ST. ANDREW'S, CAIRO

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 11, 1 October 1943, Page 2

ST. ANDREW'S, CAIRO

The newly arrived Christian soldier to the Middle East —feeling probably more than ever the need for Church life —wonders how his need is mindful of his religious needs as a matter of mere policy but the. compulsory parade cannot take the place of family Avorship in the house of God. To his: great joy the soldier finds, in Cairo Christian churches Avliich fully meet his needs for all denominations have a ready welcome for the soldier and he is ready in his response. The most popular church with New Zealand;- | ers would appear to be St. Andrew's Church of Scotland. New Zealand shoulder titles may be seen in every pew at the three crowded Sunday services there. These services are taken by the various padres in Cairo and nearby. Helpful in their messages—understanding in heart—they are guides, philosophers and friends to all. The soldier gains a new realisation of the vital nature of religion as something which alone enables him to carry on in face of present adversity. In his hour of worship worry dissolves and hopes are renewed. Here he is away from the harsh impact of a pagan land— from the harshness of army life ; here, alone can he be filled with that peace and joy awaiting those who seek God's presence. in civilian days church may have been taken for granted—here he finds worship and the fruits thereof life's richest blessing- The noise and bustle of Cairo's streets with their vendors and boot-blacks, grinding trams and worldly populace make him revalue the quiet Sunday of home and imbue him with new desire for, its preservation inviolate.