The True Joy of Positive Living Ch:10

• The author began a tough job at a church that was physically limited and had a small, though dedicated, congregation.
• The staff consisted of Rev. Albert A. Leininger and Miss Merce E. Boyer.
• The church had low attendance with about 200 of 500 members attending morning service, slightly more on Sunday nights, and 50-60 at Wednesday prayer meetings.
• The church building was largely unchanged since 1854.
• There was a dirt-floored basement with five-foot headroom, containing several furnaces connected by a brick walk.
• The church was primarily a "preaching center."
• The board and staff were eager to innovate, offering enthusiastic support.
• The author decided to focus on filling souls with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, preaching to human needs in understandable language.

Vacation in England

• During a vacation in Keswick, England, in the summer of 1933, the author felt restless and depressed about the church's situation.
• Ruth provided therapy, urging him to have faith and trust in God.
• Ruth challenged the author, stating he needed a deep spiritual experience and to get really converted as his current conversion "didn't take."
• Urged by his wife, the author prayed for strength and divine mercy.
• The prayer was answered instantly, bringing joy and a feeling of warmth.
• The author and his wife immediately returned to New York, seeing the church's problem with a new spirit and perspective.

New Approaches

• The author appeared on Ralph Edwards's "This Is Your Life" TV show and described this experience in England.
• The author began accepting invitations to speak at various gatherings, emphasizing personal growth through a Higher Power.
• The church began to fill with people, resulting in overflow congregations for over 40 years.
• To replace the $10,000 donation from Mr. Hyde, the author asked for smaller gifts from many people, more than doubling the previous total.
• The ministry was based on believing the church could only improve (as it was already "way-down"), preaching the Gospel, and using simple language.

Challenges

• The author faced opposition from two elders: one attempted to control his actions and preaching style, and the other, William S. Denison, saw himself as the author's "boss."
• Denison wanted the author to clear his absences for speaking engagements and expected him to be on the job every day.
• Despite the challenges, the author maintained a friendly relationship with Denison, playing golf with him.
• After the departure of both men, the church board operated cooperatively without attempts to control the minister.

Pearl Harbor

• On December 7, 1941, the church was packed for the evening service following the attack on Pearl Harbor.
• The author led the congregation in singing "The Star-Spangled Banner," followed by repeating James A. Garfield's words: "God reigns, and the Government at Washington still lives!".

Demonstrating Brotherhood

• The author insisted that Reverend Sojiro Shimizu, pastor of the Japanese Reformed Church in New York City, still speak at the church despite the Pearl Harbor attack.
• The audience applauded Reverend Shimizu, demonstrating Christian brotherhood.
• The ordination of Toru Matsumoto, a Japanese man, to the Christian ministry proceeded as planned, with police protection.
• Matsumoto later returned to Japan and became a popular radio speaker, influencing his people toward Christianity.

World War II

• During January and February 1942, many young men and women in uniform, passing through New York on their way to the front in Europe, attended the church.
• Church members provided social events and dinners for these service members, offering them affection and a friendly welcome.
• On August 9, 1945, after the announcement of the end of World War II, the church bell on Quaker Hill rang out, summoning people for a service.
• The service included speeches from Governor Thomas E. Dewey, Lowell Thomas, and the author, who emphasized freedom under God.