Will You Accept This Challenge?
The church in Altus, Oklahoma was established three years ago last January with two members — Mrs. Kelley and me. For the first nine months (with the exception of a very short time when we met in a rented building) the church met in our living room. In October of that year property was acquired which consisted of a large three-bedroom house and approximately one and one-half acres of ground. We had gained two members during this time. Thus a membership of four adults with three children moved into the new property and met in the large living room of the residence. In the next three months we gained eight members which gave us a membership of twelve at the beginning of 1966. Now, at the beginning of 1968 we have twenty-nine members with an attendance of the upper thirties. A year ago last month we moved into a newly constructed and attractive little church building that seats 160 people...The building is located on the property with the residence. The membership is at peace and working to build the church. It will grow and become strong in time.
Since the beginning we have been on the radio five days per week, 52 weeks a year. The program has done much good. We have published a weekly paper which has been mailed to some 700 people in Altus. At the beginning of this year we changed frequency to a monthly to somewhat lighten the work load. The church, though small, is known I throughout Southwestern Oklahoma and Northwest Central Texas. Its potential is great.
Here is the challenge: A preacher is needed for this good work. Because of circumstances which it is not necessary to relate here, I have been advised to secure a less demanding work. This I will not do however, unless and until a capable man is found who is able and willing to accept the challenge Altus, and Southwestern Oklahoma presents. The man who accepts the challenge will need to have some experience in both radio evangelism and writing, and be willing to follow up on the opportunities that will come as a result of both these avenues of teaching. The opportunity is tremendous.
Adequate and continuing support is already secured for the right man. This will be no problem to the man who comes here. All he will need to do is study, teach, and preach the word of God. A large three-bedroom two-bath house fully carpeted will be furnished the man who comes. A group of fine people who love the Lord and His cause will be his pleasure to work with. Nothing will stand in his way of "making full proof of his ministry."
This is a work, not a job. A man who is looking for a place to settle until he can find a "better job" with a larger church is neither needed nor desired. The church cannot afford this.
Altus, Oklahoma is a city of 25,000 plus. A SAC airbase is located here. The local commodity is cattle and wheat. The local opposition is two large liberal churches and one small non-class group, together with just plain every day sin that confronts any community. Not many days will be dull; there is enough to do to keep an active man's mind occupied. It all presents both a challenge and an opportunity; and the rewards are gratifying.
Would you like to accept this challenge? If you think you would, and can come well recommended by sound and good brethren, the brethren here would like to talk with you. Write P. O. Box 955, Altus, Okla. 73521, or call (405) 482-0482.
(Editor's note: I have held two meetings with the brethren at Altus. The picture painted by Brother Kelley is a true one. He has labored with incredible energy to do the "spade-work" in getting this fine congregation under way. All southwestern Oklahoma will feel the influence of the Altus church in years to come. The opportunity here is great, and the man who is willing to work will see wonderfully encouraging fruit from his labor. After all, how many congregations do you know that have made a FIFTEEN HUNDRED PERCENT INCREASE in the last three years! We trust some good man will respond to this call and challenge immediately. -Fanning Yater Tant)