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* I too was at the 1972 Explo. I don't remember a lot about the event other than learning that different states don't have our wonderful weather. I do remember, however, going door to door with the Four Spiritual Laws and reading the book with little or no expression to a woman in a poor neighborhood. I remember her reading the prayer with me. I don't remember her name or anything else about her. I just felt I had accomplished my task and went on my way. Since then I have occasionally wondered what became of her. After reading your article, I am at least hopeful. While I cannot agree entirely with the Brights' approach, perhaps I at least was allowed to plant a seed in this woman's heart. And, dear woman, if you are by chance reading this, I was one of those 15-year-old girls with very long hair and glasses who came in and out of your life in less than 15 minutes. God knows your name; I would love to know it too.

Patricia Mitchell
San Jose, Calif.

We would like to clarify a fact for the record about the La Jolla Valley Project. CCCI was not "forced into Chapter 11 protection." CCCI sold University Development, the company that was developing the property, around 1986. Sometime later the new owner caused University Development to file for reorganization under the Federal Bankruptcy Act. In short, CCCI has never filed bankruptcy.

Sid Wright
Campus Crusade for Christ International
Orlando, Fla.

AFFIRMING SINGLES
* Bravo! on Dean Merrill's article "Not Married-with-Children" [July 14]. As a never-married single woman, I have too often heard the subtle (or not-so-subtle) message, "This church is for families," and therefore, "This church is not for you." For me and for many singles I've talked to, Sunday morning can be the loneliest time of the week. Church may be the only setting in our lives in which we do not feel included, respected, valued—or loved.

As the percentage of singles in the U.S. rises steadily, churches need to learn how to affirm and include families and singles. If they do not, they will miss a huge portion of the population, a group that not only needs a church family, but that has inestimable time, money, and talents that could enrich the whole congregation.

Susan Maycinik
Colorado Springs, Colo.

UNATTRACTIVE DOESN'T MEAN SPIRITUAL
* I really appreciated Karen Lee-Thorp's article ["Is Beauty the Beast?" July 14] on the subject of beauty. I have encountered very little teaching on this subject in the church, almost none from a positive perspective. It is a relief to know that I don't have to imagine myself as unattractive in order to be spiritual.

Neil Miller
Toronto, Ont., Canada

THE LOVE OF BALLET
Thanks so much to Piper Lowell for the wonderful "Leaps of Faith" [Arts, July 14]. My youthful striving for a ballet career ended with a loving husband and the raising of three priceless children—but the love of ballet has never left me. Having become a Christian while involved in ballet, I'm so glad to see this article on Ballet Magnificat! I hope to see Kathy Thibodeaux dance sometime.

Elaine Hogan
Bismarck, Mo.

GOD'S WORD FOR THE WHOLE CHURCH
The decision by the International Bible Society—under pressure—to cancel the use of more inclusive language in future revisions ["Hands Off My NIV," June 16, and "Focus Dumps 'Inclusive' Bible," July 14] saddens me deeply.

I am sad for my 9-year-old granddaughter, Christine. She might have read (in the NIV-based Adventures in Odyssey Bible now withdrawn by Focus on the Family) in Paul's words, "Teach … some people you can trust," a version of 2 Timothy 2:2 more correct than the current "Teach … some men." She might have said, "Oh, I am a person. So I want to be one who can be trusted." Now she will have to wonder if that role is meant only for her brothers, Graham and Benjie.

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October 6 1997, Vol. 41, No. 11