2 APRIL 1954, Page 14

BILLY GRAHAM Sia,—Thank you for the service you have rendered

by giving a positive line on the historic event which the Greater London Crusade certainly is. But, amid all the Press reports, Graham's previous visits and the backgroud to this Crusade are ignored. So the impression is given that he has rushed in where parsons fear to tread, rather cynically observed by envious clergy who tend to pass by on the other side. But it was the present Rector of Morden who, during 1946, having read of the fine and nation-wide results of the recently launched ' Youth for Christ' movement in the States, wrote asking to know more of the methods among non-church-going youth, delinquents, etc. The generous response was that Dr. Torrey Johnson (leader), Billy Graham (then in his twenties), Mr. and Mrs. Cliff Burrows (and trombone) came to Birmingham to meet nearly 300 ministers for a three-day resi- dential conference. I was present and we were all so impressed that it was decided to launch Youth for Christ' in England, and it has flourished ever since; in fact, it has spread to many lands.

Since then Graham has been several times to Great Britain, and Christian leaders (in- gospel in all directions by the simple, modern,

inerous means which flow out of the scrip- ral foundation of many prayer groups in many lands. Gains (converts) are consolidated by Dawson Trotman's remarkable and patient methods of training counsellors and of follow- ing up by postal courses' in basic doctrine.

Speaking as an Anglican, I see in all this an answer to a prayer to which for too long we have not expected an answer: " Almighty and everlasting God, who alone workest great marvels, send down . . the healthful spirit of Thy grace . . . the con- tinual dew of Thy blessing.. . ."—Yours faith- fully, GEOFFREY CARR Bradfield Rectory, Berks.