Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 3
September 27, 1951
NUMBER 21, PAGE 4

Manhattan, Kansas

One of the towns hardest hit by the recent disastrous floods in the mid-west was Manhattan, Kansas. So terrible was the havoc wrought here that President Truman showed movie pictures of this city to members of the Congress in his appeal to them for appropriation of funds for flood relief. A number of congregations throughout Kansas sent food and clothing to the brethren at Manhattan to help relieve them in their distress; but there are damages that will leave their destructive mark on the city for years to come.

The church at Manhattan is relatively weak, but lately (prior to the flood) has shown remarkable signs of progress and promise. Just a few days before the flood we received the following communication from brother James C. Bays, minister of the Emporia Avenue Church in Wichita, Kansas, which church has spent about $5,000 in trying to help the work in Manhattan get under way. Here is the appeal from brother Bays in behalf of Manhattan:

Mission Work At Home

"We thank God that much progress is being made in the Lord's work abroad. We rejoice that the brotherhood throughout the land has awakened to its responsibilities in supporting workers in foreign fields. Yet, we must not forget our own responsibilities at home. The command is "into all the world." Obviously this includes the neglected areas of our own land.

Ripe Fields In Kansas

"The church is growing in the state of Kansas, but there are still many sections that need outside help. With such assistance now, some of these areas will soon become bases of operation for the spread of the gospel at home and abroad. This is a very stable part of the United States, and many people are receptive to the truth.

Unusual Opportunity

"Manhattan, Kansas, is an unusually fine city of about 25,000, located at the geographical center of the country. Every visitor remarks on the beauty of the town; and the community prides itself on its clean and wholesome life. Kansas State College, which last year had an enrollment of 7,000, is located here. Fort Riley, a great military training center, is only eight miles away. Main railroads and highways from Kansas City to Denver pass through the town.

Church In Manhattan

"The little converted dwelling in which the congregation meets is no longer adequate. In fact, some have remarked that it seems to be "bulging at the sides." To make room for a needed class, one of the members donated a house trailer; there is some doubt that this arrangement will meet with city regulations governing property for such use, and the brethren may have to abandon it as a class-room.

Help Needed Now

"Thus, you see that the situation soon could become critical. In fact, the greatest handicap to the growth of the church is its building, especially since it is too old to warrant any kind of expenditure in renovating or enlarging. This is not just another plea for help; the cause is worthy, and the need is great.

How To Help

"The church at Manhattan will be glad to receive and acknowledge donations from individuals and congregations. Their need is especially great during these next eighteen months. Will not several congregations put this work in their budgets and send regular monthly contributions?

"The majority of the eighty-five people who attend services at Manhattan are children, students at the college, non-members, and sisters whose husbands are not Christians. The members have only average incomes. Yet this congregation, with its limited ability, is carrying a heavy program of work, and has accumulated $1,350.00 in a building fund. They have their present property paid for.

"The Manhattan brethren plan only a modest building. They want to meet their present emergency and become able to carry their own burden as quickly as possible. But they do need help for a while. This work is known and endorsed by the churches in this area. The Emporia Avenue Church of Christ in Wichita has contributed generously to the task of getting a congregation started in Manhattan, and will be glad to give information to anyone who may be interested in helping here.

"All contributions for Manhattan should be sent to Manhattan Church of Christ, in care of, R. L. McMillen, 414 South 4th Street, Manhattan, Kansas."

We are glad for our readers to see this communication from brother Bays, relative to the opportunity and the needs in Manhattan. This letter represents the condition before the flood; since that catastrophe their need is greatly multiplied. Kansas provides an opportunity for a number of churches to do a truly worthwhile "missionary" work. Who will respond to this appeal from Manhattan?

— F.Y.T.