Brother Clayton's Article
On the front page this week we carry a well prepared, carefully thought out article by Brother L. B. Clayton of Oklahoma City. Brother Clayton is an elder in the Tenth and Francis Streets Church of that city, and is also chairman of the Board of Trustees of Central Christian College at Bartlesville. He is also the father of two fine gospel preachers (one in Texas, one in Montana), both of whom are graduates of Abilene Christian College. He has been a member of the Lord's church since childhood, and has led singing in gospel meetings for the last thirty years. He has been, and is, a highly successful teacher in the Bible School, and is keenly interested in whatever good work the church, or Christians, can do.
For that reason alone, his article is worthy of the most careful study. He is vitally concerned in promoting, encouraging, and helping in every rightful project for the advancement of the cause of Christ. He told this writer several weeks ago that he would like to present an article for study and discussion, seeking if in some way a solution might not be found for the present controversy over orphan home work, and over a national broadcast of gospel preaching. We encouraged him to write such an article. And this is it.
It is Brother Clayton's desire, and the desire of this writer, that brethren "on both sides" of these questions write frankly and freely concerning the suggestions he makes. Are they scriptural? Are they workable? Would they solve the problem? What particular change or modification can you suggest that would make his plan more acceptable?
Frankly, when Herald of Truth was first talked about we thought it was going to be somewhat similar to the plan suggested by Brother Clayton — that is, that individual congregations would undertake to support the broadcasts on specific stations. We were rather enthusiastic over' the idea; and we think we could get pretty favorably inclined toward it again. Such an arrangement, if possible to be worked out, would certainly eliminate a considerable portion of the objections that have been urged against the project by various brethren.
As for the care of dependent children, we think Brother Clayton has an excellent solution to the "orphan home" problem. Let the congregations buy the services that various privately owned, managed, and financed institutions have for sale. It might be a hospital, a home for crippled children, a home for the mentally retarded, or some other kind of institution. Thus when a child becomes the responsibility of a congregation, and no private Christian home can be found which is able to take the child, then he could be placed in such an institution, and the church could pay for his keep. If at any time the elders of the congregation became dissatisfied with the care and training being given the child, they would have full authority to take him out, and make other arrangements for him. The church would retain complete custody of the Child at all times.
The same thing would apply to widows and their care. Only it would be necessary to see that none come under this care save those who are "widows indeed" as of 1 Timothy 5.
We are ready to publish some discussions on this question. What are your ideas about it? Maybe we can find something here acceptable to everybody, and in harmony with scripture teaching. Let us see.
Vacation Bible Schools
Vacation Bible Schools can be wonderfully helpful if that's what they are! From the church bulletins that come our way, however, we are afraid some of them are more nearly handcraft classes; basket-weaving, leather tooling, art work, and a score of other interesting and entertaining (and sometimes useful) things are being taught — but where is the Bible?
The Marian White series of Vacation Bible School lessons is being used by an ever increasing number of congregations. The lessons teach the Bible. From first to last they are designed for that purpose. Only six weeks remain for such schools. If you have not had one, try it this year. The experience will be invaluable in planning and conducting one next year. We will be glad to send a full kit of sample literature on request, together with the very helpful little booklet, "Planning A Vacation Bible School."
— F.Y.T.