SIXTY YEARS AGO MY FIRST LETTER FROM DAVID SHEPPARD, ENGLIST TEST CRICKETER IN 1950-51 TOUR OF AUSTRALIA.

Here is the letter in full, received with excitement by a 13 year old cricket lover, living in Essendon.

The Station Hotel
Auckland C1
New Zealand

8 March 1951

Dear Macleod,

I was delighted to have your little note – still more to know that you have received the Lord Jesus Christ as your own Saviour and Friend. I enclose a small booklet which I hope may be helpful. May I make just four points?
When I became a Christian about fifteen months ago one of my greatest discoveries was that He is alive to-day to be our best friend. [Hebrews 7:25]. There is a chorus which runs
Jesus died to set me free
From the guilt of sin:
Jesus lives that I may be
Strong the fight to win.

Second: having let him into your life, don’t keep him shut out of certain parts of it. Let Him take charge of it all. I think Proverbs 3 vv 5,6 the best prescription for the happy and successful Christian life.

Thirdly, do link up with Crusaders, or some such Christian organisation which will help you to grow as a Christian. A coal burns best in the fire, and not when it has fallen out.

Fourthly, dig deep into the bible – 1 Peter 2:2

I am sorry for the delay in writing but this last week has been pretty hectic with packing, saying good-byes and travelling.



I would very much appreciate a line from you one day when you have time about how things progress. You will find me with MCC Touring Team, c/o Umpire, Christchurch, N.Z. until march 28: afterwards at home at StBRIGET'S COTTAGE, SLINFOLD, SUSSEX. England

With every good wish

Yors sincerely

David Sheppard