Missionary Volunteer Institute
By Mrs. Carrie R. Moon
THE Lake Union Conference has been greatly blessed by a Missionary Volunteer institute which was held at Emmanuel Missionary College, Berrien Springs, Mich., March 31 to April 9. We had the help of Elder Meade MacGuire and Miss Matilda Erickson during the entire time, and of Prof. H. R. Salisbury for the first few days. The Missionary Volunteer secretary of each conference in the union was present, as were also representatives from nearly all the societies and from many churches where no society has as yet been organized. Thus about fifty visitors were present; these, with the students at the school and the resident church-members, made a company of about four hundred. The regular chapel hour each day and an hour each evening were devoted to inspiring talks upon different phases of the young people's work, while the remainder of the day was given to a study of plans and methods of work, educational features, and missionary problems. The importance of an individual experience in service, opportunities for missionary work, the influence of reading, the importance of the Missionary Volunteer Reading Courses, the Standard of Attainment, and the Morning Watch were among the topics that received interested attention. We were glad to have with us Prof. T. M. French, from West Africa. His talks concerning the conditions and needs of West Africa were full of interest, and they aroused in several of the young people a desire to give their lives to God to be used in that needy field. The entire institute was characterized by an earnest seeking after God, by repentance, confession, and a determined putting away of everything that could hinder the work of the Holy Spirit. The one desire, expressed by nearly all present, was to be baptized for service. The Lord graciously came in by his Holy Spirit, and gave blessings even beyond what we had faith to ask for. Much time was spent in prayer, both in secret and in prayer bands, and to this fact we attribute the abundant success of the institute. We believe that every one went away from the institute with a strong determination to be more faithful in service, and with a better preparation to serve; and that those who remain in Emmanuel Missionary College will work and study, henceforth, with a new purpose. The wish that was universally expressed was that we may not be satisfied to live upon the blessing received at this time, but have each day a new experience, which will make us unobstructed channels of light and blessing to others.