p. 18 | Our Conference Society by Katie M. Pogue

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 12, 1914

Our Conference Society

By Katie M. Pogue

ONE of the most important issues that confronts us today is, How may we come in touch with every young person in our conferences and give him the help needed, that he may become a worker for the Master?

As we study the situation in this great world-wide movement, we find that there are different classes to be reached. We have those who have educational advantages, church and Sabbath privileges, and who are surrounded by a spiritual atmosphere at home.

We also find young people who are known as isolated young people; and some may be living where there is but a small company of our people, where no young people's society can be organized. Among those known as isolated ones, we have a large and important class who are forced to obtain employment among the people of the world, where almost every influence tends to lead them away from the message. Many times they are isolated for months, and do not have the privilege of seeing an individual connected with our faith; and it is a sad fact, but nevertheless a true one, that many of these bright, capable young people find the influences of the world the stronger, and one by one they slip from our ranks, and are lost to the cause of truth.

Surely it will need no argument to convince our workers that this class demands our sincere prayers and our very best efforts. As plans were laid for the work among our young people, the workers began to study how real help might be brought to those who are isolated or do not have the privilege of our regular local organizations. To help meet this great need, the State or conference society was organized. What the leader of the local society should be to the society, the State Missionary Volunteer secretary should be to the conference society, except that the work must be done at a longer range, and the greater part by correspondence.

We find that in the conference society there are two classes with which to deal: first, those who are church members, individuals who have had some Christian experience, and who will take the pledge of the Missionary Volunteers; second, those who have been in Sabbath-keeping homes, but for some reason have never given their hearts to God, but are still making some effort to cling to the truth. This latter class, while we cannot enroll them as Missionary Volunteers, is a class that should be looked after carefully by the State secretary.

Dear workers, the work for this isolated class means that upon the shoulders of the conference secretary there rests the heavy burden of bringing help and encouragement to these lonely ones, and making them feel the necessity of doing something for Jesus wherever they may be. Leading them to work for those around them is one of the best ways of brightening their faith and giving them strength and courage.

We find, in reaching these isolated ones, that aside from what personal visits can be made them, a letter of encouragement sent to them each month, with report blank inclosed, is the best known means of keeping in touch with them. These letters, where the society is large, must of necessity be mostly typewritten, but they should be made as personal as possible. We must seek God that his Spirit may accompany each letter and reach down into the hearts of the young people, and help them to realize that God really is interested in them, and is expecting service from them wherever they may be. A few words written with a pen at the bottom of the letter, give a personal touch which is often helpful. Sometimes if you know that some one has become discouraged, a kind, tender letter, written by hand, on paper without letterhead, may be the means of calling that one back. If there is any part of our work that more than any other gives courage and satisfaction to the State secretary, it is the work for these isolated ones. How many times my heart has been touched by the earnest appeals for prayers I have received from them.

In the matter of getting reports from these isolated ones, I have found that there is often a greater percentage who are doing faithful reporting than in the local societies. One quarter I found that the report of work done by our conference society was greater than that reported by the local societies, although not nearly so many members were represented.

You may have on your list some from whom you may never receive a response, but keep after them; do not give them up. I recently received a letter from a dear girl who had not responded for months. She wrote: “Your letters have been such a comfort to me! Do forgive me this time for my negligence. If I can only get away from these worldly influences! I do hope you will not give up writing to me. Please accept the inclosed bill for missions.” I deposited this money on our school and hospital fund, answering her letter at once, sending her the shareholder’s certificate, and telling her that hers was the first money to be received in the office on that fund. In about three days I received another letter from her, telling how pleased she was to have a part in that fund, and that she would send more money for it later.

The following also is from a member of our conference society: “The State society is a blessing to its members, as well as to them for whom they work. Though we have no local society, it is encouraging to hear what others are doing. One might think that he could or would do just as much whether he belonged to the society or not, but I believe that did we not know that a report blank would be sent each month, the tendency would be to put off ‘little deeds of kindness’ until a more convenient season, and consequently the amount at the end of the quarter would be much less. It is helpful, too, to know that we have a secretary who is interested in us personally. What I enjoy most in the work is that in doing for others we are doing for the dear Lord Jesus.”

In the circulating library plan, we have something which will be of great help to these isolated ones.

Dear workers, we should certainly not feel satisfied till we have come in touch with every young person in the conference who is in the message or inclined toward it. The young people should be made to feel that we have a personal interest in them, and that God expects something of them, even though they are young.

I find that in working for our young people, if there is any one thing that they need, more than any other, it is encouragement; but in order to impart courage to others, we must have life and courage ourselves, making the work of the Lord Jesus the real business of our lives. “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” KATIE M. POGUE.

Do you know of any isolated young people with whom your conference Missionary Volunteer secretary is not in touch? If so, will you not send your secretary the names and addresses of such individuals?