The Reading Courses in Western New York by Mrs. H. W. Carr

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 28, 1912

The Reading Courses in Western New York

By Mrs. H. W. Carr

THE first effort in the Reading Course work for 1911-12 was begun by Mrs. Delight Kimble, the Missionary Volunteer secretary, at our camp-meeting, in June, 1911, when a few names were enrolled. At that time the work was given to the writer. From then until the beginning of the course, October 1, in connection with other lines of conference work, some churches, Missionary Volunteer Societies, and isolated persons were visited; and those who would take the Reading Courses signed the enrolment blanks, which entitled them to membership in the Spare Minute Circle. There were many, of course, in the conference who could not be reached personally. Letters were written to these, leaflets sent fully explaining the plan of the course, and many were enrolled by this means. From the first, a splendid interest was manifested, not only by the young people, but by many parents who wanted to read the books with their children.

There were scarcely any delays in ordering books for both Seniors and Juniors, and the majority had them when the course opened. This was very gratifying. While the books are being read, different means are used to keep in touch with the readers, a word of courage being given either by correspondence, through our conference paper, or by asking conference laborers meeting our young people to emphasize the importance of the Reading Courses.

Many expressions of gratitude have been received from those who have had the privilege of reading “Price of Africa,” “Uganda’s White Man of Work,” and “Passion for Men.” The readers have received an increased zeal for missionary endeavor, and a burden for souls, with a determination to be more self-sacrificing and willing to endure hardships, if need be, for the truth’s sake.

In some of our societies, the members meet in different homes to read, and have a little program, varying each week. At the Tunesassa school all are reading together and answering the questions in both courses. In some homes all the members of the family are reading, others are reading individually. One of our Bible workers formed a little band consisting of her Sabbath-school class, and so interested the mothers that they have kept the little ones reading at home. Their answers show careful work done. Our membership now is one hundred fifty-one.

When the time came to send out the review questions, a letter went with the same to each individual. Up to this time it had been the sowing time, as it were. Then came the glad harvest, when each day the mail brought many letters containing the answers, and encouraging words that were as welcome as the smile of angels. The papers were all carefully looked over, and the fact made known at once to each one that he had passed a satisfactory test, for not one failed. The excellent work done by all was truly appreciated.

Seventy-eight answered the letter sent out with the questions. Post-cards were written to the delinquents to remind them that their answers had not been received. A number of prompt responses to these came in. In one place, a young school-teacher not of our faith became interested in the books of one of her pupils, and sent a request for the questions, saying that she would be very glad to answer them, if a list was sent to her.

So far as I have been able to ascertain, all who have read the first books are now reading the second, “Ministry of Healing” for the Senior, and “Early Writings” for the Juniors. There is only one more book in each course, “Miracles of Missions” and Carpenter’s “North America.” With the reviews on the books now being read, and the ones to follow, the course will be finished. How unwise it would be for any one to entertain for a moment the thought of giving it up now! Victory is ahead. Eternity alone will reveal the results of the Reading Courses upon our young people. Parents should be more deeply interested in it. I believe that many will look forward with expectancy to the course another year. It would be difficult to find a truer spirit of cooperation than has thus far been manifested in Western New York.

MRS. H. W. CARR.