BROOKLYN, N.Y., NOVEMBER 19TH, 1943
BROOKLYN, N.Y., NOVEMBER 19TH, 1943
Mr. E. McCrea.
Beloved Brother, — Your letter of June 3rd came in due course and I was thankful to receive it. I was thankful that you were recovering your strength and trust by this time through the mercy of God you are quite yourself again. We were grieved to hear that Mrs. McCrea was in the hospital, and we trust she is out and well through God’s goodness to you both.
It is good to hear of the good season that you mentioned at Auckland, and a letter from Mr. Collie-Smith recently received also spoke of much cheer in that city. I am thankful to hear that the Lord is using Mr. Hayward. We get news from New Zealand occasionally from Grace Diplock. She is fitting in well amongst the brethren in these parts. J.C.S. mentions some occasions of sorrow in New Zealand and we grieve with you all. We are not without them in America, as you can well understand, but the Lord is helping us to maintain what is due to Him and in the house of God generally.
Interest in these countries is well maintained, especially in large general meetings of which there have been many lately and more are in prospect, taking place, God willing, before the [p. 329] end of the year. Several of our younger brethren are much helped in service at these meetings and in the shorter ones which are quite numerous. In spite of gasoline rationing the attendances are good. Brethren are marked by the spirit of sacrifice in taking long journeys to share in the fellowship and in the ministry. A.E.M. gets about freely and his ministry is much appreciated. He and his wife hope to visit the West Indies during the winter.
There has been considerable illness amongst the brethren who are ministering, causing concern in some cases, but the Lord is coming in for all. The Lord took to Himself our sister Mrs. Samuels of St. James last month. She was a dear sister and will be much missed. Her husband was here lately. He serves acceptably amongst the brethren.
The young men in the Forces are helped of God, although we have much concern as to them because they are much cut off from fellowship and from their families. Several of our own grandchildren are amongst them. We have had much cheer in letters relative to our young brethren in the Forces in New Zealand and Australia.
We have considerable illness in our family. Our daughter-in-law, Jim’s wife, has been ill for nearly a year. She is, however, showing some sign of improvement, thank God.
My wife unites in love in Christ to Mrs. McCrea and to yourself and to the brethren, also to your nephew and niece.
Affectionately yours in Him,
James Taylor.