p. 19 | Work for Our Young People by M. E. Kern

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 23, 1906

Work for Our Young People

By M. E. Kern

Our young people have been neglected. (See “Christian Education,” page 222.) There is a mighty work before us in swinging this great army of youth into God’s work. The dealing with youthful minds is the nicest work ever assumed by human beings. To inspire our young people with a desire for righteousness, to help them not to fail nor be discouraged, to know how to bring out the best there is in them, to know how to deal with their youthful doubts and not drive them away from us nor crush the awakening powers of reason, is a most delicate work. It is a special field needing specially prepared workers. Every worker should have a warm heart for the lambs of the flock, and the young people’s work will never prosper as it should until this is true. But aside from this there are two things needed: (1) some one in every church who understands young people, and can lead them in missionary effort; (2) some one in each conference who will make a special study of this phase of our work, and will lead out and develop this army of youth for service; some one who can organize the work in local churches; some one who will inspire the youth to gain an education for wider service; some one who will command the respect of other workers and can teach them how to work for the young.

Some may say, “Are we not doing this work through our schools?” We are doing something, but there must be a work done for the four fifths of our young people that are not touched by our colleges and academies. This work for the young people right where they are is necessary to enable the schools to do what they should. And it is necessary to hold the army of youth among us in the love of the truth.

A little has been done in Union College to awaken an interest in this important work, and to train leaders for it. We have had what we called a “Young People’s Band” for the study of this work. This has done much to awaken an interest in these young people who are obtaining an education, many of whom needed an inspiration and an ambition in life. These young people have gone out this summer to do all they can for their fellow young people in the home churches, because they realize their needs as they have not before.

Near the close of the year a stirring appeal was prepared by this Band, and addressed to all our young people, in behalf of the Lord’s work and a preparation for the same. This has been sent out, and is bearing fruit. One of the students prepared a little leaflet, “Union College in a Nutshell,” and that is being sent out. A few of our advanced students are in the field this summer, searching for young people as for hidden treasures.

Taken all in all, this whole movement has brought new courage into the hearts of our students, and it has encouraged our hearts to see the earnestness they manifested in behalf of their comrades. They have responded to the call, “Who of our young people will give themselves to God for the purpose of laboring for their fellow youth?” Let our young people be neglected no more. “We have an army of youth who can do much if rightly directed and encouraged.”

M. E. Kern.