Stomach first

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 648, 6 August 1996, Page 4

Stomach first

• It was with great interest that I saw the responses to Pastor John Mason's letter (Tuesday, 23 July 1996). These responses were published last week (30 July 1996). I have no hesitation in stating that I am a committed Christian, and can see the point of view that Pastor Mason was trying to put across, but you really have to wonder at the appropriateness of it all. There is a time for everything (Ecclesiasts 6, 1 believe) and I personally think that the timing of this little sermon was off. Most of the businesses within the Waimarino area that I have had the privilege of communicating with have been affected by the lack of a ski season, and are really hurting. Instead of giving such an eloquent sermon which essentially said that we have all sinned and God caused the mountain to blow up because of it, I would have thought that it might have been better to show the people of Waimarino the Christian way by some encouragement and support. This can be best summed up by the saying "actions speak louder than words". All due respect to the Pastor, but if he wants to convert people to the Christian faith, he might want to consider the methods of the founder of the Salvation Army, General William Booth. Gen. Booth didn't go into the streets and preach hellfire and brimstone. He went out to the people and satisfied their physical needs and then their spiritual needs. He was the person who first used the phrase "the best way to a man's heart is through his stomach". In conclusion, a little philosophical contemplation; I have no doubt that God has caused this situation for a purpose, but I ask the question: How can I understand why these events have transpired when I can only just understand how they transpired? Philosophical Christian • Lucifer Beelzebub's comment "there' s a kangaroo loose in the top paddock" in response to Pastor Mason (letters, 23 July) is a rather hasty reaction to a fascinating theological thesis which, beyond its academic significance, also holds the key to Ohakune' s economic recovery. Johri Mason's letter, in which he shows us that the change of wind to the "NNE" is one of God's miracles, made me see the light and change my life forever. After diligent study I was rewarded with di vine inspiration revealing to me how Ohakune' s ashes can be transformed into diamonds: you will all be filthy rich. First you must disregard my prior suggestion which would, with hindsight, have tainted Ohakune as a town of ill-repute and rearrange your marketing strategy by promoting Ohakune as a destination for pilgrims seeking penance. Pilgrims will be gi ven the option of either a full package deal which includes accommodation, meals and spiritual guidance or making their own arrangements, practising penance at their leisure. However, all pilgrims must report on arrival for a compulsory sermon on: Hallelujah and Hosanna, Hellfire and Brimstone, Bondage and Punishment. Absolution certificates will be presented to all fee-paying pilgrims prior to departure. Repent, ye sinners, ye tourist operators, ye dirty weekenders. Repent and atone with ashes and embers. Come all ye faithful, ye pilgrims, ye seekers to witness he miraculous Nor-Easter. Siegfried Bauer, Compostologist, Raetihi Editor's note: the above letter is abridged. Letters rules: Nom de plumes are accepted. Letters must be signed as well as having the writer's name written legibly, along with a street address and contact telephone number. - The editor reserves the right to abridge or reject letters.