Foreign Missions Day in Pacific Union College by Geo. F. Enoch

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 8, 1915

Foreign Missions Day in Pacific Union College

By Geo. F. Enoch

SABBATH, May 15, was Foreign Missions Day at Pacific Union College. During the winter there was a large and enthusiastic mission band of 120 members, but so much work crowded into the spring term that it became difficult to keep up the interest. The committee decided to have a Sabbath consecrated to that one purpose.

For some time careful study was given to conditions prevailing in the Orient, particularly in India; and a program was prepared by various members of the band, trying to give a faithful representation of these conditions. This work was thoroughly enjoyed by all who gave it study, and the careful preparation was shown by the most excellent program rendered.

The day opened with a sermon on foreign missions. The Lord gave freedom, and every heart was touched as the great need of the regions beyond was pressed home by the Spirit on the hearts of those present.

At 5 P. M. we were privileged to hear the report of Elder Prieger, of Haiti, who had a marvelous story to tell concerning the way the Lord led them in that dark field. No better report could be presented to our young people; for it showed that although we have to face the powers of darkness in a very real way in the heathen lands, yet we have the mighty power of God with us for deliverance.

At 8 P. M. the mission band delivered its program, assisted by Elder and Mrs. and Miss Munson, from the sanitarium. In order that the young people might get a glimpse of the work as it is, Scripture reading, prayer, and songs were given in both Marathi and Malay, those taking part being dressed in native costume, and actual demonstrations were given of the way things are done in the Orient. Five young ladies, appropriately dressed, represented the early marriages, the purdah girls, and the child widows. By dealing with the question in this concrete way, an impression was made on those present that would have been impossible in any other way. Many hearts were touched, and only eternity will reveal the fruits of the meeting. This came just at the time when many of the young people were standing at the parting of the ways, and the feet of some were turned toward the kingdom of God.

I greatly enjoyed my work with the mission band during the winter. On Foreign Missions Day we presented our Volunteer pledge: “I purpose, if God will, to be a foreign missionary.” This pledge was left in the chapel during the last week, and 117 signed it voluntarily. This was a great encouragement to me, and I am sure that many of these young people will, when their preparation is completed, find their place in the finishing of the work.

I was much pleased to note the willingness with which the members contributed to the support of the band. We insisted on the twenty-five-cent membership fee recommended by the General Conference. About thirty-three dollars was collected. The band helped maintain the foreign mission band idea of contributing liberally to the expenses of the interband secretary; met the expenses of Foreign Missions Day, thus setting in motion a strong current toward the needy mission fields; gave two splendid books to the college library,—“Pennell of the Afghan Frontier” and Richter’s “History of Missions in India,”—and also bequeathed the framed pictures of four of the leading missionaries of the world, to the next year’s band; and printed a substantial wall card, having on the front side appropriate Scripture texts, and notable sayings of some of the leading missionaries, with a record of the year’s work on the back. The membership fees and one collection furnished the necessary funds.

To those having charge of the mission bands in our various schools I desire to commend this idea of having a Foreign Missions Day toward the end of the school year. It is both profitable and interesting, and may become a great feature in helping some to decide definitely to choose as their life work the saving of those perishing in the regions beyond.

GEO. F. ENOCH.