermore, if Christians belonging to unregistered Churches obtained Bibles in this way, having to sign for them, they would immediately be marked men and subjected to the pressures which Communist regimes bring to bear on those who refuse to abandon the Christian Faith. Consequently, statements about the availability of Bibles in Communist lands should not be taken at their face value, and every support should be given to the supply of Bibles to Eastern Europe, as well as elsewhere.
Football Madness
The entry of Scotland into the World Cup Football Competition in South America was the occasion of extraordinary scenes of excitement and of the adulation of the players taking part. The manager of the team was almost exalted into a demi-god by sports writers and by the team’s supporters. Some supporters were reported to have mortgaged their homes to procure sufficient money for the cost of their fare to South America. When the team and manager failed to live up to expectations scenes of hysteria resulted in which the broken idols were disowned and derided by those who a short time before had worshipped them. What a lesson all this teaches us. How foolish to give such a place to sport that when our expectations there are lost, we have lost our all! What need there is to seek a better portion than the empty pleasures of this life. How much better to seek an interest in Jesus Christ with the promise as well of the possession of those pleasures which are at God’s right hand.
Africa
The situation in Africa continues to be serious through Communist involvement in that Continent. It is likely to remain the scene of much intrigue and bloodshed for some time to come. It is at least heartening that the Western nations appear to be wakening up to the threat posed through Communist activity.
In Rhodesia the internal agreement has held but progress to peace and stability is slow. Lives continue to be lost through guerilla attacks. It is to be hoped that a stable government may yet be set up which would permit the continuation of the spread of the Gospel in that land.
We sympathise with those on the Mission Field in their trying position. We trust, however, that they are conscious of the Lord’s protecting care over them in the midst of all their difficulties. May Rhodesia — yes, and the whole of Africa — experience a day of the Lord’s power. It is this that would put the Communist armies to flight.