EVANGELICAL CAMPAIGN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 256, 27 September 1929, Page 8

EVANGELICAL CAMPAIGN.

DR. FRENCH E. OLIVER

WELCOMED. A very happy company assembled in tho Broadway Lounge last evening to receive Dr French E. Oliver, tne visiting evangelist. After partaking ol tea the hymn composed by Dr Oliver, “Back to the Bible,” was sung with great zeal. , . Mr Wesley Richards, tho chairman, welcomed all and expressed his pleasure that the Doctor was with them. He read numerous telegrams and letters of welcome from various parts ot the Dominion, also a few letters or apology from people unable to be present. A special telegram from Auckland was read extending the heartiest welcome and the “right hand ot fellowship. ” There was also read a special telegram sent to Mr T. Ranford wishing the greatest success in tho organising affairs during the doctor s visit to New Zealand. Rev. A. A. Murray extended greetings and welcome to Dr Oliver. He read the text, “I charge thee therefore beforo God and tho Lord Jesus Christ preach the Word,” and exhorted all “not to be a protester, but to be a proclaimer of the Word.” Referring to Dr Oliver, he said he would use his own words that “he was in shape,” meaning he was in the best condition for the campaign to evangelise New Zealand. Tho speaker said there were many ministers in the Dominion who would welcome the doctor. Many prayers had been made for tho work now to be undertaken. They were greatly honoured by having a man such as the doctor in such a small place as New Zealand, as compared with the United States. The speaker expressed the hope that tho ministry which would be delivered would result in a solid building and bulwark for the truth of God’s Word. Emphasis was laid on the fact of the doctor’s whole-hearted devotion to the whole Bible from Genesis i to Revelation 22, cover to cover. “It had been said of tile doctor that ‘lie uses heavy artillery and his aim is deadly’,” concluded the speaker. Dr Oliver expressed his thankfulness to all present and also to those who had sent telegrams and lettors. He stated that he had received invitations from many quarters, so he had, in the mind of the Lord, decided on a world-tour, visiting Australia, India, Africa, England and Scotland. Experiences in Canada and the United States of America showed that there was reality needed. Many were waging the groat battle but, as it was called, the “sham battle, for when the real battle was in pi ogress there was an appalling scene. For over 30 years ho liad watched events all over the world and had seen the “letting down” ail round. There were many who heard the bullet twice —once when it passed them and, secondly, when they passed it proving that many ran for dear life when the real battle was on, and the “sound fundamentals” ,were at stake. The apostacy was now in full blast. The conditions now were far worse than they were six years ago. They were in the midst of serious times. “Preach the Word, reprove, rebuke with all authority, stick to the Bible, be often on your knees, and seek everyday to win souls for Christ,” Dr. Oliver exhorted his hearers. The doctor was glacl lie was American-born because originally it was Colonials who resorted to America in search of liberty to serve God, so therefore he was related to . the colonials. “If ever I take a home outside of U.S.A. it will be in New Zealand,” he concluded. (Cheers). Mr F'. Parsons expressed delight that the’ doctor was in Palmerston North. Mr T. Ranford, a member of the committee, said that many had wished to be remembered to the doctor and they had stated that they would willingly assist in every way when he commenced his great campaign. He felt in all sincerity that the present effort would prove greater by far than the previous visit. “We are inspired to greater heights and to deeper depths in our co-operation,” said the speaker. Mr A. E. Whitehead said that his heart was giaddened that the doctor was back in their midst again, as they had gladly looked forward and prayed much for the return visit. Many of those, he stated, who confessed faith in Christ over six years ago were going on very well and had proved the reality of the Salvation of God. Rev. Mr Murray instanced many cases of real sound conversions during the doctor’s last visit, people who were now holding responsible church positions and others actually on the New Zealand committees. The evening was brought to a fitting close by tho .singing of the beautiful hymn, “Sitting at the Feet of Jesus,” after which the Benediction was pronounced and all wero invited to renew the acquaintance of the doctor. Those present were: Dr. French E. Oliver, Rev. A. A. and Mrs Murray, of Auckland, Mr Wesley Richards, Mr and Mrs T. Ranford, Mr and Mrs A. E. Whitehead, Mr and Mrs J. H. Kemp, Mr N. I. Neilsen, Mr J. R. Wood, Mr and Mrs O. Gordon, Mr and Mrs Brewer, Miss Mac Murray, Mr and Mrs T. C. Bycroft, Mr and Mrs 11. R. Bvcroft, Mr and Mrs R. W. Gillman, Mrs Low, Mrs C. E. Larsen, Mrs Howie, Mr and Mrs F. Parsons, Mr and Mrs Eichler and family (Feilding), Mr and Mrs and Miss Bahbington, Mr Pallisen.