MIF 2:1 (Jan-Feb 1970)
Editorial
With childish awe and curiosity I peeped through my fingers at the form kneeling in front a me. I had seen my father in that posture before, but that night seemed different, it was the New Year.
Although we were only little tots, we were allowed on that particular occasion to be up at mid-night; I, just old enough to participate in a domestic ceremony that was traditional in my father’s home, stood with him and mother, a little bewildered by the open front door. It seemed as if we were there to say a farewell to the departing year, and to extend a welcome to the new one.
Fully aroused by the brisk fresh air, we enjoyed the chimes, the whistles and the fireworks which announced the arrival of 19…… Joy, quietness, a sense of security and even reverence prevailed as we returned to the dining room to kneel in prayer.
The soft voice with its mild Scottish accent and the tone of deep sincerity inspired the spell that fascinated me. With wonder I listened and watched as the head of our small family poured out his heart in prayer. With fervour he thanked God for the benefits of the past, with confidence he committed each of us into the Lord’s care for the future.
The voice is hushed; the form long since been removed; the years have rolled away; a retrospect of more than half a century forces the conclusion upon me, if I, during the many intervening years have breathed a word of thanks to God, or uttered an appeal in prayer, it is because of what I learned as I knelt in that family circle.
Thank God for His love, mercy and grace throughout 1969! As a Christian minority in 1970 we face a world of distress and hunger, of crime and violence, of sadism and tyranny, of disappointment and disillusionment. The false philosophy of moral evolution so popular that half a century ago has crumbled. Suspicion grips many hearts, hatred and enmity fill others, while fear and dread dominate the attitude of hundreds. Thank God, He still hears and answers the prayers of His beloved people!