The Sabbath-School and Young People's Convention by G. B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 20, 1907

The Sabbath-School and Young People's Convention

By G. B. Thompson

JULY 10-21 is the date of the Sabbath-school and young people's convention, appointed by the General Conference Committee, to be held at Mt. Vernon, Ohio. This certainly is a very important meeting. In view of the time to which we have come, and the demand for workers, we feel sure that it will be one of the most important that has ever been held by this denomination, and that it will be attended with far-reaching results. It indicates a new era in our work, and a great forward missionary movement in the work of the third angel's message.

At the recent council of the General Conference Committee, held at Gland, Switzerland, a new department was organized, to be known as the Young People's Department of the General Conference. We felt grateful to God that the work of our young people had grown until it could be organized into a separate department, with a chairman and a secretary who will devote their time to building up and developing this work. Between the Sabbath-school, Educational, and Young People's Departments there is a very close relation, and rightly organized and working together, they can do a great work in advancing the third angel's message.

At the convention to be held at Mt. Vernon, the Young People's Department will be fully organized, and plans studied and adopted which will mold the future of this department, as well as that of the work of our Sabbath-schools.

The greatest asset we have as a denomination is our young people. They are worth our best and noblest efforts.

It is from their midst that we must secure the army of workers necessary to man our mission fields, and finish the work in this generation. Certainly we can not remain indifferent to their needs, nor neglect to put forth earnest efforts to direct their energy and enthusiasm into right channels.

The coming convention is by no means a local affair. Leading workers in our Sabbath-schools, Young People's Societies, and schools will be present from all over the United States. In addition to these Elders A. G. Daniells and W. A. Spicer will be present, as well as other members of the General Conference Committee, and the instruction which will be given will be such that none can afford to miss it. Next week we hope to publish the entire program.

The question has been asked, Who should attend? We answer, All who can possibly arrange to do so. This is a special occasion for our young people, and we really wish that they all could be present. While it will be of great value for the workers to meet together and plan for the work, much will be lost unless there is present a large number of young people, conference laborers, church officers, and others, that they may be inspired with the spirit of the meeting, and return to their homes and fields of labor to take up this work in a new way, and with renewed earnestness.

We believe that as many of our young people as possible from the surrounding conferences at least, should be induced to attend, especially that class of young people who are preparing to enter the work. Why would it not be an excellent thing for conferences to assist, financially and otherwise, many of these to come to the meeting? It will prove to be a good investment. We would like to see as many conference laborers in the different departments of work attend this meeting as possible. Many churches could arrange to send some of their number, even from some distance. They will be able to help the church much better when they return.

The convention will be held at the Mt. Vernon Academy. Those who have the matter of entertainment in hand are deeply interested in the work, and will do all in their power to provide for those who come, at as reasonable a figure as circumstances will allow. Those expecting to attend should write to James E. Shultz, Box 187, Mt. Vernon, Ohio.

A deep interest is being manifested regarding this meeting in all parts of the field. We expect the Lord will be present in a very special manner. Let each one co-operate to the extent of his ability to make the convention a success. Do not forget to pray that the Lord will send the Holy Spirit to preside in this meeting.

G. B. THOMPSON, Chairman Sabbath-school Dept.