“Selfishness” In N.z. (Press, 24 February 1972)

Miss Eskefien de Ridder, a representative of the European Christian Mission, has shared her observations about the atmosphere in New Zealand, particularly regarding a growing sense of selfishness and indifference among its people. Speaking from her experience in Christchurch, where she has worked for six months at an outreach known as the Open Door, she noted that many individuals attending the facility displayed a shared sense of loneliness and meaninglessness. Throughout her time, Miss de Ridder encountered a diverse range of individuals, but discovered that most had unhappy childhoods, with only a couple reporting reasonably happy backgrounds. She highlighted a pervasive feeling of meaninglessness among those she interacted with, suggesting that Christianity provides a sense of purpose that may not be achievable through secular means. The Open Door does not overtly preach religion; instead, Miss de Ridder likened her role to that of a supportive friend or a mother figure, stating that she allows people to approach her and engage in conversation at their discretion. She also mentioned the challenges of initiating contact directly with people in public spaces, as many tend to be guarded and unresponsive in those environments. In contrast, at the Open Door, individuals seeking companionship and support feel more at ease approaching workers like Miss de Ridder when they face difficulties. The clientele of the Open Door is diverse, with connections to various social services such as prisons and welfare homes, and they come from a range of educational and economic backgrounds. While she noted concerns about alcohol as a significant issue among her patrons, Miss de Ridder mentioned that drug-related problems were less visible in this context. Returning to the Netherlands in April, Miss de Ridder anticipates continuing her work with young people at a university in Groningen, where she identifies issues like drug use and homosexuality as prevalent challenges among students. She expressed a belief that individuals struggling with homosexuality could find resolution through Christianity, claiming that faith could facilitate a change in those who recognise their attractions without acting on them. Having dedicated five years to the European Christian Mission, with three years in the Netherlands, Miss de Ridder is equipped with training from the Bible Training Centre in New Zealand and has experience in both England and New Zealand. Her reflections on the social climate in New Zealand depict an urgent need for connection and support in a world perceived as increasingly indifferent.

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