Covenanter Witness Vol. 86 - Rparchives.org

Rev. T. M. Hutcheson Writes:American Academy,Larnaca, CyprusMarch 11, 1971Dear Readers of The Covenanter Witness:It is my privilege to greet you from Cyprus, whereGod's Spirit is working daily. Thanks to all of you, who areoffering up prayers for the Lord's work here.There is a real interest among people in Bible study,and in seeing God working out spiritual solutions to theirproblems. God has challenged many to commit their livesto Him, for which we are glad. In February, the Christianyoung people from Larnaca and Nicosia had a one-dayretreat in Nicosia, led by the C.C.C.ers, which was verywell attended.There are six folks who are studying with me inLarnaca, in three different communicants' classes, allhoping to present their lives "a living sacrifice" to Godthrough our Church. There are, also, similar classes inNicosia, with Rev. J. Paul Wilson, and some of theC.C.C.ers are helping teach and train new Christians.All this is not without its opposition. The words ofour Lord in Matthew 10:34-39 can never be more true thanin Cyprus, as well as the words in Matthew 10:16-20. Forthis reason your daily prayers are requested.A spring Christian Youth Conference is beingplanned for April 2 through Sabbath, April 4, 1971. Rev.Mr. Wilson and his Conference Committee are trying towork out the program, and the details for the Conference.It will be held in Larnaca.Before you read this letter, Rev. C.C. Christou andRev. J. Paul Wilson will have been in Greece to meet theExecutive Committee of the Greek Evangelical Synod, tomake exploratory studies of the way we might be able tofind a basis for cooperation in evangelistic work in Cyprus.The Greek Evangelical Church is Presbyterian ingovernment. They have a Confession of Faith, of theirown, which some of us are studying, to see in what areaswe believe the same, and where we differ. Our deputationneeds your prayers in these important consultations.Our observance of the sacrament of the Lord'sSupper is being planned for early May.This week, our newest young Christian Churchmember was taken under the care of the Cyprus Commission,for the purpose of pursuing theological studies.He has been pre-enrolled in our Theological Seminary, inPittsburgh, pending the completion of the necessary prerequisites(namely a B.A. degree). He hopes to enroll inGeneva College this next school year. Pray that the Lord'swill may be done in this matter. Pray that he will neverlose his vision of doing the Lord's work in Cyprus.In Cyprus we have a new law, which is called thePrivate School Law of 1971. Its purpose is to control andregulate the functioning of all private schools in Cyprus.The American Academy is named as one of the privateschools, which mav continue under this new Law. Atpresent we are making a careful study of the law to see ifitwill prohibit, in any way, our continuing as a Missionschool. We ask you to pray that the door for freedom ofreligion will continue to remain open to us in our island.On April 7, three other teachers and I expect toaccompany 40 of our top class students on an educationalboat trip to Greece. We will be gone for two weeks.We wish to thank you for your many birthday andChristmas greetings, which have continued to arrivethrough February. We do appreciate receiving the newsand your gifts for the work here, from our home Church."Pray without ceasing."Sincerely yours in Christian service.Rev. T. M. HutchesonLIFE REVIEWEDDr. Doddridge dreamed that he died, and clad in aseraphic form, was born by an angelic attendant to a gloriouspalace, in one of the rooms of which he left him, saying,"Rest here. The Lord of the mansion will soon be with you.In the meanwhile, study the apartment." The next momenthe was alone; and upon casting his eyes round the room, hesaw that the walls were adorned with a series of pictures.To his great astonishment he found that it was his pastlife delineated there. From the moment he had come into theworld a helpless infant, and God had breathed into him thebreath of life, unto the recent hour when he had seemed todie, his whole existence was there marked down. Everyevent which had happened to him shown out conspicuouslyon its walls. Some he remembered as perfectly as thoughthey had occurred yesterday. Others had passed from hismemory into oblivion, until thus recalled. Things obscure inhis life which had caused him doubt, perplexity, evenuneasiness, were rendered clear now.The perils of his life were there — the accidents whichhad overtaken him in his mortal state, all of which he hadescaped from untouched or but slightly hurt. One in particularcaught his attention — a fall from his horse — for herecollected the circumstance well. It had been a perilous falland his escape was marvelous. But scattered in every picture,all along the whole career, he saw merciful, guiding,shielding angels, who had been with him unsuspectedthroughout his life, never quitting him, always watchingover him to guard him from danger. He continued to gaze onthese wonderful pictures; and the more he gazed, the greatergrew his awe, his reverence, his admiration of the goodnessof God. Not a turn did his life take, butit rested on somemerciful act of interposition for him. Love, gratitude, joy,filled to overflowing.—6, 000 Sermon IllustrationsTHIS AND THAT from page 16with one or two of her missionary associates, having aleisurely cup of tea together by a cabin window framing thefamed and picturesque Mt. Fuji."I willlift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whencecometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, whichmade heaven and earth The Lord shall preserve thv goingout and thy coming in from this time forth, and oven forevermore."• • •APRIL 7, 1971