Torch, Winter 1983

.. Fro01 The Editor, Charles F. Ross Dear Readers: .. Those of us on the editorial staff of TORCH hope this issue will be something special to our readers - special because it features a group of very special people . These folk are found in every one of our churches and are our brothers and sisters in Christ. Yet because their circumstances are different , they are usually treated differently . And because they are treated differently, these individuals are often lonely and in despair. Who are these people? Recent national statistics indicate that approximately 1. 8 million Americans are divorced , 7 .9 million are handicapped, 30.5 million are single adults , 2 .5 million are widowed, and .5 million are unwed mothers. It is a sad indictment on our churches that, typically , the world more readily accepts these people than our churches do . It is unfortunate - yes, distressing - that these individuals can feel like outcasts within the embraces of fundamental, Bible-believing churches . This issue of TORCH concerns itself with the stories of some of these potential outcasts in Christianity. Fortunately , our writers, who shall remain anonymous, experienced the atypical. They found love and acceptance from God's people . Their brothers and sisters in Christ in their respective churches responded with sensitivity to their special needs . Our challenge to those who read their stories : go and do likewise. In Christ , !JQ_~ d R "=- Charles F . Ross Editor, TORCH 3