Missionary Volunteer Institutes by M. E. K.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 23, 1911

Missionary Volunteer Institutes

By M. E. K.

WE have reached that point in the development of our young people’s work where all can see that the results obtained far more than justify the efforts put forth. The reports for the past few months have been most encouraging. It is evident that where there is proper leadership, our youth in the little churches and companies, as well as in the larger centers, are taking up the threefold plan of devotion, study, and work very earnestly. It is another evidence of the gathering forces to quickly complete the work which means the realization of our hope.

Geikie wrote: “Early vigor and warmth, consecrated to God, work miracles. Older men have their honored work, and are no less needed than younger; but the living force that conquers

the world for God is the fresh enthusiasm of opening life. Years may counsel, and stimulate, and provide the means; but the hard work must fall mainly on young strength and zeal. Once won to God, there is no hesitation nor half-hearted service. Youth feels itself only a steward, and gives itself up with unshrinking devotion.” When fully aroused and properly encouraged and directed, what a power our young people can be!

One of the greatest needs in our Missionary Volunteer work is that the young people shall be instructed in how to go to work. “That which is needed now for the upbuilding of our churches is the nice work of wise laborers to discern and develop talent in the church, — talent that can be educated for the Master’s service. . . . Young men and women should be educated to become workers at home, in their own neighborhoods, and in the church.”—“Appeal to Ministers and Church Officers.”

It is for the purpose of increasing the efficiency of our Missionary Volunteer secretaries, and of helping our young people and their leaders to do a greater work, that the union conference Missionary Volunteer institutes outlined in a recent number of the REVIEW are to be held. The places and times of these meetings have been arranged for the various union conferences as follows:—

Southwestern: Keene, Tex., February 22-28.

Central: College View, Neb., March 3-12.

Northern: March 17-26.

Lake: Berrien Springs, Mich., March 31 to April 9.

In the Northern Union Conference it has been arranged to hold three short institutes instead of one long one. These are to be at Minneapolis or St. Paul, Maple Plain, and Hutchinson, Minn. Probably another will be held at Elk Point, S. D.

The General Conference has appointed Prof. H. R. Salisbury, Elder Meade MacGuire, and Miss Matilda Erickson to assist in the work of conducting these important institutes. Pray for the success of these meetings.

It is planned that the conference Missionary Volunteer secretaries, as many of the other workers as possible, and leaders and young people from all the churches, shall attend these meetings. Let each church endeavor to send at least one representative young person. The institute will be more than a series of meetings; it will be a school of missionary methods. Those who attend from first to last, take notes on the lectures, and do the class work assigned, will be given an institute certificate.

M. E. K.