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 —(continued
from page 5)— elders from “Associated” church) and I spent a week
in Warner’s Bay “confirming the souls” of some I had baptized in
‘71, and seeking to encourage brethren there. The need for such is
great among small isolated groups throughout Australia.
Came
Saturday, and we packed and headed south to meet Harry at Sydney, in the
home of the U.S. preacher, bro. Phil Morr. Phil and Pat (with two fine
children) have hosted many many people in their five years in Australia,
and manage when the difficulties seem insurmountable. They may have done
as much for the Australian work from their home as Phil’s capable
pulpit work has done, and there is a crying need for their replacement
when they return to U.S. this year.
Sunday,
Nov. 11, I was asked to preach in Merrylands, a suburb of Sydney. A
small church there is the remnant of a group formed long before
Americans of the 20th. century came to Australia. It resulted from
rejection of digressive developments among 19th. century churches, and
“took a stand” to function independently. Years of separation have
made these brethren somewhat wary of newcomers or any kind of “change”--
and perhaps account for characteristics peculiar to these alone — but
it has not hindered their love for truth. I spoke at the worship”
service, and again at the evening “gospel” service. The afternoon
was spent with three families, in earnest discussion of scriptural
principles as well as various “customs and traditions” that often
separate brethren. But a “happening” in the evening service tells
more than I could ever explain.
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I
was aware of the “worship-gospel” distinction (we have it in
parts of the U.S.) so did not preach to non-members nor offer an
invitation that morning. However, when I noticed that the song
announced to follow the evening sermon was an “invitation” type
I felt I was on safe grounds to close the lesson in my usual manner.
“Let us arise and sing the song selected!”
No
one arose, no one sang! I hummed and hawed a bit, recircled the
invitation, and repeated, “Let us now arise and sing!” Nothing
happened; so a puzzled and embarrassed preacher took his seat. Then—
the song leader arose, read the first verse of the song (a common
custom) and lead the singing. Afterwards it was explained (with
apology for not having warned me) that my job was to preach — it
was the song leader’s job to have the people “arise and sing.”
It seems they had had earlier U.S. preachers, “take over”
service, calling upon them for things they did not want to do— so,
they put their foot down, so to speak. Now that’s independence!
We
were now seven weeks and over 10,000 miles from home, and welcomed
our scheduled “break.” On Tuesday. Harry and I flew to Canberra,
Capitol city, for a few days of doing nothing. I grew tired of the
city and moved to a sheep station for two days, while Harry finished
his “break” in Sydney (all this at our personal expense), then
we were ready to tackle the last half of our Australian work. I’ll
report that in later issues, D.V. (RFT)
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