Opportunity In Guam
We have just received a plea from our brethren on Guam, Marianas Islands. Due to the geographical location of the island and the possibilities afforded by a church building for our brethren, there has been created within the brethren here an incentive to contribute to this great work. Our interest has been accelerated by the fact that one of oun young men, Donald Starks, has been associated with the group while in the armed forces. If the elders of the congregation of which you are a member may also feel disposed to give toward the erection of a church building for them, it is suggested that you contact directly the Church of Christ, P. O. Box 883, Agana, Guam.
The following excerpt from correspondence received by us is self-explanatory. "On the last outpost of America's Pacific island defense, stands Guam, focus of history for over 400 years. This isle of 225 square miles has been called one of the most beautiful islands in the western Pacific.
"Although discovered by Magellan in 1611 on his earth-circling voyage, it was about 75 years later that a Franciscan priest began the work of the Catholic Church on Guam. He was replaced by Jesuit priests, who backed with soldiers, reduced the population from approximately 70,000 to as low as 25,000 by some estimates, while converting the native Charmorros. The Catholic Church in this area is of a distinct Spanish type with the Spanish Catholic ritual. In 1911, a Baptist mission was founded and their success may be shown by a post World War II survey showing 22,000 Catholics and 760 Baptists among the Guamanians, Philipinos and military personal.
"In 1960, a few Christians began meeting together primarily through the efforts of Brother and Sister Bill Jackson and Brother Jimmy Sheerer. They met in the Jackson home. The attendance increased and in 1961 the church began to meet in the Government Chapel at Asan, Guam. At the present time there are approximately 45 faithful members of the church on Guam who are supporting a preacher of the gospel, Brother Arthur Yates, and who are continually adding to a building fund. The average attendance is presently 60-65 per Lord's Day.
'We now have title to 5,656 square feet of land with central location at 8th Avenue and Cliff Drive in Agana, the capital city. Our plans are to erect, as soon as possible, a building that will meet present needs, and allow for growth that should be forthcoming in the near future. The proposed building is of concrete masonry and will be fireproof and typhoon resistant, an extremely important factor especially during the storm season. The total auditorium capacity will seat 240 people and six classes may be conducted simultaneously. A baptistery and rest rooms are included in the plan. Though simple in design and construction, the building will be attractive, functional and a definite asset to the Lord's church.
"The Guamanian people are seeking a solid footing religiously. A building would provide facilities for a full program of religious activity for members coming here, the majority of which are military personnel. For the past 70 years Guam has been a permanent military installation and will continue to be so. Brethren, your sons and young men are here and more are coming all the time. The church from every part of the nation is represented. We cannot possibly present a full program of worship to them while meeting in a government chapel where we are told when we can meet, and for how long we can meet, and where we have no assurance of a place to meet permanently. Will you contribute today?, and God will reward you."
They emphasize their need for a located minister whose salary would approximate $3,150.00 per year. Can you put them in touch with a capable man for this work?
For the erection of such facilities, the cost amounts to $30,000 of which they are in a position to pay $10,000. The congregation here is contributing.