Jan. 29, 1974 - Speech, National Religious Broadcasters' 31St Annual Congressional Breakfast, Washington, DC” of the Gerald R

The original documents are located in Box 129, folder “Jan. 29, 1974 - Speech, National Religious Broadcasters' 31st Annual Congressional Breakfast, Washington, DC” of the Gerald R. Ford Vice Presidential Papers at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. Copyright Notice The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Gerald Ford donated to the United States of America his copyrights in all of his unpublished writings in National Archives collections. Works prepared by U.S. Government employees as part of their official duties are in the public domain. The copyrights to materials written by other individuals or organizations are presumed to remain with them. If you think any of the information displayed in the PDF is subject to a valid copyright claim, please contact the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library. Digitized from Box 129 of the Gerald R. Ford Vice Presidential Papers at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library

NATIONAL RELIGIOUS ROADCASTERS' 31ST A UAL CONGR SSIONAL REAKFAST, ASHINGTO HILTON HOTEL. 'WASHINGTON, D. C. , 8 A•• , TUESDAY, JA UARY 29, 1974

I AM PROUD TO AD RESS THIS GROUP OF MEN AND ~or~EN ~ HOSE PR I .ARY co CERN IN LI FE IS TO SPREAD TH 000 NE S THAT RI 'GS P ACE AND CJOY INTO THE HEARTS OF . d LL IONS OF Arv,ER ICANS.

HEN I ACCEPTED YOUR INVITATIO', I DID SO NITH SO E TREPIDATION , FOR THERE IS NO GROUP IN THIS COUNTRY THAT KNO S MORE ABOUT BUT SERIOUSLY, ALTHOUGH THERE CERTAINLY IS A PLACE IN POLITICS FOR ELO UENCE, IT'S ~ELL TO BE NARY OF IT. HISTORY IS FILLED ITH AD RESULTS BROUGHT ON Y SILVER-TONGUED

~ORa ~· (_,, ~ ~ ~ ~ < ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ _/ - 3 - PELLBINDERS HO COULD HYPNOTIZE AND .OVE GREAT CROWDS OF PEOPLE -- AND TOO OFTEN MOVE THEM IN DISASTROUS DIRECTIONS. HEN POLITICIANS START PLAYING ON THE EMOTIONS, rviy FIRST REACT ION Is T0 ASK "'VHY"?

SO I KNO~ YOU REALIZE AS YOU GO ABOUT YOUR WORK , THE MOST RELIABLE ~AY TO COMAUNICATE ITH PEOPLE IS THROUGH STRAIGHT TALK. THAT, AFTER ALL, IS WHAT ORDIN RY AMER ICA 'S UNDERSTAND BEST AND · ~HAT THEY OST NELCO~E FRO~ THEIR LEADERS. - 4 - IT'S THAT UALITY OF THE ORDINARY, THE STRAIGHT, THE S~UARE -- AND LET ~E PAUSE HERE TO SAY THAT ONE OF THE ICEST

THINGS Y JIFE 1 BETTY, EVER CALLED E ~ AS "A S UARE" -- THAT ACCOUNTS FOR THE GREAT STABILITY AND SUCCESS OF OUR NATION. IT'S A UALITY TO BE PROUD OF. BUT IT'S A UALITY THAT MANY PEOPLE SEEM TO HAVE NEGLECTED. - 5 - I HAVE A NE~ JOB , THE VICE-PRESIDENCY. IT'S A SOMEWHAT UNDEFINED JOB . NO 0'E HAS EVER BEEN nuI TE SURE JUST ' ~HAT VI CE PRESIDE 'TS DO . THERE'S AN ANECDOTE A30UT T 0 BR01 ERS THAT IS IN ALL THE BOOKS A OUT VICE PRESIDENTS . ONE RAN A AY TO SEA , THE OTHER BECAME VICE PRESIDENT , AND NOT I G ,AS EVER HEARD OF EITHER OF THE AGAIN .

NO~ I HAVEN'T FADED A~AY YET , AND FRANKLY I DON 'T INTEND TO FOR THREE ORE YEARS . - 6 - I HAVE AL'MYS THOUGHT OF THE FORD FA ILY AS AN EXTREMELY NOR AL ONE, A TYPICAL ArERICAN FA .ILY. E ENJOY ONE ANOTHER GREATLY. WE LIVE IN MUCH THE SAME ~AY AS MILL IONS OF OTHER AMERICANS. 1JE TAKE FA l ILY VACATIONS HENEVER POSSIBLE, AND WE SKI AND S'~ I AND TALK TOGETHER. AND, VHEN I CAN, '~JE 'VE ALWAYS GONE TO CHURCH TOGETHER, TOO. OUR SONS AND JAUGHTER SEE~ TO ENJOY BEi G VITH US -- ALTHOUGH THEY DID GET JUST A LITTLE IMPATIENT WHEN I GOT ICK JAGGER I - .I XED UP ITH A OTORCYCLE DR IVER YON THE tt;K - 7 - DICK CAVETT SHOJ. BUT THEN THEY'RE NOT UITE SURE ~HO KATE SMITH IS, EITHER .

NO~ DURING MY 25 YEARS IN THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES I 'VE HAD A UNI UE OPPORTUNITY TO KNOW , AND KNOW \~ELL , TENS OF THOUSANDS OF A ERICANS FRO~ EVERY PART OF THE COUNTRY AND EVERY WALK OF LIFE . AND I'D SAY THE FORDS ARE MUCH LIKE THE~ .

({" )"~E .,> ~ !) '--....--- - 8 - ~ HAT HAS SURPRISED E SINCE I · AS NOMINATED FOR Y NE JOB IS THAT SOME PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED AT US. THEY SEE~1 TO THINK THAT SORT OF LIFE HAS PASSED OUT OF , STYLE, AS IF THE FORD FAMILY ERE A STRANGE BAND OF EXOTIC CREATURES FROM ANOTHER AGE THAT SOMEHOW MANAGED TO ESCAPE EXTINCTION.

I MAY BE SLIGHTLY EXAGGERATING HERE 3ECAUSE I '~A PERSONALLY ilNVOLVED. BUT I THINK THAT REACTION IS THERE, AND I THINK IT

ORA AT IZES AN I v1PORT ANT PRO LE i• - 9 - ~E HEAR TOO OFTEN THAT E ARE A SICK PEOPLE, THAT LIFE IS A SERIES OF CRISES, THAT OUR SYSTEM DOES 'T ORK, THAT OUR SYSTEM IS ON THE VERGE OF COLLAPSE.

I FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT NOTHING IS FURTHER FRO THE TRUTH. OURS IS -- AND nLL REMAIN -- THE HEALTHIEST SOCIETY -- MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY -- THE ORLD HAS EVER KNO N. AND ANYONE 'JHO '~ANTS PROOF OF T AT NEED ONLY LOOK AT THE DAILY LIVES OF THE GREAT AJORITY OF AMERICA FA .ILIES. - 10 - THIS IS A STRONG COU TRY , A GOOD COUNTRY , A'0 IT IS OVERFLO~ I G ~ITH HONEST , DECENT PEOPLE HO TRY TO LEAD HO EST , DECENT LIVES .

~ AND LET E ADJ SO 1ETHING THAT ALL OF YOU HERE THIS .OR ING KNO J SO ~ LL . THE UALITY OF A ~ER I CAN FA ~ ILY LIFE WOULD NOT BE POSS IBLE ~ ITHOUT OUR DEEP NATIONAL BELIEF IN THE TRADITIONAL VALUES , VALUES E UEATHEO TO US 3Y OUR REL IGIOUS TRADITIONS , VALUES THAT GIVE SHAPE AND SUBSTANCE AND IRECTION TO OUR DAILY LIVES -- I SHORT , 10RAL VALLIES . - 11 -

THERE AS A TIME, I REALIZE, ~HEN THE ISSUE SEEMED IN DOUBT. DURING THE FIFTIES , ~ANY OF OUR VERY FINEST YOUNG PEOPLE , EXPos~o TO THE SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND ETHICAL RELATIVISM THAT AS THE I

FASH ION ON SO MA 'Y CA1.PUSES 1 SEEr~ED TO DROP OUT, OPTING FOR A FASHIONA LE SORT OF AGNOSTICIS •

A'D THEN IN THE SIXTIES, E ATCHED ~ANY YOUNG PEOPLE ECIDE TO GET INVOLVED, - '.12 - UT TO GET INVOLVED IN AYS HIGH ERE ~OT AL ' ~AYS TERR IBLY PRODUCT I VE . TO ~ARD THE END OF THAT DECADE , S01~E EVE TOOK UP VIOLENCE AS A MEANS OF ACHIEVING THEIR GOALS .

BUT TODAY A E~ MOOD SEEMS TO HAVE GRa¥N UP IN AERICA . YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE BEGUN TO ENGAGE AGAI IN A PROFOUND AND SERIOUS SEARCH FOR FUNDAMENTAL TRUTHS . - 13 - SOME OLDER AMERICA'S HAVE BEEN A LITTLE SUSPICIOUS OF THEIR EXUBERA 'l ACTIVITIES. ~E HAD ECOME A LITTLE WARY OF TOO UGH ENTHUSIAS, IN THE SIXTIES. THIS NE MOVEMENT AND ALL ITS VARIATIONS SEE.ED LIKE IT MIGHT BE JUST ANOTHER FAD.

BUT IT TURNED OUT NOT lO E A FAD, IN ~OST INSTANCES. INSTEAD IT REFLECTED THE - 14 - RETURN OF YOUNG A~ERICANS TO THOSE BASIC TRUTHS IN ' ~HI CH 'NE ALL EL IEVE AND ·HI CH UNDERLIE OUR SYSTEJ -- THE ETERNAL TRUTHS OF RELIGIO • OUR YOU G PEOPLE CONTINUE TO B A ERICA'S GREATEST RESOURCE , A 0 ~ E CA' CONTINUE TO BE PROUD OF T E~ .

~A Y OF THESE PEOPLE TODAY HAV BEGUN TO CHANNEL THEIR ZEST AND THEIR - NTHUSIASM INTO THE STRUCTURES PROVID D FOR THE 3Y THE TRADITIONAL CHURCHES AND

- f0RD ~· (,,, _,<:i 1'.11.., < > c:: "" y>~ ~ - 15 - DENOMINATIONS. AND THE MEMBERS OF THIS AUDIENCE ARE TO BE CONGRATULATED FOR ENCOURAG ING TH IS ASS I~~I LAT ION AND FOR PROVIDING SHAPE AND STRUCTURE FOR THEIR ENTHUSIASM. I KNO~ THESE YOUNG PEOPLE, IN TURN, CA' PROVIDE A HEALTHY DOSE OF EBULLIENCE WH ICH WILL REVITALIZE MANY OF THE ORGANIZATIONS THAT JAKE THE IN. - 16 - THE EVIDENCE OF THIS REA AKENING IS EVERY ~HERE . THE ASTO ISH I 1G SUCCESS OF SO ANY R LIGIOUS ORGANIZATIO S -- I CLUDI G, FOR EXA ~PLE , THE CA PUS CRUSADE FOR C.~k ST A 0 THE I TERVARSITY C RISTIA' FELLO SHIP , HICH , I UNDERSTA '0 , USTERED 17,000 YOU G PEOPLE ON THE CA PUS OF THE U'IVERSITY OF ILLI OIS RECENTLY -- THIS SUCCESS PROVES T AT THE REVIVAL OF LIGIOUS I TER ST IS GENUIN • v - - 17 - pi> ~ AS MANY OF YOU ARE A ARE , I TAK A VERY PERSONAL INTEREST IN THE RELIGIOUS co~~ITMENT OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE . ~ SON , MIKE , IS A DIVINITY STUDE T, A 0 HE I 'TE OS TO 0 VOTE HIS LIFE TO CHR IST IAN SERVICE . ({s I LE ANECDOT ) 21ST PSAL~;~J

ri IKE ~ lADE HIS CO IT .ENT AS A COLLEGE STU E 'T . AND I THINK THE DISCOVERY H Aoc IS THE DISCOVERY THAT SO ~A Y OF HIS GENERATION HAVE .ADE IN VARIOUS 'JAYS . - 18 -

VE SEE~ TO HAVE C01E FULL CIRCLE. ONE LESSO ' OUR YOU G PEOPLE HAVE LEAR 0 FOR THE~SELVES IS THAT HEAVE' CANNOT E 3ROUGHT TO ARTH, ~ CA 'NOT BE MADE PERFECT. T IS IS A VALUABLE LESSON, ETERNALLY

RETAUGHT, THAT THERE IS SO ETHING I ORE OUT THERE, SO~ETHI G BIGGER THAN EARTHLY THI 'GS TO EXPLAIN r~~AN'S NATURE AND TO GIVE MEANING TO HU~A LIFE. THAT SO~ETHI G, OF COURSE, IS SPIRITUAL. THAT SO iETHING IS GOD. - .19 - THE NATIONAL RELIGIOUS ROADCASTERS ARE TO E CONGRATULATED FOR TRANS .ITTING THIS MESSAG DURING A PERIOD HEN IT SO~ETI ES SEE ~ED THAT NO ONE AS LI STE 'I 'G . WE K 1 0'J~ NOW THAT THEY 'NERE LISTE 11 G, AND '~E KNO THAT THEY ARE LI STEN I 'G NO IN EVER- I NCR AS I G NUr3ERS . - 20 - THE FAITH OF OUR FATHERS IS ALIVE AND ELL , AND THAT EANS THAT OUR SOCIETY IS AND ~ILL COtTINUE TO BE ALIVE AND ~ELL . THIS IS A GREAT A'0 FREE LAN~ ~ITH ITS SYSTE~ OF GOVERNMENT ANO THE DAILY LIVES OF ITS CITIZENS UILT UPON AN ENDURING FAITH I GOD . THERE MAY E ABERRATIO S AND THERE AY BE PERIODS OF FRUSTRATION AND CONTROVERSY , BUT OUR FAITH ~ILL CARRY US THROUGH . - 21 - AS USUAL , THE Bl LE SAYS IT EST - ANO I UOTE -- " HERE THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS, THERE IS LI ERTY."

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. .. (c 8' II ) LK ,&;iili1i;r l-1 a ; 25; 1976

" • 1'$1. I a I L· et ·'-~ • this group of men and women whose

primary concern in life is to spread the Good News that brings

peace and joy into the hearts of millions of Americans.

When I accepted your invitation, I did so with some trepidation,

for there is no group in this country that knows more about the <,. spoken word than you do. And as I will very shortly prove to ~. u you, I am not the world's greatest J:l 1t1"1iaaa In fact, I've heard second-hand that I've been compared to Demosthenes __y---

,£-efor&, he spit the pebbles out.

But seriously, although there certainly is a place in politics

for eloquence, it's well to be wary of it. History is filled with

bad results brought on by sil~~gued spellbinders who could

!Jypnotize and move grea of people -- and too often move

them in disastrous directions. When politicians start playing

on the emotions, my first reaction is to~, ~ '~-L~''?,,_ '(f" .

So I know you realize as you go about your work, the most

reliable way to communicate with people is through straight

talk. That, after all, is what ordinary Americans understand

best and what they most welcome from their leaders. -2-

It's that quality of the ordinary, the straight, the square --

and let me pause here to say that one of the nicest things my wife,

Betty, ever called me was "a square" -- that accounts for the

great stability and success of our Nation. It's a quality to be proud

of. But it's a quality that many people seem to have neglected.

I ·nave a ~ r new job in Waehington, the Vice-Presidency. IA-.J~J~ ) It's a somewhat~-j~b. No one has ever been quite sure just

what Vice Presidents do. There's an anecdote ;.bout two brothers .. ~ 7AU.. ~ V~ fJ One ran away to sea, the other became

Vice President, and nothing was ever heard of either of them again. f ~ ... Now I haven't faded away yet, and ~~ l..t-tmtir-t-he- ~ - ~~~~>< .noyelty "'•••• eff~ c~r all ti~

cour -a~ startled at th:e qualit~

(iftention and I thought I 11D 11 ld malte a comment about tt. -

I have always thought of the Ford family as an extremely

normal one, a typical American family. We enjoy one another

greatly. We live in much the same way as millions of other Americans.

We take family vacations whenever possible, and we ski and swim ~ t.A- "'-- 0- ~_.) and play fee~ together. Andi~ eottrse, we've alw~one ~hr~~ ~ to church together, too. Trhe kiwis seem to enjoy being with us -- -3-

mixed up with a motorcycle driver on the Dick Cavett show. But then they're

not quite sure who Kate Smith is, either.

Now during my 25 years in the Congress of the United States

I've had a unique opportunity to know, and know well, tens of thous ands

of Americans from every part of the country and evet'alk of life. And I'd say the Fords are much like them.

What has surprised me since I was nominated for my new

job is that some people are surprised at us. Th,seem to think

that sort of life has passed out of style, as if the Ford family were

a strange band of exotic creatures from another age that somehow

managed to escape extinction.

I may be ~exaggerating here because I'm personally

involved. But I -...itthink that reaction is there, and I think it

dramatizes an important problem.

We hear too often that we are a sick people, that life is

a series of crises, that our system doesn't work, that our system

is on the verge of collapse.

-But, ladies and gentle~ I firmly believe that nothing is

~ f{rther from the truth. Ours is -- and will remain -- the healthiest society -- mentally and physically and spiritually -- the world -4-

has ever known. And anyone who wants proof of that need only

look at the daily lives of the great majority of American families.

This is a strong country, a good country, and it is overflowing

with honest, decent people who try to lead honest, decent lives.

And let me here add something that all of you here this

morning know so well. The quality of American family life would

zGt be possible without our deep national belie f in th~ traditional .

values, values bequeathed to us by our-__)

values that give shape and substance and direction to our daily

lives -- in short, ~v alues.

There was a time, I realize, when the issue seemed in doubt.

During the fifties, many of our very finest young people, exposed

to the social, cultural and ethical relativism that was then in fashion

on so many campuses, seemed to drop out, opting for a fashionable s"'o>rt of agnosticism.

And then in the sixties, we watched many young people

decide to get involved, but to get involved in ways which were

not always terribly productive. Toward the end of that decade,

some even took up violence as a means of achieving their goals.

But today a new mood seems to have grown up in America.

Young people have begun to engage again in a profound and serious

search for fundamental truths. ~'·st~ ta c.t;bis

~om&iQiiO]as been the :::18e 0£ the s(f9CalleMrirn fr•ak' and -5-

=-=: o•hei: slnilli!ir gt st&p.S.

\..""I'lrey lht the coana; 11 ocs ... Some a little -M~ suspicious of iiit§2tf::rtheir(activities. We had become a little

wary of too much enthusiasm in the~ixties. This new movement

and all its variations seemed ii-U{.h it might be just another fad.

But it turned out not to be a fad, in most instances. Instead

it reflected the return of young Americans to those basic truths

in which we all believe and which underlie our system -- the eternal

truths of religion. Our young people continue to be Amel"ica 1 s

greatest resource, and we can continue to be proud of them.

Many of these young people today have begun to channel their

zest and their enthusiasm into the structures provided for them

by the traditional churches and denominations. And the members of

this audience are to be congratulated for encouraging this assimilation

and for providing shape and structure for their enthusiasm. I

know these young people, in turn, can provide a healthy dose of

ebullience which will revitalize many of the organizations that

t ake them in.

The evidence of this reawakening is everywhere. The astonishing

success of so many religious organizationsft11cluding,-- for example, -6-

the Campus Crusade for Christ and the Intervarsity Christian

Fellowship, which, I understand, mustered 17, 000 young people

on the campus of the University of Illinois recently - - this success

P)oves that the revival of religious interest is genuine.

As many of you are aware, I take a very personal interst

in the religious commitment of our young people. My son, Mike / is a divinity student, and he intends to devote his life to D Christian service. L~ ~ "\ ~{ df ~ Mike made his commitment as a college student, _J I think

the discovery he made is the discovery that so many of his generation have made in various ways. erv'-~~~ ~ ~ve~me full circle. One lessoieof th~f@S

~-tlia t heaven ~annot be broug~~

perfect. This ~ a valuable lesson{fr;>r it tattght that ge11e1 atiQ.U..__ .- _, that there is something more out there, something bigger than

earthly things to explain man's nature and to give meaning to

human life. That something, of course, is spiritual. That something

is God.

The National Religious Broadcasters are to be congratulated

for transmitting this message during a period when it sometimes ~· io"Ro·~(~ ~ Q ~ -7- ~ > "" .=tr

~~ "'" seemed that no one was listening. We know now that they were

listening, and we know that they are listening now in ever increasing

numbers.

dwedV-jUst a bit too long ~g eople e s aid for the ov: r-thirty generation,

But as

with our and women nd it,,,- is' hearte certainty, say emphatically t

- be a b~e.

The faith of our fathers is alive and well, and that means

that our society is an~ continue to be alive and well. This is

a great and free land~ystem of government and the daily lives

of its citizens built upon an enduring faith in God. There may

~ be ab>rrations and there may be periods of frustration and controversy,

but our- faith will carry us through.

As usual, the Bible says it best and I quote -- "Where the

Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 11

Thank you very much.

# # # # # # OFFICIAL PROGRAM

THIRTY-FIRST ANNUAL CONVENTION

NATIONAL RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS

Theme: Jesus Christ - the Message of the Medium

Washington Hilton Hotel, Washington, D.C. January 27-30, 1974 A Message from NRB's President

I want to welcome you to our 31st An nual Convention of National Religious Broadcasters. As our convention increases in size each year it becomes more difficult for delegates to get to know each other. Your convention badge will not only allow you to participate in the many sessions, but also it will help you meet other broadcast ers in attendance. We hope you will find a warm reception and stimulating fellowship. NRB is delighted to have you with us. May the Lord richly bless you.

~~President

CONVENTION INFORMATION

NRB OFFICE: If you have •ny questions about National Religious Broadcasters feel free to visit either the NRB display area in the Exhibition Hall or the NRB Convention Office located in the Concourse Lobby Office. A member of the NRB C.Onvention staff will be happy to help you.

MESSAGES: A mesage board Is provided in the Concourse Lobby for use by all NRB delegatm. Pl- remember to check this board periodically for messages left for you. You may also u• this board to leave m~ b otti.s.

EXHIBIT MALL: This year at the NRB Convention be sure to visit the Exhibit Hall. You will notice on the program that th- are four coffee breaks scheduled during the convention. Each of th will give you an opportunity to spend some tlrna In the axhibition area. This year the number of exhl~ its is at an all time high. We think you will enjoy the all new "Parade of Broadcasters." Also plan to look over the many broadcasting books available at the NRB literature display.

PRESS ROOM: Ln people know that you attended the 31st Annual NRB Convention by taking home pr.- rel- all ready for local distribution. You will find a complata supply of pr-rel- in the NRB Pr- Room locatad in the Georgetown West. A Message from NRB's President

JANUARY 27, 1974 I want to welcome REGISTRATION 1·9 P.M. Concourse you to our 31st An PRESS: Georgetown West nual Convention of OFFICE: Convention Concourse Office National Religious EXHIBITS: Exhibit Hall Broadcasters. As our convention OPENING PROGRAM increases in size each 7 P.M. ·International Ballroom East year it becomes more difficult for delegates PRESIDING Dr. Ben Armstrong, Executive to get to know each Secretary, National Religious Broadcasters other. Your convention badge will not only INVOCATION Rev. Russell Killman, Heaven allow you to participate in the many sessions, and Home Hour, Glendale, California but also it will help you meet other broadcast· MUSIC Doug Oldham, Old Time Gospel Hour, ers in attendance. We hope you will find a Lynchburg, Virginia warm reception and stimulating fellowship. ADDRESS Dr. Jess Moody, A Man and His NAB is delighted to have you with us. May Boys, West Palm Beach, Florida the Lord richly bless you. MUSIC Master's Reflections, Philadelphia, Pa. MESSAGE The Hiding Place, Corrie ten Boom, The Netherlands MUSIC Ed Lyman, soloist and recording artist, ~~President Seminole, Florida; Light and Power Com pany, Hampton Alliance Church, Water Mill, New York

CONVENTION INFORMATION

NRB OFFICE: If you have any questions about National Religious Broadcasten feel free to visit ~-.: either the NRB display area in the Exhibition Hall or the NRB Convention Office located in the ....r9·.. ~-·•. . .•• Concourse Lobby Office. A member of the NRB ~. Convention staff will be happy to help you. ' . .. MESSAGES: A ma.age board is provided in the Concourse Lobby for use by all NRB delegates. Pl- remember to check this board periodically Corrie Ten Boom Dr. Jess Moody for ~gas left for you. You may alto use this board to leave m-ges for others. FESTIVAL OF MUSIC 9 P.M. ·International Ballroom EXHIBIT HALL: This year at the NRB Convention be sure to visit the Exhibit Hall. You will notice on the program that th.-. are four coffee breaks SPECIAL PREMIERE The Apostle: the life of scheduled during the convention. Each of th the Apostle Paul will give you an opportunity to spend some time In INTRODUCTION Ralph Carmichael the exhibition area. This year the number of exhib its Is at an all time high. We think you will enjoy FEATURING The Congregation, Messiah Col the all new "Parade of Broadcasters." Also plan to lege, The Capitols, Harrisburg YFC Chorale look over the many broadcasting books available MUSICA SELECTA Hosts Pat and Neil Macaul at the NRB literature display. ay featuring world famous musical groups and recording artists including Perlita Lim, PRESS ROOM: Let people know that you attended Dave Boyer, the Ambassador Quartet, Stu the 31st Annual NRB Convention by taking home prea rel- all ready for local distribution. You Hamblen, Church in the Round Ensemble· will find a completa supply of pr-rel- in tha Alina Brychova and others. • NRB Pr- Room locatad in the Gaorgetown West. JANUARY 27, 1974 REGISTRATION 1·9 P.M. Concourse JANUARY 28, 1974 PRESS: Georgetown West REGISTRATION 8 A.M.-7:30 P.M. Concourse OFFICE: Convention Concourse Office EXHIBITS 8 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. Exhibit Hall EXHIBITS: Exhibit Hall

OPENING PROGRAM 7 P.M .• International Ballroom East PROGRAM PRODUCERS BREAKFAST 8 A.M. - Jefferson Ballroom PRESIDING Dr. Ben Armstrong, Executive Secretary, National Religious Broadcasters INVOCATION Rev. Russell Killman, Heaven and Home Hour, Glendale, California PLENARY SESSION MUSIC Doug Oldham, Old Time Gospel Hour, 9 A.M. - International Ballroom East Lynchburg, Virginia ADDRESS Dr. Jess Moody, A Man and His PRESIDING E. Brandt Gustavson, Second Boys, West Palm Beach, Florida Vice-President, National Religious Broad MUSIC Master's Reflections, Philadelphia, Pa. casters, Moody Raaio Network, Chicago, Ill. MESSAGE The Hiding Place, Corrie ten Boom, INVOCATION Paul Hollinger, WDAC-FM, The Netherlands Lancaster, Pennsylvania MUSIC Ed Lyman, soloist and recording artist, MUSIC Thurl Ravenscroft, recording artist, Seminole, Florida; Light and Power Com· Los Angeles, California pany, Hampton Alliance Church, Water Mill, GREETINGS Dr. Clyde W. Taylor, General New York Director, National Association of Evangelic als, Washir.gton, D.C. GREETINGS Rev. Milton F. Gay, Jr., Assistant to the Mayor, Washington, D.C.

COFFEE BREAK 9:45 A.M. · Exhibition Hall

Corrie Ten Boom Dr. Jess Moody WORKSHOP SESSIONS 10:15 • 11:45 A.M.

FESTIVAL OF MUSIC 1. Station Ownen and Operators. Communicating 9 P.M. - International Ballroom ., the Gospel in the Seventies-International Ballroom East 2. Radio Programming. My Audience and How I SPECIAL PREMIERE The Apostle: the life of Reach Them-Monroe West the Apostle Paul 3. 1V and Cable 1V. Creative Christian Television INTRODUCTION Ralph Carmichael Monroe East FEATURING The Congregation, Messiah Col 4. Missionacy Broadcasting. Communicating Christ to a Lost World-Military Room lege, The Capitols, Harrisburg YFC Chorale 5. Campus Broadcasters. Campus Radio-What For? MUSICA SELECTA Hosts Pat and Neil Macaul Exhibit Hall ay featuring world famous musical groups 6. Ladies Seminar. Women in Christian Action and recording artists including Perlita Lim, Georgetown East 1. Basic Training in Gospel Broadcasting. The Basics Dave Boyer, the Ambassador Quartet, Stu in Gospel Broadcasting-Dupont Room Hamblen, Church in the Round Ensembl~· s. Seminar. Fund-Raising for the Christian Broad Alina Brychova and others. caster-Hemisphere Room EVENING PLENARY SESSION BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND CHAPTER 7 P.M .• International Ballroom East OFFICERS' LUNCHEON PRESIDING David Hofer, Executive Commit· 12 Noon· 1 :30 P.M. Thoroughbred Room tee, National Religious Broadcasters, KRDU, Dinuba, California INVOCATION Rev. Richard Canfield, Keys PLENARY SESSION to Better Living, Mount Joy, Pennsylvania 2 P.M. ··International Ballroom East MUSIC Dave Boyer, recording artist, York, Pennsylvania PRESIDING Dr. Wilbur E. Nelson, Secretary, ADDRESS Dr. Harold Lindsell, Editor, Christ· National Religious Broadcasters, Morning ianity Today, Washington, D.C. Chapel Hour, Paramount, California MESSAGE Dr. Rex Humbard, Cathedral of INVOCATION Dr. R. Eugene Sterner, Christ Tomorrow, Akron, Ohio ian Brotherhood Hour, Anderson, Indiana BENEDICTION Rev. Quinton Everest, Your Worship Hour, South Bend, Indiana FCC PANEL 2:00 • 3:30 P.M. Broadcast Bureau Federal Communications Commission Mr. Wallace E. Johnson, Chief, Broadcast Bureau Mr. Harold L.. Kassens, Assistant Chief, Broad· cast Bureau Mr. Martin I, Levy, Chief, Broadcast Facilities Division Mr. Neat K. McNaughton, Chief, Rules and Standards Division Mr. Quentin S. Proctor, Chief, License Division Mr. William B. Ray, Chief, Complaints and Compliance Division Mr. Joseph F. Zias, Chief, Renewal and Transfer Division Dr. Rex Humbard Dave Boyer Mr. John H. Midlen, Sr., General Counsel, National Religious Broadcasters, Panel Mod· erator SHOW AND TELL Listening and Viewing Session LADIES RECEPTION 9:15 P.M. - International Ballroom East Multi-media presentation • Cry 3 Boston, THE WHITE HOUSE Massachusetts and other presentations Mrs. Richard M.Nixon, Hostess Bus leaves at 2:00 P.M. (Advanced Registration Required)

KEYNOTE ADDRESS Jesus Christ-The Message of the Medium, Dr. C. N RB provides a forum of fellowship M. Ward, Reviv for all engaged in Gospel broadcasting, altime,Springfield, tor the sharing of experiences, the Missouri solution of common problems and mutual encouragement. Five NRB regional chapters have annual meetings .... and their activities are coordinated PRESENTATION Miss Pamela llott, Director through the National Office. of Cultural and Religious Broadcasts, CBS News, New York PLENARY SESSION 9:30 A.M. ·International Ballroom East

PRESIDING Dr. Robert F. Andrews, Exec utive Committee, National Religious Broad· JANUARY 29, 1974 casters, Light and Life Hour, Winona Lake,. REGISTRATION 7 A.M. • 7:30 P.M. Concourse Indiana EXHIBITS 9 A.M. • 5:30 P.M. Exhibition Hall INVOCATION Dr. Ralph W. Neighbour, Morn ing Sunshine, Elyria, Ohio ADDRESS Vincent Wasilewski, President, Nat· ional Association of Broadcasters, Washing CONGRESSIONAL BREAKFAST 8 • 9:15 A.M. ton, D.C. International Ballroom Center

PRESIDING Dr. Eugene R. Bertermann, Pres ident, National Religious Broadcasters, Far East Broadcasting Company, Whittier. Cal. COFFEE BREAK 10 A.M. - Exhibition Hall INVOCATION Rev. Dr. Edward L. R. Elson, Chaplain, United States Senate, Washington, D.C. MUSIC Amba~dor Quartet, Fresno, Cal. DEVOTIONAL Billy Zeoli, Gospel Films, Muskegon, Michigan MUSIC Bill Pearce, recording artist, Night SPECIAL PRESENTATION sounds, Chicago, Illinois 10:30 • 11:15 A.M. ADDRESS The Honorable Gerald R. Ford, Contemporary Sacred Music Vice-President, United States of America Ralph Carmichael BENEDICTION Rev. Dr. Edward G. Latch, International Ballroom East Chaplain, United States House of Represent atives, Washington, D.C.

GREETINGS Dr. Curtis Chambers, United Methodist Communications, Dayton, Ohio ADDRESS Dr. David Foster, President, National Cable Television Association, Washington, D.C.

FCC LUNCHEON 12 Noon· 1 :30 P.M. International Ballroom Center

PRESIDING Dr. Thomas F. Zimmerman, First Vice-President, National Religious Broadcast ers, Revivaltime, Springfield, Missouri INVOCATION Dr. Theodore H. Elsner, World Evangelism Foundation, Abingdon, Pennsyl· vania MUSIC Suzanne Johnson, A Visit With Suz anne. Wilmette, Illinois Vice President Gerald R. Ford PRESENTATION OF CITATION The Honor· able Dean Burch, Chairman, Federal Com· munications Commission, Washington, D.C. ANNUAL AWARD OF MERIT Christian Broad LADI ES RECEPTI ON casting Network, Rev. M. G. "Pat" Robert House of Representatives son, Portsmouth, Virginia Congressman John B. Conlan, Arizona, Host ADDRESS The Honorable Richard Wiley, Fed Buses leave at 3 P.M. eral Communications Commission, Washing ton, D.C. BENEDICTION Dr. James E. Hamill, Christ Is the Answer, Memphis, Tennessee COFFEE BREAK 3:30 · 3:50 P.M. Exhibition Hall

WORKSHOP SESSIONS 3:50 - S P.M. 1. Technical Session. New Developments for the Engineer-International Ballroom East 2. Follow-Up Workshop. Effective Methods For Fol lowing Up Broadcasts-Military Room 3. Research Seminar. Knowing People's Needs.•• and Our Results-Monroe West 4. TV and Cable TV. Everything You Wanted to Know about Cable Television-Monroe East S. Campus Broadcasters. Constitutional Meeting-Ex· Dean Burch Richard Wiley lul>it Hall 6. Ladies Action Seminar. Decency in Media-George town East PLENARY SESSION 7. Training in Gospel Broadcasting. Program Format... 1:45 P.M. - International Ballroom East How to Do It-Dupont Room 8. Seminar. Problems and Opportunities in Gospel Broadcasting-Farragut Room PRESIDING Dr. John G. Olson, Executive 9. Panel Effective Minority Broadcasting. Grant Room Committee, National Religious Broadcasters, Trans World Missions, Los Angeles, California INVOCATION Dr. Charles Leaming, Faith Temple, St. Petersburg, Florida ADDRESS The Honorable Lee Shih-Feng, Pres· PLENARY SESSION ident, Broadcasting Corporation of China, 7 P.M. International Ballroom East Taipei, Taiwan ADDRESS Before 1984, Dr. Joel Nederhood, PRESIDING Dr. Thomas F. Zimmerman, First Back to God Hour, Chicago, Illinois Vice-President, National Religious Broad casters, General Superintendent, Assemblies of God, Springfield, Missouri WORKSHOP SESSIONS ) INVOCATION Rev. Victor Trinder, Light and WORKSHOP SESSIONS 2:30 • 3:30 P.M. Life Hour, Belfast, Northern Ireland 1. Station Owners and Operators. Trends in Broad MUSIC Perlita Lim, recording artist, Glendora, cast Regulation-International Ballroom East -) California 2. Radio Programming. Changing Concepts in Pro ADDRESS Religious Broadcasting-Which Way? gramming-Monroe West A Multi-Media Presentation, Dr. Ben Arm 3. TV and Cable TV. The Church Service on TV Monroe East strong, Executive Secretary, National Re 4. Missio~ Broadcasting. Dealing with the Cultural ligious Broadcasters, Madison, New Jersey Barriers-Military Room ADDRESS Dr. Eugene R. Bertermann, Pres S. Campus Broadcasters. Utilizing an Untrained Staff Exhibit Hall ident, National Religious Broadcasters; Far 6. ladies Workshop. The Role of Women in the Con East Broadcasting Company, Whittier, Cal. temSEWorld-Geo~etown East 7. . . in Gospel Broadcasting. Who Is My Audience... t Do They Need? Dupont Room 8. Panel Reaching the Unreached-Farragut Room SHOW AND TELL 9. Workshop. Problems and Opportunities of Large Listening and Viewing Session Syndicators-Grant Room 9:15 P.M. - International Ballroom East PLENARY SESSION 11 A.M. - International Ballroom Eas1

PRESIDING Rev. Stanley N. Whitcanack, JANUARY 30, 1974 Treasurer, National Religious Broadcasters, REGISTRATION 7 A.M. - 7:30 P.M. Concourse Showers of Blessing, Kansas City, Mo. EXHIBITS 9 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. Exhibit Hall ANNUAL AWARD OF MERIT Radio Bible Class, Paul Van Gorder and M. R. DeHaan, II, Grand Rapids, Michigan SYMPOSIUM ON EVANGELISM CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST Dr. Theodore A. Raedeke, Lutheran Church 7 A.M. - International Ballroom East Missouri Synod, St. Louis, Missouri Rev. Billy Kim, Far East Broadcasting Com SPECIAL BRIEFING - 8 A.M. pany, Seoul, Korea Mrs. Fred Dienert, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESIDING Mr. Robert Ball, Executive Com- Maxie Jarman, Nashville, Tennessee mittee, National Religious Broadcasters; KPDO, Portland, Oregon BRIEFING Senator Harold E. Hughes of Iowa AFTERNOON COLLOQUIA 1:45 - 3:20 P.M. (off the record- closed to press and non 1. Station Owners and Operaton. Community-Orien registrants) ted Programming, News and Public Affairs Broad casts-International Ballroom East 2. Radio Programming. Youth Programming and Mus ic-Monroe West 3. TV and Cable TV. Effective Television Evangelism Monroe East 4. Missionary Broadcasting. Increasing Support at ANNUAL MEETING OF Home and on the Field-Military Room NATIONAL RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS 5. Campus Broadcasters. Careers in Religious Broad 9:30-10:30 Ballroom East casting-Exlul>it Hall A.M. International 6. LadJes Action Seminar. Corrie ten Boom-George town East REPORTS FROM THE CHAPTERS 7. Training in Gospel Broadcasting. Getting and Stay Western Cupter ing on the Air-Dupont Room Clinton Fowler, President Eastern Chapter Rev. Richard Canfield, President Southeastern Chapter Dr. Herbert Bowdoin, President Midwestern CMpter LADIES EMBASSY RECEPTION Rev. Lee Shultz, President His Excellency Alberto Quevedo Toro South-stern CMpter Ambassador of Ecuador, Host Chapt.in Rav Hoekstra, President 3:30 - 4:30 P.M. .. (Bus leaves ICB Rev. Abe Thiessen, Exewtive Secretary, at 3:00 P.M.) Colorado Springs, Colorado Election of Officen

INDIVIDUAL COLLOQUIA 3:30- 5:00 P.M. 1. Station Owners and Operators. Ideas That Worked for Us in '73-International Ballroom East 2. Radio Programming. New Ideas We've Tried-Mon roe West COFFEE BREAK 3. TV and Cable TV. Television Production-George 10:30 - 11 :00 A.M. - Exhibition Hall town East 4. Miuionary Broadcasting. Missionary Broadcasting..• A Forward Look-Military Room 5. Campus Broadcasters. Using Contempo.ruy Music and Programs-Exhibit Hall 6. Tnining in Gospel Broadcasting. Equiping a Studio and Basics of Production-Dupont Room THIRTY-FIRST ANNIVERSARY BANQUET WHAT NRB IS AND DOES - 7 P.M. - International Ballroom Center The Program and Function of PRESIDING Dr. Eugene R. Bertermann, Pres· NATIONAL RELIGIOUS ident, National Religious Broadcasters. Far BROADCASTERS East Broadcasting Company, Whittier, Cal. INVOCATION Dr. Billy A. Melvin, Executive 1. National Religious Broadcasters unites 550 Director, National Association of Evangel individual broadcasters, national and inter icals, Wheaton, Illinois national, large and small, to preserve free and MUSIC Ambassador Quartet, Fresno, California complete access to radio and television lanes DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD for the broadcasting of the Gospel of the Lord Dr. Eugene R. Bertermann Jesus Christ. MUSIC Dino Kartsonakis, pianist, Los Angeles, 2. NRB strives for program excellence and California the observance of high standards in the broad ADDRESS Dr. Oswald C. J. Hoffmann, The casting of the Gospel by the establishment of Lutheran Hour, St. Louis, Missouri the NRB Code of Ethics for (a) Program Pro . ducers and (b) Christian Station Owners and .. Operators. 3. NRB provides a continuing relationship ~~,,~ . ,' with the broadcasting industry keeping abreast of current trends and developments -~>j . -~ •.• •' . - --~ '.~ with various national and international or ganizations. 4. NRB provides a continuing relationship \ with governmental departments, such as the Federal Communications Commission, Wash ington, D.C. Dino Kartsonakis Dr. Hoffmann 5. NRB provides a clearing house for those requiring the services of personnel experienc ed and talented in Gospel broadcasting, and COMING EVENTS those seeking to serve in this vital and chal lenging field. April 23-25, 1974-Hational Allodation of Evangelicals, Boston, Massachusetts; NAB 6. NRB provides a central source of reliable workshops and luncheon information and a channel through which publications, information and results of re May 13-14, 1974-Southwest Chapter Conven· search are shared. RELIGIOUS BROADCAST tion, Dallas, Texas ING, with a circulation of 4,000 throughout June 3-14, 1974-Nyack Communications In· the world, is published quarterly. HOTLINE stitute, Nyack College, Nyack, New York is sent monthly to members. It contains late developments in the fast-breaking field of Septe~ 16-17, 1974-South11st ChapterCon religious broadcasting. vention, Orlando, Florida 7. NRB conducts national and regional work September 23-24, 1974-Western Religious shops, seminars and meetings. Regional con Broadcasters Convention, Los Angeles, Ca ventions and a national 4-day convention are held annually. September 30 • Oc:tublr 1, 1974-Midwest 8. NRB encourages the conduct of research Chapter Convention, Chicago, Illinois in Gospel broadcasting, providing materials, sources, bibliographies, current related stu January 26-29, 1975-32nd Annual NAB Con· dies. vantion, Washington Hilton Hotel, Wash 9. NRB provides for greater outreach of radio ington, D.C. and television for the broadcasting of the Gos February 23-26, 1976-33rd Annual NAB Con· pel of our Lord Jesus Christ and counsels with vention, Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C. those desiring to utilize these modern media of mass communication. NATIONAL RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS CLASS OF 1976 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Dr. David AugablllJer, Mennonite Broadcasts, Harris Officers onburg, Virginia Dr. Eugene R. Bertermann, Far East Broadcasting Dr. Eugene R. Bertermann, President Company, Whittier, California Dr. Thomas F. Zimmerman, First Vice-President Mr. Richard Bott, KCCV, Kansas City, Mo Mr. E. Brandt Gustavson, Second Vice-President Dr. Theodore Epp, Back to the Bible, Lincoln, Nb Dr. Wilbur E. Nelson, Secretary Dr. Paul Freed, Trans World Radio, Chatham, NJ. Mr. E. Brandt Gustavaon, Moody Bible Institute, Rev. Stanley N. Whitcanack, Treasurer Chicago, Illinois Additional Members of Mr. David Hofer, Jr. KRDU, Dinuba, Ca Dr. John D. Jess, Chapel of the Air, Wheaton, Illinois Executive Committee Rev. Alex Leonovich, Slavic Missionary Service, Mid· Dr. Robert Andrews dlebush, NJ Mr. Robert Ball Dr. Wilbur E. Nelaon, Morning Chapel Hour, Paramount, Mr. David Hofer, Jr. California Rev. John G. Olson Dr. William J. Roberts, Bible Fellowship Hour, Mon trose, Ca Rev. M. G. Robertson, Christian Broadcasting Net work, Portsmouth, Va Rev. Lee Shultz, Revivaltime, Springfield, Mo BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mr. TommyP. Thompson, Lutheran Laymen's League, CLASS OF 1974 St. Louis, Mo Mr. Walter F. Bennett, Walter F. Bennett Company, Rev. Stanley N. Whitcanack, Nazarene Communica Chicago Illinois tions Commission, Kansas City, Mo Dr. Robert H. Bowman, Far East Broadcasting Com pany, Whittier, California Mr. Harold Camping, Family Radio, Oakland, Ca Rev. Richard Canfield, Keys to Better Living, Mount Joy, Pennsylvania Dr. Theodore Elsner, World Evangelism Foundation, Abingdon, Pennsylvania Rev. Quintin Everest, Your Worship Hour, South Bend, Indiana Dr. Billy Graham, Hour of Decision, Minneapolis, Mn Mr. Val Hellikson, Haven of Rest, Hollywood, Ca Rev. Melvin Jones, Back to the Bible, Lincoln, Neb Mr. Mike Maddex, WEEC-FM, Springfield, Ohio Dr. Ralph Neighbour, Morning Sunshine Hour, Elyria, Oh. Dr. Stephen Olford, Encounter Ministries, New York Rev. Carl Richardson, Forward in Faith, Cleveland, Tn Dr. Paul Stevens, Southern Baptist Radio-TV Com mission, Fort Worth, Texas Dr. Abe C. VanDerPuy, World Radio Missionary Fellowship, Miami, Florida CLASS OF 1975 Dr. Robert Andrews, Light and Life Hour, Winona Lake, Indiana Mr. Robert Ball, KPDQ, Portland, Oregon Rev. James Birkitt, WIVE, Ashland, Virginia Mr. Clinton Fowler, KGER, Long Beach, California Dr. Russell Hitt, Bible Study Hour, Phila, Pa Mr. Paul Hollinger, WDAC, Lancaster, Pa ; Mr. Cornelius Keur, Northwestern College Radio, Roseville, Minnesota Rev. Russell Killman, Heaven and Home Hour, Glen dale, California Mr. William Kuiper, WFUR, Grand Radpids, Mich Dr. Chules Leaming, Faith Temple, St. Petersburg, Fl Mr. Glenn LePard, Templetime, Grand Rapids, Mi Rev. John Olson, Trans World Mission, Los Angeles, Ca Mr. Tom Sommerville, Family Radio, Oakland, Ca Dr. R. Eugene Sterner, Christian Brotherhood Hour, Anderson, Indiana Mr. Jack Willis, KHEP, Phoenix, Arizona Dr. Thomas F. Zimmerman, Revivaltime, Springfield, Advertise your N RB membership with the New Missouri 1974 Decal available from the National Office CLASS OF 1976 Greetings from NR B Executive Secretary Dr. David Augslnuger, Mennonite Broadcasts, Harris onburg, Virginia Dr. Eugene R. Bedermann, Far East Broadcasting Company, Whittier, California Mr. Richard Bott, KCCV, Kansas City, Mo Dr. Theodore Epp, Back to the Bible, Lincoln, Nb Dr. Paul Freed, Trans World Radio, Chatham, N.J. Mr. E. Brandt Gustavson, Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, Illinois Mr. David Hofe.r, Jr. KRDU, Dinuba, Ca Dr. John D. Jeu, Chapel of the Air, Wheaton, Illinois Rev. Alex Leonovich, Slavic Missionary Service, Mid dlebush, NJ Dr. Wilbur E. Nelson, Morning Chapel Hour, Paramount,. California Dr. William J. Roberts, Bible Fellowship Hour, Mon trose, Ca Rev. M. G. Robe.rtson, Christian Broadcasting Net work, Portsmouth, Va Rev. Lee Shultz, Revivaltime, Springfield, Mo Mr. Tommy P. Thompson, Lutheran Laymen's League, Dr. Benjamin L. Armstrong St. Louis, Mo Rev. Stanley N. Whitcanack, Nazarene Communica tions Commission, Kansas City, Mo The growth of National Religious Broadcasters in recent years is a reflection of the dynamic developments in Gospel broadcasting world wide. In 1967, when I became Executive Secretary. NRB had an active membership of 107; this year we anticipate reaching the 600 mark. We now have five regional chapters, and the attendance at both the regional and national conventions has increased with each successive year. We have invited two new groups, Campus Broadcasters and International Broadcasters, to this year's convention to discuss plans which may result in the formation of innovative organizational structures. One of the most exciting prospects facing us now is cable tele vision; it will not be too long before we can realistically utilize cable and satellite broad casting for mass evangelism and instruction. We appreciate your continued support and prayers as together we face and accept the challenge gf ~he future. With the blessing of Almigflty "God, we will not cease to try to reach new heights in our endeavors.

NATIONAL OFFICE Executive Secretary Dr. Benjamin L Armstrong Box 512 Madison. New Jersey 07940 Telephone: (201) 377-4400 Advertise your N RB membership with the New 1974 Decal available from the National Office Greetings from NRB Executive Secreury

Dr. Benjamin L Armstrong

The growth of National Religious Broadcasters in recent years is a reflection of the dynamic developments in Gospel broadcasting world wide. In 1967, when I became Executive Secretary. NAB had an active membership of 107; this year we anticipate reaching the 600 mark. We now have five regional chapters, ancf the attendance at both the regional and national conventions has increased with each successive year. We have invited two new groups, Campus Broadcasters and International Broadcasters, to this year's convention to discuss plans which may result in the formation of innovative organizational structures. One of the most exciting prospects facing us now is cable tele vision; it will not be too long before we can realistically utilize cable and satellite broad casting for mass evangelism and instruction. We appreciate your continued support and prayers as together we face and accept the challenge of the future. With the blessing of Almighty God, we will not cease to try to reach new heights in our endeavors.

NATIONAL OFFICE Executive Sec:reterv Dr. Benjamin L. Armstrong Box 512 Madison. New Jersey 07940 Telephone: (201) 377-4400 Dr. Ben Armstrong, Executive Secretary Post Office Box 512 Madison, N.J. 07940 Telephone (201) 377-4400

An affiliate of National Association of Evangelicals ..

REMARKS BY VICE PRESIDENT GERALD R. FORD AT THE NATIONAL RELIGIOUS BROADCASTERS' 31st ANNUAL CONGRESSIONAL BREAKFAST WASHINGTON HILTON HOTEL WASHINGTON, D. C. 8 a.m. TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 1974

ADVANCE FOR RELEASE AT 8 a.m. TUESDAY

I am proud to address this group of men and women whose primary concern in life is to spread the Good News that brings peace and joy into the hearts of millions of Americans. When I accepted your invitation, I did so with some trepidation, for there is no group in this country that knows more about the spoken word than you do. And as I will very shortly prove to you, I am not the world's greatest orator. In fact, I've heard second-hand that I've been compared to Demosthenes before he spit the pebbles out. But seriously, although there certainly is a place in politics for eloquence, it's well to be wary of it. History is filled with bad results brought on by silver-tongued spellbinders who could hypnotize and move great crowds of people -- and too often move them in disastrous directions. When politicans start playing on the emotions, my first reaction is to ask 11 whyn? So I know you realize as you go about your work, the most reliable way to communicate with people is through straight talk. That, after all, is what ordinary Americans understand best and what they most welcome from their leaders. It's that quality of the ordinary, the straight, the square -- and let me pause here to say that one of the nicest things my wife, Betty, ever called me was na squaren -- that accounts for the great stability and success of our Nation. It's a quality to be proud of. But it's a quality that many people seem to have neglected.

(more) Page 2 I have a new job, the Vice-Presidency. It's a somewhat undefined job. No one has ever been quite sure just what Vice Presidents do. There's an anecdote about two brothers that is in all the books about Vice Presidents. One ran away to sea, the other became Vice President, and nothing was ever heard of either of them again. Now I haven't faded away yet, and frankly I don't intend to for three more years.

I have always thought of the Ford family as an extremely normal one, a typical American family. We enjoy one another greatly. We live in much the same way as millions of other Americans. We take family vacations whenever possible, and we ski and swim and talk together. And, when I can, we've always gone to church together, too. Our sons and daughter seem to enjoy being with us -- although they did get just a little impatient when I got Mick Jagger mixed up with a motorcycle driver on the Dick Cavett show. But then they're not quite sure who Kate Smith is, either. Now during my 25 years in the Congress of the United States I've had a unique opportunity to know, and know well, tens of thousands of Americans from every part of the country and every walk of life. And I'd say the Fords are much like them. What has surprised me since I was nominated for my new job is that some people are surprised at us. They seem to think that sort of life has passed out of style, as if the Ford family were a strange band of exotic creatures from another age that somehow managed to escape extinction. I may be exaggerating here because I'm personally involved.

But I think that reaction is there, and I think it dramatizes an important problem. We hear too often that we are a sick people, that life is a series of crises, that our system doesn't work, that our system is on the verge of collapse.

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-.. Page 3 \~/' ,..,..... / I firmly believe that nothing is further from the truth. Ours is -- and will remain the healthiest society mentally and physically and spiritually the world has ever known. Any anyone who wants proof of that need only look at the daily lives of the great majority of American families. This is a strong country, a good country, and it is overflowing with honest, decent people who try to lead honest, decent lives. And let me here add something that all of you here this morning know so well. The quality of American family life would not be possible without our deep national belief in the traditional values, values bequeathed to us by our religious traditions, values that give shape and substance and direction to our daily lives -- in short, moral values. There was a time, I realize, when the issue seemed in doubt. During the fifties, many of our very finest young people, exposed to the social, cultural and ethical relativism that was then in fashion on so many campuses, seemed to drop out, opting for a fashionable sort of agnosticism. And then in the sixties, we watched many young people decide to get involved, but to get involved in ways which were not always terribly productive. Toward the end of that decade, some even took up violence as a means of achieving their goals. But today a new mood seems to have grown up in America. Young people have begun to engage again in a profound and serious search for fundamental truths. Some older Americans have been a little suspicious of their exuberant activities. We had become a little wary of too much enthusiasm in the sixties. This new movement and all its variations seemed like it might be just another fad. But it turned out not to be a fad, in most instances- Instead it reflected the return of young Americans to those basic truths in which we all believe and which underlie our system -- the

(more) Page eternal truths of religion. Our young people continue to be America's greatest resource, and we can continue to be proud of them. Many of these young people today have begun to channel their zest and their enthusiasm into the structures provided for them by the traditional churches and denominations. And the members of this audience are to be congratulated for encouraging this assimilation and for providing shape and structure for their enthusiasm. I know these young people, in turn, can provide a healthy dose of ebullience which will revitalize many of the organizations that take them in. The evidence of this reawakening is everywhere. The astonishing success of so many religious organizations -- including, for example, the Campus Crusade for Christ and the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, which, I understand, mustered 17,000 young people on the campus of the University of Illinois reeently -- this success proves that the revival of religious interest is genuine. As many of you are aware, I take a very personal interest in the religious commitment of our young people. My son, Mike, is a divinity student, and he intends to devote his life to Christian service. Mike made his commitment as a college student, and I think the discovery he made is the discovery that so many of his generation have made in various ways. We seem to have come full circle. One lesson our young people have learned for themselves is that heaven cannot be brought to earth, man cannot be made perfect. This is a valuable lesson, eternally retaught, that there is something more out there, somethirg bigger than earthly things to explain man's nature and to give meaning to human life. That something, of course, is spiritual. That something is God. The National Religious Broadcasters are to be congratulated for transmitting this message during a period when it sometimes

seemed that no one was listening. We know now that they ~ listening, and we know that they are listening now in ever

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Page 5 increasing numbers. The faith of our fathers is alive and well, and that means that our society is and will continue to be alive and well. This is a great and free land, with its system of government and the daily lives of its citizens built upon an enduring faith in God. There may be aberrations and there may be periods of frustration and controversy, but our faith will carry us through. As usual, the Bible says it best -- and I quote -- "Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." Thank you very much.

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