Missionary Work in Union College
By Milton E. Kern
EARLY in the school year it was made plain to the students that the best way to become missionaries is by doing practical missionary work. We have an excellent mission field in the city of Lincoln and its suburbs, with the country adjacent to College View. The question of time for the work has been an important one, and yet while those students who most desire to do this work are the busiest in school, they have found some time, and without exception feel that it has been time well spent. Besides the regular work of sending out our literature and doing correspondence work with those to whom periodicals are sent, a large number were organized into committees on various lines of work which we could do here at home. One committee had charge of the work of getting the message before the people of the surrounding country; another had in view work for the convicts in the penitentiary; a third, canvassing and paper work in the city of Lincoln; another, work among the young people's societies in Lincoln; another Sunday-school work in the city; and to still another was given the work of visiting the libraries and reading rooms in and about Lincoln, and offering to supply them with our periodicals during the year. The Scandinavian and German students have had their special work, and other students who have not worked on any of these committees have had work in College View. There seems to be a growing realization that the Lord has left every one his work, and that when a Christian is born into the kingdom of God, his work is born with him; and wherever he is, there the life of Christ will manifest itself in loving service. The library committee were surprised to find the different libraries glad to receive our periodicals. The Signs, Sentinel, Instructor, Good Health, Missionary Magazine, and the foreign papers were used in this work, one or more copies being left at each of the following-named places: Cotner University (Disciple), Wesleyan University (Methodist), Lincoln Library, State University, State Capitol, Y. M. C. A. and Y. W. C. A. reading rooms, and the Dr. Baily Sanitarium. Besides these periodicals, we have given some books to these libraries, and expect to give others. The committee on paper work in the city is doing a good work, visiting from house to house, and also leaving copies of the Signs in hotels, barber shops, and other places of business. Lincoln was worked last summer in connection with the meetings held by Elder Luther Warren, and many people are inquiring into the truth. The German students and teachers have had good experiences in Lincoln, giving Bible readings and holding cottage meetings among the Germans. Recently one of our canvassing brethren, who is in school, accompanied by one of the German teachers, spent Sabbath and Sunday in his former territory, about twenty-five miles from here. The Scriptures were studied by inquiring souls almost night and day during their brief stay. The Scandinavians also have been greatly encouraged in their work at Havelock, the suburb in which the Burlington car shops are located. They have found work among the Scandinavians very profitable, even where workers of other denominations are said to have failed in religious meetings. The correspondence work which the society has done has received quite a ready response, and some encouraging letters have been received. Elder Daniells's recent visit was a helpful season to the college. The message of consecration for service was brought home to us with convicting power. We have heard from some of our schools concerning their missionary societies, and should be glad to hear from others. We have some great problems to solve, and need help from one another. We desire to have in mind definite results, and work these out by the best methods available, trusting in the strength of him whose work it is.