IN THE SUMMER SCHOOL by M. Bessie Degraw

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 13, 1901

IN THE SUMMER SCHOOL.

By M. Bessie Degraw

God loves young people; and the physical strength of youth is but a symbol of the spiritual strength for which He looks in every young man and young woman. He says, “I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one.” “I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you.”

It is an inspiration to the young people to study together as they are now doing at Berrien Springs, and it is an inspiration to older persons to come in contact with the spiritual life which is everywhere manifest in the camp. There is a soul-hungering for the wisdom of God, which Jehovah has pledged His word to satisfy.

The class in Bible study has brought light and strength. One great problem for the church school teacher is how to teach the Bible to the children. The students have had several lessons on Eden, which reveal the fact that in the first few chapters of Genesis—that is, in the history of Adam and Eve before the fall—is hidden the whole gospel. Let the children study Adam himself. He was created in the image of God; he was upright in body, in mind, in soul. Children will naturally desire to live the life which is thus vividly portrayed. We can be upright in body only as we obey the laws of health, and eat, dress, and breathe according to the divine principles. An upright mind comes as the result of Christian education, and uprightness of soul is the result of feeding upon God's word. In so far as the teacher can lead her pupils to live these truths, has she been successful in restoring the image of God in humanity. This is the gospel; this is Christian education. The Christ-life must be seen in Adam, for here was God's first plan. When we see God in Eden, then we are better able to understand the same power in the Christ-child. To live what is studied is the only indication of successful teaching.

There is one noticeable thing in the camp, and that is that the Wisconsin students outnumber those from any other State. A little investigation revealed to me the cause of this: Wisconsin has a Conference president who is alive to educational matters, and it has an active superintendent of church schools. Wisconsin is reaping the results of the enthusiasm put into the church school work; for within the past few weeks that State has furnished several workers for other fields.

One quite remarkable case has come to my attention, which illustrates the preparation for future work which a church school teacher may receive in the class room. Brother W. E. Howell, who had charge of the school for Chinese boys in Honolulu for the past four years, has been in the camp, mingling with the students. He was in search of some one to assist in the Chinese school. One day, after asking God to reveal the proper person, he happened to take a seat near C. P. Moon. The sewing class was in progress, but Brother Howell carried on a quiet conversation with him, telling him of the needs of the field. As a result, in less than twenty-four hours Brother Moon was on his way home, to prepare to take the next boat for Honolulu. Why could he go on this short notice? Last winter, according to the plan for church schools, in teaching geography he presented the different countries to the children as mission fields. The reports in the Missionary Magazine were read, and Brother Moon was especially impressed with the work among the Chinese, and in his heart he then offered his service to God for that field. When the call came through Professor Howell, he was not surprised in the least; he had been listening for it.

It is gratifying to know that such experiences come to the teachers in our church schools. It is still more wonderful to know that this same spirit is working in the hearts of the children who are instructed by such teachers. An army of missionaries is now in course of training. How can any church delay to work for its children? How dare the young people who have ability to teach withhold any longer from the Lord that which is His own? Never before was there such an urgent call to the young to prepare for the work. If we delay much longer, those from outside the Church will receive the message, and will outrun those brought up to a knowledge of the Third Angel’s Message.

A series of studies on Christian education has been begun, for the benefit of the people of Berrien Springs. Such meetings are held twice each week, and are well attended. The people of the village are courteous and free to express their appreciation of the fact that the new school is located in their midst. M. BESSIE DEGRAW.