Ojfteial Organ of ^Ghe brethren Church PUBLICATION BOARD ISSUE rtutttvtg, a& it u&ed fo &e etane Vol. LXXX January 4, 1958 N< Proclaiming the WHOLE GOSPEL; for the WHOLE WORLD PAGE TWO THE BRETHREN EVANGELIS; Items of general Interest A WORD ABOUT NEWS FOR 1958 NEWS NOTES for this column are gleaned by the Editor from the local church bulletins which come to the Editor's desk each week, and from short notes sent in by pastors and church correspondents. Sometimes a week's receipts of bulletins and notes contain much which is of interest to other Brethren throughout the Denomination. At other times, very few items of de- nominational-wide interest appear in the bulletins re- ceived. As Editor, we strive to glean news of interest from all the bulletins received, so we encourage all pastors to send in their weekly bulletins as soon as they are printed, or not later than the Monday following the Sun- day for which they are used. Better still, it takes but a moment to write out on a post card, or on a slip of paper, some event of importance which happened in your church. If more pastors would do this, we would naturally have more news items for this column. So, let's really keep the news coming this year, pastors. Other Brethren are interested in what you are doing, how you are doing it, and what the results are. Let neither the cloak of modesty nor procrastination keep your church from its rightful place in this news column. Send in your news notes regularly. W. S. B. SARASOTA, FLORIDA. Brother Lyle Lichtenberger was the guest speaker at services held Sunday evening, December 15th, at the Ohio Trailer Park in Sarasota. Further notes on the January 12th Dedication of the new Sarasota Brethren Church, as announced elsewhere on this page, and as gathered from Sarasota Brethren's church paper, "Sand o' the Sea," indicate the services of the day will be held at 10:30 and 2:30, with a "Carry- in" dinner at noon. Quoting directly from the "Sand o' the Sea" relative to this dinner, "The local congregation will bring well filled baskets and all visiting friends are asked to stay as our guests." The Service of Dedication will be held in the after- noon service. WAYNESBORO, PENNA. (WAYNE HEIGHTS Brother N. V. Leatherman notes in his bulletin: "Thei were 31 ladies who enjoyed the annual Christmas bar quet from the W. M. S. and Ladies Bible Class this las Thursday night (December 5th). The tables were niceli decorated to the season, the meal was very good, and th program was appreciated." (Continued on Page 19) COMING EVENTS DEDICATION OF THE SARASOTA BRETHREN CHURCH, SARASOTA, FLORIDA Sunday, January 12, 1958 SECOND ANNUAL CROSS COUNTRY CONFERENCE Subgecf: "Know Our Mission Program" Date: February 2-9, 1958 OUR COVER PICTURE: Historic Printing Office al Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, Mass. A restoratior of a printing plant of 150 years ago. THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST Published weekly, except the fourth week in July and the last week in December. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION: $2.00 per year in advance except 100% Churches. $1.50 per year per subscription. Entered as second class matter at Ashland. Ohio. Accepted for mailing at special rate section 1103, Act of October 3, 19 17. Authorized September 3. 1928. THE BRETHREN PUBLISHING COMPANY, Ashland, Ohio, Phone: 37271 PRUDENTIAL COMMITTEE: J. E. Stookey, President, H. E. Weidenhamer, Vice-Pres.; Rev. Robert Hoffman, Sec'y-Treas. EDITOR OF PUBLICATIONS— Rev. W. St. Clair Benshoff CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Rev. William H. Anderson Rev. C. Y. Gilmer Rev. Dyoll Belote Rev. John Byler DEPARTMENT EDITORS Rev. L. O. McCartneysmith, Brethren Doctrine Rev. Freeman Ankrum, Church History Rev. H. Francis Berkshire, Church Methods Rev. Woodrow B. Brant, Brethren Beliefs Rev. J. D. Hamel, Evangelism CHANGE OF ADDRESS: In ordering change of address, always give both old and new addresse*. REMITTANCES: Send all money, business communications, and contributed articles to: THE BRETHREN PUBLISHING COMPANY. ASHLAND, OHIO. JANUARY 4, 1958 PAGE THREE MMW-M-i-M-t"W-M-I-I-M"I"l"l"I.i"I"!..M-M-I-I-I^ The Editor's Pulpit i..|..|.-l-M-HM-I-l"fr-M-MWH-I-l-I-I-M-W-I"M^ The flew Tear A GAIN WE GREET YOU with the first issue s* of your Church Paper for another new year. Looking ahead into 1958 we cannot predict what momentous events may take place among the nations of the earth. We can say that it will be a year which will try the heart and the faith of the sincere Christian, impressing upon each one the fact of the need of a closer walk with our Lord, and of a definite, more sharply defined, Christian witness. It will be a year when our blessed Lord will come to mean more to us than ever before. It promises to be a great year in which to be alive, and in which to be privileged to bear a Christian testimony. For the Brethren, 1958 promises much in a commemorative way. The Anniversary theme will dominate church life through August when we will meet in Conference at Ashland. The rich heritage of our faith as Brethren goes back to the days of Alexander Mack in 1708 at Schwar- zenau, Germany, when he and seven others, took the Bible and, examining it carefully, accepted therefrom the teachings on doctrine, ordinances, faith and practice, which Christ, Himself, had given to His disciples. These principles, given by Christ as the foundation and basis of church life, Christian living and witnessing, became the way of life for the early Brethren. Less than a hand- ful of fingers would be needed to count the dif- ferent denominations which have stemmed from the church organization established by Mack and his followers. Our own beloved Denomination, the Brethren Church, stems from this rich and fruitful background. The fruits, labors and con- victions of Henry Holsinger, and his reaffirma- tion to Christ's teachings which Mack had put into practice (Mack having done so in a day when faith and practice was largely a matter of pretense rather than conviction) resulted in The Brethren Church just seventy-five years ago. These two events, the 250th anniversary of the Brethren with Alexander Mack, and the 75th anniversary of The Brethren Church, with Henry Holsinger, will be the basis of our commemora- tive activities this year. Playing a large part in the dissemination of news throughout the year, will be your Brethren Publications. World events as they relate to the Christian, and news and announcements of the forthcoming Brethren anniversaries, will come to you through the pages of your Brethren Evan- gelist. Teachings on doctrine, faith and practice, local church news and promotional materials for our denomination's advancement, will come your way. It is significant then, that your Publica- tion Board is privileged to come to you at the beginning of the year, to ask for your help in the production of your church paper, Sunday school quarterlies, and other Brethren publica- tions which emanate from your Publishing Plant at Ashland. Your Publishing Company, though now out of debt since 1954, is not self-supporting, and with the constant rise in costs of production, cannot be in the foreseeable future. It remains the pol- icy of the Publication Board to give you your Evangelist at a below cost figure so that it might be made more easily available to all members of the Brethren Church. Ensuing pages of this Evangelist make plain the reasons why a Publi- cation Day offering of at least $5,000.00 is needed this January from the Brethren. To help insure the stability of your Publishing Company, and the continuous publication of Brethren lit- erature at present low subscription prices, your help is needed now. Remember this offering with your liberal giving this month. Then 1958 will not only be another new year; it will be a GREAT NEW YEAR for the Brethren, and for the spread of the Gospel at home and abroad. W. S. B. PAGE FOUR THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST A N ew /ear s M essage The Name of Names THE GREATEST WORD uttered by mortal tongue is the word "Jesus." The Bible reveals the Lord Jesus Christ as the heavenly Father's HIGHEST REPRESEN- TATIVE. God the Father gave Him the Name above every Name. Phil. 2:9-11. To say Heavenly Father is to see ETERNITY PASS- ING BY. Jesus immortalized that great Name, "FATH- ER" to us because His Father's Name was ever upon His Lips. The Holy Spirit, the Highest representative of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, UNVEILS HIM AS THE KING OVER DEATH. Rev. 1:18. "I am He that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive for EVERMORE, and have the keys of hell and death." As Jesus our Captain goes before us, we see Him, Who LIVED IN SPOTLESS WISDOM. John 7:46; "Never man spake like this MAN." JESUS LIVED IN SPOT- LESS OBEDIENCE. John 8:29; "I always do those things that please Him." JESUS LIVED IN SPOTLESS PER- FECTION. John 14:30: "The prince of this world cometh and findeth nothing in ME." JESUS FINISHED HIS SPOTLESS WORK. John 17:4: "I HAVE FINISHED THE WORK WHICH THOU GAVEST ME TO DO." Neither Time nor Eternity can accuse Him of leaving anything undone. He looked out into Eternity and said, "IT IS FINISHED." John 9:30. WHILE on earth Jesus met every demand; nothing could withstand His demanding POWER. He opened the eyes of the man born blind. He unstopped the deaf ears. He cast out legions of devils. He cleansed the Leper. He broke up funeral processions. He raised the dead. He conquered death for Himself. John 10:18: "I lay down my life. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again." Such a Captain will see us through every battle to a TRIUMPHANT VICTORY THIS YEAR. Rev. N. W. Jennings The old year has gone with all of its joys, its pleas- ant associations, its Holy FELLOWSHIP with God and man, and its heartaches and sorrow. The sun of the new year has already come up over the horizon, bringing to the human family millions of golden opportunities. We launch out upon the sea of activities of the new year with our glorious Captain, and mighty Saviour who will lead His Army to VICTORY. Two thousand years ago the world was without our wonderful Saviour. Let us try to imagine the gloom, the darkness, the despair of a world without Jesus the Saviour. We have a mighty Saviour! He is the Panorama of all ages and all things. He is the panacea of all ailments. He is the Solution to the World's problems. Man would do well facing the new year to lay aside his own way. I like that verse in Psalm 119:59. "I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies." If ever a man thinks at all seriously, it must be as the old year dies out and the new year breaks in. If ever a man seeks to find out where he is, and whither he is going, it is then. Our feet take us away from God, and] carry us to God. One of God's greatest mercies is the way in which He gives us time. The soul cry of the psalmist is, "We spend our years as a tale that is told." Here we are today; we give back to the Author of LIFE, THE VOLUME of this past year. Time no power can undo. Ah, that UNALTERABLE PAST! Listen, no word can be unsaid; no deed can be undone; no look can be recalled; no influence can be changed. Fixed forever is the immortal PAST. Time is ours as nothing else is ours. A man may lose everything else and regain it; health, wealth, reputation, life itself may be lost and, found. "This my son was lost and is found, was dead and is alive." But time once gone is gone forever. Time killing is an awful blunder. Some people play with Life, with Death, with Time, with Sin, with the Church, with] the Eternal God, and with Eternity, without a blush of shame. Said a young man "Three words ring in my ears like ten thousand silver bells! They were the lasl words that fell from my father's lips to me, 'SON, LIVE FOR ETERNITY.' " JANUARY 4, 1958 Let Us Lay Aside Evil Speaking The Bible is indeed a Directory of right living, for every. INDIVIDUAL, ALL CLASSES, AGES AND NATIONS. A voice springs up from the Bible saying, "I Am The Book of God, read Me." The Bible is God's medicine chest, in it a remedy for every soul. The Bible has power over THE TONGUE. The tongue is a sword sometimes dipped in poison. The poison of SARCASM, of HATRED, MALICE, SLANDER, JEALOUSY, RE- PROACH, and of COLDNESS. But the tongue can be a sword of BLESSING. The blessing of FORGIVENESS. THE BLESSING OF LOVE. The blessing of CONSOLA- TION. The blessing of SONG. The blessing of Praise. The blessing of PRAYER. The blessing of KINDNESS. The blessing of COURTESY. The blessing of MERCY. The blessing of PATIENCE. We Must Lay Aside Disobedience to God We must carry out His marching orders, or go down in DEFEAT. Moses, the great leader of the children of Israel, received his marching orders of God in Exodus 4:15. "SPEAK to the children of Israel that they go FORWARD." Humanly speaking, this was impossible. In the face of every closed door they are to go forward. Moses must speak; Moses must stretch out his rod; the children of Israel are to go forward; and God is to make the way where there was no way, and I He did. We Will Face Great Giants This Year I like to think of Caleb. Before Caleb, all hills, all mountains, all seas, all Giants and all worlds fled away. God was upon the Throne above all. Caleb was on the advancing line; he was living in the future. Caleb had an idea which was not broken. He had an inflexible pur- pose which could not be SIDETRACKED. He had a FAITH which knew no BOUNDS. He had a VISION which reached to the heart of GOD. THE rose of his heaven was the PASSION FLOWER OF CAL- VARY. Caleb MOVED ON WITH GOD. WE MUST LAY ASIDE THE PAST. THE BIG JOB NOW LIES AHEAD. Phil. 3:13-14. "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended; But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind." Listen to this, "And REACHING FORTH UNTO THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE BEFORE, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of GOD IN CHRIST JESUS." When St. Paul wrote these words he was an old man, ripe in heavenly Christian experience, and yet he saw glorious mountain peaks TOWERING UP IN FRONT OF HIM. He saw golden fruit on the high limbs of the Tree of Life, and so he must reach still a little higher. "FORGETTING THE THINGS THAT ARE BEHIND." Now we take down the old calendar and put up the new one. We cannot follow the new calendar before we lay the old aside. It is not wise to try to live in both the old and the new year. We cannot look back, and go FOR- WARD. Like Lot's wife, if we have our face to the past we are likely to become a lifeless PILLAR. Things to Forget LOSSES — all have them, along almost all lines, but no one should be in DESPAIR. Some losses are very nec- essary for large success. The onions and garlic of EGYPT PAGE FIVE — poor treasures compared with milk and honey of the promised land. Sometimes gains are more perilous than losses. An old man in New York some time ago died at the age of 96, almost starved to death, guarding gold. The way he appeared, dressed and ate, the people took him for a very poor man. After his death, nine bags of gold and silver were found in his old trunk, and he had ninety thousand dollars' worth of property. His money was his God. Vision God grant us this year an EXTRAORDINARY VISION OF OUR CHRIST and OF OUR WORK IN HIS CHURCH IN SOUL WINNING. HIS CHURCH IS GLORIOUS. Her FOUNDER is glorious. JESUS said, "UPON THIS ROCK I will build MY CHURCH." Rev. 12:1. I like to look upon the Church as the monu- ment of the Son of God unveiled by the supernatural power of the Holy Ghost. This monument will stand through time and ETERNITY. The Church is a light- house to this dark world, throwing her millions of divine rays of white light over the eternal hills, coming from the beaming face of the slain Lamb, flooding His Church moment by moment. "Ye are the light of the world." Let us see to it that our lamps are kept trimmed and burn- ing. The Church has a supernatural Power which no other Organization has. She has the source of all Life; the embodiment of all power; for her Leader is Jesus Christ. The Church The Mother of Civilization No other factor has or can bring about true Civiliza- tion. Many have advocated that the world must be civil- ized through the power of education. Admitting that ed- ucation is a great factor, yet it is as helpless as a baby to do this great work apart from the Church. Visit the penitentiaries and jails and you will find college gradu- ates and professors in them, branded with disgrace. Sail over the unknown sea and bring to us worlds of thought and culture and our world will still remain uncivilized; but link them on to God and the church of Jesus Christ and you will REVOLUTIONIZE THE WORLD. May I say, IT TAKES MORE THAN A PASTOR TO KEEP THE CHURCH IN LOVE WITH GOD AND LOST SOULS. The Church of Ephesus was blessed with the great- est Pastors of all Ages. Saint Paul, The PROFOUND PAGE SIX Preacher. Saint John, The Great Love Preacher. APOL- LOS, The ELOQUENT PREACHER. TIMOTHY, THE GREAT TEACHER-PASTOR. Listen to God's Solemn Charge. Rev. 2:4. "Thou hast left or lost thy FIRST LOVE." To the Unsaved the Bible Will Tell You How to Be Saved LISTEN TO IT SPEAK. John 3:36: "He that believeth on the Son HATH EVERLASTING LIFE." Acts 16:31: "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be SAVED." John 5:24: "He that believeth My Word and believeth on Him that sent ME, HATH EVERLASTING LIFE;" Rom. 10:9: "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth THE LORD JESUS, and believe in thine heart that GOD raised HIM from the dead thou shalt be SAVED." We must confess our sins. 1 John 1:8. "If we confess our sins, He is FAITHFUL and JUST to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:7. "The Blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from ALL SIN." CHRIST WILL NOT REJECT YOU. John 5:28. "Him that cometh to ME I will in no WISE CAST OUT." Friend, if your name is not written in the Great BOOK of LIFE, may this be the year you shall turn your Name in, for Christ to enroll it in His Book among THE IMMORTALS. Having been saved, then we begin to build. The FOUNDATION HAS BEEN LAID, but there must be a SUPERSTRUCTURE. Man is called to build upon the one IMMOVABLE FOUNDATION, JESUS CHRIST. The great Master Builder has gone down far beyond the sinking sands of failing humanity to THE SOLID ROCK OF HIS MATCHLESS DEITY, and laid THE FOUNDATION. We do not have to examine that Foundation, but we do well to examine the material we put in the STRUCTURE. May the Holy Spirit lead us to The FOREST of everlasting GRACE for the Material. THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST A Christian's Privilege To be a Christian is the greatest responsibility in the world. WE ARE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE KING IMMORTAL! What an honor to be a Christian! NOTICE THE COST OF OUR PRICELESS REDEMPTION. 1 Peter 1:19: "For as much as ye know that ye were not Redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, but with the precious Blood of Jesus Christ." The Blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. Listen to His Commands 1 Thess. 5:12. "LOVE ALL MEN." 1 Thess. 5:14. "Be PATIENT TOWARD ALL MEN." Rom. 12:18. "LIVE PEACEABLY WITH ALL MEN." Rom. 12:17. "PRO- VIDE THINGS HONEST IN THE SIGHT OF ALL MEN." 2 Tim. 2:24. "BE GENTLE TO ALL MEN." Gal. 6:10. "DO GOOD TO ALL MEN." We Have a Mighty Saviour! He Delivers FROM FEAR. Psalm 34:4. FROM DANGER. Psalm 34:7. FROM TROUBLE. Psalm 34:6. FROM AFFLIC- TION. Psalm 14:19. FROM DEATH. 2 Cor. 1:10. FROM THE WORLD. Col. 1:4. FROM DARKNESS Col. 1:13. I covet for you this year. A VICTORIOUS TRIUM- PHANT LIFE IN JESUS CHRIST; OUR LIFE AND OUR COMING KING. MAY THIS BE OUR BANNER YEAR IN THE WORD, IN THE PRAYER LIFE, AND IN SOUL WINNING. LET US KEEP THE FIRES BURNING ON THE ALTAR OF PRAYER IN OUE HOMES EVERY DAY; FOR THE CHURCH, FOR OUE PASTOR, FOR ALL THE WORK COMMITTED TC OUR TRUST. LET OUR PRAYER CIRCLE BE AS LARGE AS THE HUMAN FAMILY "IF YE ABIDE IN ME, AND MY WORDS ABIDE IN YOU, YE SHALL ASK WHAT YE WILL, AND IT SHALL BE DONE UNTO YOU." John 15:7. annnannnnnannpnnnnnnnaannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnDnnnnnnnDnnnnnnnDnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnc nnaaoaaaaaaaaaaoDaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaoaoaaaaaaaDDaaDnaanrjDaaaaaDonnnDDDC on □D □□ do dd □a an dd dd do □a ao ao □□ an an do □□ an DD dd an □a □□ □□ ao ao dd DD Ra1 do DD □a na an Bn DD BR aa an dd aoDaaaaoaoaoaoaoaooaoaaaoDi: □ODOODooaaaaaaaoODoaaDaoaa: GROWING HILLS Before youth's vigor left my weary limbs, The hills seemed not so steep as now they seem, This path seems narrow now, with jaggy rims; It once seemed wide and smooth, and held a dream. Old trees that decked the hills and lined this path Have disappeared; those younger show decay. Where roses bloomed there's thorny aftermath. The happy song-birds gone, nor left a lay. I've reached the Crest; . . . now, facing sunset gleams, The hills, tho steep, are short; the path is wide. Old Songs of Love with Youth's most hopeful Dreams Seem to return and quicken Life's Slow Stride. Whatever comes, . . . I'll keep the Onward Course Till Eventide; . . . then rest with no Remorse. H. A. Gossard. looaaaooooai oaaaoaoooni on □[ DC DC DC DC DC □1 DC art ad ad an at an at! at; □3 at; at: at; at: at at at: at a at a ail ai ai ai Dl ai Dl ai Dl D! Dl Dl ai ai 3aaaaaaaoaoaaoaaoaaoaDoaaaaaaaaaaaooaaaaaaaai laaaDaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaDaaaaoaaaaDaDaai JANUARY 4, 1958 PAGE SEVEN MISSIONARY DEPARTMENT MISSIONARY BOARD OF THE BRETHREN CHURCH 530 College Ave., Ashland, Ohio. Phone 39582 Contributing Editors: W. CLAYTON BERKSHIRE. Uen. sec > (MRS.) IDA LINDOWER. Adm. Assistant MBORORO STATION Outreach or Evangelistic Program ALTHOUGH my main assignment for the moment is to get the station built, the Mbororo Station is carrying on an evangelistic and outreach program. Seven classes in Religious Instruction have been assigned to the station. All of these are among the Higi people. All of them are by the way the crow flies within a radius of about 4 to 5 miles. I have met with evange- lists, discussed their work, and have had several train- ing classes with them. I have also been visiting the out- villages on Sunday where we have these evangelists to greet the people, bring them greetings from our church at home, and to observe the evangelist in his work among the people. In all since being at Mbororo, I have visited seven outvillages, five where we have evangelists, and 2 villages where the people are asking for evangelists. In the five villages visited where we have evangelists, I have found a good attendance at the church services. Three of them had attendances of more than 80. Two had attendances of more than 45. Those attending were also of all age groups. I moved to Mbororo when the i-egular classes conducted by the evangelists were out for the planting season. These classes will again start on August 5, and I hope to be able to visit all of these. The Higi people are eager for the Gospel. At one CRI that I have not visited yet, but where work has been going on for some time, they have an average attendance of more than 300 on Sunday morning, 68 baptized Chris- tians, 22 preparing for baptism, and 25 preparing for the covenant. One of our greatest experiences in our work here has been to have these groups of Christians from the various villages come and greet us, and conduct services here at the station. For the first three Sundays we were at Mbororo we often had three services a day. There is a great need for us to work while the, oppor- tunity is before us; we do not know how long the door will be open for us. The Moslems are also striving to win converts; we are fortunate1 in having a station among the Higi people and a fine group of evangelists carry- ing the Word of God to their people. Medical Work Almost from the first, Bea has been swamped with medical work. The first month she treated more than 250 people, and by now has treated more than 500. The people are quite happy that there is a dispensary near them where they can receive treatment for their various diseases. Most of the cases treated have been those of tropical diseases, although there have been a number of colds and the diseases you find in America. Wei are happy to be back in Africa again and busy at our work. We have been in very good health. Barbara is growing and seems to like the country. She has a nice African playmate; in fact, I think she will learn more Higi than English. She goes around all the time now saying the Higi word for "come," and also the one for "thing." May God bless and guide you all. We are grateful for your support by prayers as well as by your financial support. We pray for a fine year in our church. Robsr? Bssch©f MISSIONARY BOARS TO MEET A meeting of the Missionary Board is being planned for January 21, 1958. This will be the first meeting since general conference; hence there will doubtless be many items to consider. Anyone having business awaiting the board's action should have it in the office before that date. HADDIX, KENTUCKY WE ARE still laboring on for the Lord. We praise Him for the opportunity to read, study and teach the most precious book on earth. So many things the Bible reveals to us would be a mystery if it were not for the Word of God. Winter weather is here once more, and we have given out all the children's clothing that has been sent in. Just today a woman came for some clothes for her children, but we had none. We need children's clothing: shoes, sweaters and any good used clothing — wash dresses, for women; we also need clothes hangers. If any of you have feed sacks, they can be used in dif- ferent ways; also quilt pieces would be very acceptable. Carrie Stoffer and I are trying to keep the work going. We feel that our greatest work is teaching the Bible every day to fifty school children. We have Sunday school and preaching on Sundays. Just recently we had a new roof put on the cottage. Pray for us and the work here. Mrs. Myrtle Kessinger, Haddix, Kentucky. PAGE EIGHT THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST The Brethren Publishing Company takes a look at the future of Brethren Publications Mr. J. E. Stookey, President of the Brethren Publication Board BRETHREN, we come to you with a look to the future of your Publishing Company. The idea which pervades the printed page is strictly observation. Through this the activities of all that is in- volved is on a pedestal, and you Brethren are the judge, so if you fail to observe correctly then the progress, which is essential to us, is retarded considerably. Progress through faith in God, and our faith in you is sure, if all co-operate, individually and collectively. Our endeavor is to set our goal high in spiritual man- ifestation, asking the sanction of God through the me- dium of prayer. Prayer opens many avenues of endeavor. Insincerity before God turns our pi'ayers into a mockery. The future church is dependent on the progress through expansion and improvements we make in the publishing of Brethren literature and teaching Brethren doctrine. Our goal is to strive to place this literature in every Brethren home. We solicit your prayers that this may be accomplished. My observation is that the failure of our church to make the most of our potentials, is not due to lack of evidence, but lack of Spiritual Discernment. Faith and trust will bring wisdom and discernment as nothing else can do. God will enlighten His followers that they may gain this spiritual discernment, if they persevere to the end, and put their faith and trust in Him. Spiritual matters must be understood by faith, for without faith it is impossible to know God, or to please Him. We must have faith to understand what God has for us, and only as we approach God with such under- standing in our minds and hearts, can we learn the will of Him. As wej get a vista of the future, may we put our con- fidence in God, for we know that all things will work together for good because we love the Lord and He loves us. Our future plans will be as God wills, may we as laborers and servants in His vineyard "Be strong and work," knowing that we are in His wonderful grace. All work of the Lord requires strength and may we re- ceive strength as a channel to accomplish the task to be done. We of the Publishing Company realize that we must consecrate ourselves to the task regardless of what men may say or how we may be criticised. No personal credit will be sought, but we will sacrifice self for the cause of the Christ. God has promised to be with those who will do His will. The task may seem impossible but His strength will multiply our strength to complete the job assigned. God's wisdom is infinite, and will enable men to do wonderful things for Him. May we of the Brethren Church co-operate with all of our resources, both mate- rial and spiritual. Co-operation seems to be the watchword of the hour; let us use it to further the Kingdom of God, by raising our sights to include the evangelizing of the entire world. There is no greater medium than the printed Word. There is no limit to the advance of Christ, if we as His servants fulfill our pledge as Christians and support God's work. The command has never been recinded "Go ye, there- fore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." Matthew 28:19-20. This is our commission, pray for us. JANUARY 4, 1958 PAGE NINE The Place of Brethren Publications in th e wor k of The Brethren Church Rev. Robert L Hoffman, Secretary-Treasurer of the Brethren Publication Board BRETHREN PUBLICATIONS ARE AN AID IN PRO- MOTING THE GOSPEL. When we think of Brethren Publications, we naturally think of promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is true because most of our literature is devotional or Bib- lical. More people are reading today than ever before. This is not only true from the standpoint that there are more people in the world than ever before, but also be- cause more people are becoming literate around the world. This is a great challenge. What are these people reading ? The Communists are aware of this situation and are taking giant strides to outwrite and outprint the free world. At the present time the Bible, or portions of it, has been translated into 1,109 languages. It is still the most widely read book on earth. However, the present rate of Communist translation has surpassed that of the Bible Translation. Since 1948 the works of Lenin have been issued in 968 languages, while the Bible has been put in 887. In 1955, for example, there were 371 trans- lations made of Lenin's writings, but only 99 of the Bible according to the American Bible Society. It is obvious that if this trend continues, the Communists will win the world race for new literates. This might have more serious consequences, in time, than who won the "sput- nik" race. Good Christian literature, such as the Brethren Evan- gelist, the adult and youth quarterlies, Brethren Youth magazine, the Woman's Outlook, aid in a very practical way in promoting the gospel of Jesus Christ. Were it not for these publications, the Brethren Church would be seriously handicapped in fulfilling its mission in the world. It has often been said that Christian literature is the missionaries right arm. In much the same way, it can be said that Brethren publications are the right arm of the Brethren Church. Used properly, these pub- lications can become a more effective aid in promoting the gospel of Jesus Christ. BRETHREN PUBLICATIONS ARE AN AID IN INFORMING THE PEOPLE OF THE BRETHREN CHURCH. The more informed any group is the more effective can they become as they concentrate on united action which is beneficial to the entire group. Our church paper is such a disseminating center. The official organ of the church is the record of the work, the news, and the thought of the church. The thought of the Brethren Church is expressed through the conferences of the church and through the various boards and auxiliaries of the church. The work of the boards and auxiliaries is presented throughout the year through the official organ of the church. By reading the Evangelist any member of the church can be informed of the total program of the church. We all need to be informed of the history, the meaning, and the direction of the church. It is the goal of the Publishing Board to provide through our publications good Christian literature for the whole family. Literature that will aid in the develop- ment of wholesome Christian lives. Through the contin- ued support of Brethren publications by the Brethren Church this excellent material can be made available to every family in the church. Brethren publications make a distinct contribution to the work and action of the Brethren Church. They are an aid in promoting the gospel of Jesus Christ both within and beyond the bounds of the church. These pub- lications are also an aid in informing the people of the Brethren Church so that they can work together in an effective way. PACxE TEN THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST Why Support the Publication Day Of ferine this Year? Rev. John T. BySer, Member of the Brethren Publication Board "A CHAIN is just as strong as its weakest link" is an old adage that we have all heard many times during our lives. Every one of us knows that a denomination must think in terms of an over-all program if it is to go forward for Christ. An emphasis upon missions is very important for no church can move forward if it has a selfish outlook upon life; the work of the College and Seminary dare not be forgotten, for through this area come our church leaders; the work of the Sunday School and its promotion holds much of the Church's future within its grasp; our Youth effort, if neglected, can only mean a great deal of harm in the years ahead; and surely, no one would feel that the work of the Benevo- lent Board, in its effort to provide for the need of our older Brethren is unimportant. Each of these programs, along with many others such as Missionary Societies, Laymen, Brotherhood .and Sisterhood, etc., make up the links that, when bound together, constitute the Brethren Denomination. If one part is neglected — the whole body suffers and the proverbial chain, because of a weak link, is weakened. The Publication Board of the Church, in a very real sense, is the unifying or co-ordinating tie that helps to bind the work of these groups together, as it makes known their activities, their needs, and their accomplish- ments. Without the assistance of the printed page, it would be impossible for our denomination to be informed about the work of the various departments. In missions, we are kept informed about the work — both at home and abroad, and the needs of the Missionary Board are presented through the Evangelist and our other Breth- ren Publications. If this is true of the Missionary Board and its work, it is likewise true of the various other Boards and Or- ganizations of the Church. The personnel of our Denom- ination— our ministers, our missionaries, our leaders in various fields — are all known to the Denomination, be- cause of the Evangelist and the other publications of the Brethren Publishing Company, which make this acquain- tance possible. But more important still, is the work of the preaching and interpreting of the Gospel Message as brought by the leaders of our denomination through the publications mentioned, and through our Sunday School quarterlies. This program of teaching and instruction is one of the most important factors in keeping the Denomination thinking alike in its religious interpretations. This may be even more important than we think in these days of ministerial shortages, when there is always a possibility of some lack of unanimity on some issues, due to dif- ferences in background and training, and in interpreta- tion by some of the men serving in our pulpits. The Pub- lishing Company has always been able to render a real service in this area, trying to keep the denominational program balanced regardless of the various districts in which Brethren are to be found. In addition to the already mentioned benefits that may be derived from the Publishing Company, one other — perhaps not so important, but certainly with interest and appeal — is the one by which we are all kept in- formed of the various programs, the special features, the joys and the sorrows, the human elements of our churches, about which we are all concerned. When a church in California has an interesting program, the Brethren in Virginia like to hear of that program; when a young man is ordained to the Gospel Ministry in Penn- j sylvania, the people of Indiana rejoice with the Pennsyl- vania Brethren in that ordination; when a church leader or pastor is called home to be with his Lord, the De- nomination, as a whole, has a concern for this experience. I And thus, we are bound together through the element j of human interest, in the body of Christ, as well as through the spiritual interest. To me, this is one of the more important aspects of the Publishing Company's work, and it, along with the other things to which I have referred (as well as some I areas of work that space has not permitted me to men- tion), causes me to feel that every Brethren Christian, from every part of the country, should back the Publish- ing Company with a liberal offering again this year. Since it is not operated for profit, it needs the support of the Denomination. We who make up the Denomination need the coordinating influence of the Publishing Com- pany; therefore, we need to support it generously in our 1958 Publication Day Offering. JANUARY 4, 1958 PAGE ELEVEN How Brethren Publications Serve the Local Church Mr. Frederick L. Simmons, Member of the Brethren Publication Board TN MY ARTICLE on how the Brethren Publications serve the local church, I want to compare our Breth- ren Publications with our local newspaper. Until recent months the space above the world's atmosphere has generally been considered as God's realm and the mys- teries held therein have been his cl/osely guarded secret. All attempts by humans to enter or explore this par- ticular space have been doomed to failure. During war pe- riods the necessity of flying higher and faster than the enemy in order to preserve our own way of life, pro- duced machines that would reach five to seven miles above the earth. Now a human being in a balloon has, it seems with God's permission, reached the unprecedented heights of over 20 miles. Almost immediately after this miraculous feat the Russian people launched into this space a satellite that has been circling the world at the unbelievable height of about 500 miles. How are we, the common laymen, so well informed about these scientific accomplishments? Through the medium of our daily and weekly newspapers and maga- zines. This information is passed on to us in the printed word in language that we can understand. Therefore, we are able to be interested in and show great concern over our own accomplishments and those of other nations. If it were not for these mediums of informa- tion, we, the everyday working men and women, would be totally unaware that a satellite was soaring over our heads and would continue our daily chores in ignorance. We depend on our papers to keep us informed of all local, national and international news with illustrative pictures. The business houses depend on our papers to advertise their merchandise and special items they have on sale. Our local papers are one way of keeping our city abreast of the latest events, progressive in business, industry and science, and prosperous. Likewise, our Brethren Evangelist keeps our churches informed of the activities of our home missions over the country and also reports on our foreign missions. We de- pend on our Brethren Publication to keep us informed of special days and the progress of our churches through- out the country and the world, to tell us of their aims and their achievements. When we read their reports we profit by the experiences other churches have had in managing their affairs and their plans for the future. We enjoy reading about our ministers throughout the denomination, as many of them we know personally. It also acquaints us with many we do not know but may some day hear or meet. Our prayers will soon be answered as we complete the second section of our church and plan for a Dedication Day service in the near future. We hope the Brethren Publications will give us space enough to express our thanks to the many Brethren organizations and individ- ual families who were interested in helping us build our church. We extend to you a cordial invitation to visit with us when you are in Washington, D. C. You and your friends are always welcome. I have expressed the importance of our Brethren Pub- lications to the local churches. Information, ideas, and suggestions are only valuable when they can be shared with others who might be able to put some of them to use. But we must keep in mind the cost of replacing and repairing machinery and the cost of materials and labor, which are all included in the printing of this publication. All these commodities are going up in price, therefore, when the Publication Day offering appeal is made you can help by making a contribution. mrr c- *^*3 ^*^r*v Serve t&e ^.atd ^aitfycdlcf t&te yeai tfatoMfyfa yowi fc^fy fat t6e ?95? P*t6Ueatio*t Z>*y O^ettef PAGE TWELVE THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST The Value of the Religious Press in Today's Troubled World Mr. Harry Weidenhamer, Vice-President of the Brethren Publication Board TN THE MIDST of a time when practically all maga- zines, print liquor ads, when all TV and radio stations carry beer commercials, when all newspapers play up crime and scandal because they claim that's the kind of thing the U. S. public wants to read, where would YOU turn if none of this appealed to you? In the midst of a time when all Americans are franti- cally searching for "peace of mind," for answers to per- sonal problems, for a remedy to spiritual ills no M.D. can prescribe for, where would YOU turn for help? One thing is certain: if we are to read how to solve the problems of? the world and the people in it, we can't find such information in the newspapers and periodicals of today. Nor is it available to any great extent on radio and TV. Then all that is left to us as a source of inspiration and information is the religious press. In the religious press, only, can you find facts about the religious needs of our own and foreign countries. Here, only, will you leam of the experiences of other churches, and discover ways to improve your own church work. And where but in your own religious paper will you find news about your Denomination? Nothing can so boost and maintain the morale of a denomination as its own paper. The amount of filth dished out by much of today's printing facilities is tremendous. Nothing can offset that but the spiritual Truth that is to be found only in the religious press. "In everyhing, God," is the admonition of Paul. In the reams of news rolling off our country's presses today, we find everything but God. If it is true that a home and its occupants are known by the reading material on the living room tables, we should take inventory. Only the products of a religious press will indicate a life "apart from the world." Your Brethren Publishing Company at Ashland JANUARY 4, 1958 PAGE THIRTEEN Benefits from having The Brethren Evangelist in every Brethren Home Rev. J. G. Dodds, Member of the Brethren Publication Board PERHAPS it will be well for us to get a few defini- tions clear in our minds to arrive at proper conclu- sions on the above topic. The term "every home" means every home in which one or more persons are members of the local church. The term "Brethren Evangelist" re- fers to the Official Organ of the Brethren Church. The word "benefit," according to Webster's Dictionary, means "whatever promotes welfare or prosperity; advantage; profit." In the light of these definitions our topic contains three questions: a. What is the advantage in having the Brethren Evangelist in every home ? b. What profit accrues to the home, the local church, and to the Brethren denomination by having the Breth- ren Evangelist in every home ? c. How does the Brethren Evangelist in every home promote welfare and prosperity in the home, in the local church, and in the denomination? Hence to discuss the topic assigned intelligently, we must first be cognizant of what the Brethren Evangelist contains. By perusing a few issues we soon become aware of the fact that the magazine is informative of doctrine, history, inspiration and spiritual labors as re- lated to the Brethren Church. Besides all this, the read- ers will realize that the local church is only a part of a great, world wide spiritual movement. The Institutions, Organizations and Boards of the de- nomination are promoted as of common interest to the whole Brethren Church. Thus every home is kept enlight- ened concerning the various correlated and co-ordinated programs as planned and formulated in accordance with the "over-all" purpose and program of the Brethren Church. This will tend to create that Oneness for which our Lord prayed. By having the Brethren Evangelist, all reading members of the local church soon become aware of a tie that binds them with all other local churches in a common cause. Through letters, "Items of Interest" (as gleaned by the editor), etc., news and information concerning programs and activities of local church and sub-organizations within the local church, all members are given an awareness of a common program for the entire Brethren constituency. It is challenging and inspiring for an individual, for a family, and for a local organization to know that they are not alone in their tasks, but are each an important factor in activity and promotion of our Lord's program for the world in and through His Church. Therefore, THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST OUGHT TO BE IN EVERY HOME. Other departments in the Brethren Evangelist for the welfare of the church are also of vital worth: Sunday School Lesson Comments by William H. Anderson; Sun- day School Suggestions by Jerry Flora; Prayer Meeting Studies by C. Y. Gilmer; Church Methods Department by H. Francis Berkshire; Missionary Department by W. Clayton Berkshire; and Spiritual Meditations by Dyoll Belote. All these and others when read and utilized by the individual and by chosen workers will be of great value in promoting the welfare of individuals, sub-organ- izations, the local church and the whole Brethren Church. Then too, there is a "Round-Up of World-Wide Religious News Reports," there is News from Brethren Youth by Youth Director, Phil Lersch. "The Women's Corner" by Helen Jordan should be of benefit to all women of the church. Therefore THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST SHOULD BE IN EVERY HOME. For the welfare of the individual members, for the welfare of the homes represented in our church member- ship, for the welfare of the local church, for the wel- fare of the Brethren Church as a denomination, and for the welfare of our program of church expansion — THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST OUGHT TO BE IN EVERY HOME. PAGE FOURTEEN THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST P U B I C A T I 0 N D A Y PUT everything aside and prepare yourself to be moved by the PUB- LICATION DAY appeal, to lend it your full support in the matter at hand because it is one of the most important factors relative to our prog- ress as a denomination. UNIVERSALLY it is accepted that any body or organization which is worthy of existance needs some means to disburse its information and to unify its thinking. BRETHREN Publications is that medium for the Brethren Church, and because its full price is not sought at the counter mart, some sort of underwriting is necessary. YOU guessed it right, it's the PUBLICATION DAY OFFERING. LOUDLY should our voices be heard throughout the Brotherhood, that, member-wise, we should be receiving The Brethren Evangelist that we we might be more familiar with the work of the church and one another by way of the printed page. I HAVE verily become acquainted with people by reading about them; then to satisfy the desire to meet them, I purposely planned for our paths to cross and thereby brought into being a very warm friendship. Try it some time; you'll enjoy it, I'm sure. CHOOSE your own sense of values to place upon our Brethren publica- tions, and I think you will find that any other body, civic or secular, will spend more per capita to keep its members informed. ALTHOUGH the scriptures teach the value of intercessory prayer, I'm sure you have felt the power of it in your life. How else could you have been led to do the thing that was furthest from your mind? THE moral fiber of our lives also needs strengthening, and when our needs and plans are made known by the printed page, we have a common interest to accomplish that purpose; therein we unite our spiritual and moral forces. INDEED our advancement is held within certain bounds which are within our control. We unleash only so much power, and say, "Operate within that sum." Your Board many times would like to do certain things but the limit has already been reached. So it must be "pigeon-holed." ONLY by full cooperation can the utmost be obtained; I am convinced we are all interested in marked progress. NOT until this is a realitv will we have full steam ahead. DON'T throw this issue of the Evangelist away and say that's an old story, I hear it every year. Remember there are new homes established every year, and they are going to have to have a new perspective of the church and her needs. Maybe all of us should take a second look. AT least you won't hear much about this particular work for another year, because we are depending on you now to bridge the gap. YOU can subscribe to every periodical in the U. S., and you wouldn't find one thing about the Brethren Church in any of them except our own pub- lications. How about putting your church in the 100% column? How about giving your full support to the Publication Day Offering? Mr. H. D. Hunter, Member of the Brethren Publication Board JANUARY 4, 1958 PAGE FIFTEEN An Editorial: COMMENTS HAVE been made from time to time by well-intentioned Brethren, relative to the fact that The Brethren Publishing Com- pany should be self-supporting. Some have even gone so far as to suggest that the Company should be able to return money to the Denom- ination out of the "profits" from sale of liter- ature and books. The policies of some other De- nominational Publishing Houses have been cited as examples; some larger than ours, others smaller than ours, which, at least up to recently, were able to operate successfully without spe- cial financial help from their Denominations. Specifically suggested in regards to our own Pub- lishing Company, has been the dropping of the annual Publication Day Offering. Because the comments in this respect have not been rare, nor isolated incidents, we feel led on this, the eve of our Annual Publication Day Offering appeal, to present to all Brethren some of the facts relative to the financial operation of the Company. The Brethren Publishing Company cannot be self-supporting, nor can it return money to the Denomination, because it is already giving itself to the church in the form of below-cost prices on Brethren Publications. By the same token, the Annual Publication Day offering can not be safe- ly dropped in the foreseeable future. In the year 1941, the Publication Board set the subscription price of the Evangelist at $1.50 per year. For 15 years, that price was held; it was but a year ago that the price was raised to $2.00 for single subscriptions. The price contin- ues at $1.50 for churches which are 100% in sending the paper into all of their church homes. Since 100% churches account for two-thirds of our subscriptions, it can readily be seen that the price raise produces only nominal additional rev- enue for the Company. But what has happened to the cost of produc- ing your Evangelist in the years since 1941? Cost of labor, cost of materials, mailing, equip- ment, paper and maintenance? It would bore you to go into the details of this, for you, dear read- er, have enough of your own problems in this re- spect. But you know what we mean. The Board has consistently held to the low subscription price in order to make the Denom- ination's Official Organ available to all Breth- ren. The Board wants the news, the program, the teachings of the Church to be in the hands of the Brethren, and so your Church paper comes to you at a give-away price. In addition, because of the advanced program of the Denomination, and the need for more informational materials to reach the Brethren, the Board a year ago, actually INCREASED the Evangelist from 16 pages to 20 pages, with four pages in color. The situation with our Sunday School Quarter- lies is about the same. Both have been enlarged from 48 pages to 68 pages. The Sunday School Board helped in getting the enlarged Bible Class Quarterly started a few years ago, financially, but this progressively reduced assistance, as agreed upon, has now expired. Their help in get- ting this Quarterly started is greatly appreciated. There have been some slight price increases on our Quarterlies, but these have barely covered the rise in cost of materials used in printing them. Other Denominational weeklies coming to the Editor's desk, bear across the board subscription prices of $3.00, $3.50, and $4.00 per year. Other Quarterlies cost as much as a nickel or more apiece more than ours. Why an Editorial along this line this week? Simply, dear friends, to illustrate that when you get one dollar and spend two, you are one dollar in debt. 'That's the story at your Publishing Com- pany right now. Had costs stayed the same as when the Company became free of debt in 1954, a gradual gain in reserves might have eventually assured a return in investment to the church financially. But costs did not, and today, they threaten to wipe out the gain made. That's why we cannot be "self-supporting"; that's why a Publication Day Offering of at least $5,000.00 this month is necessary to help keep the Com- pany operating in the black. For this, we are dedicated to giving you Breth- ren Publications at the lowest possible price. We appreciate the splendid support given by the Church in past years, and we are confident that all Brethren, realizing the importance of good Publications, will continue this support with an- other splendid offering this January. W. S. B. PAGE SIXTEEN THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST Vrayer ffleeting J Studies > I hj B. T. §ilmer "NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL" I'm not ashamed to own my Lord, Or to defend His cause, Maintain the honor of His Word, The glory of His cross. Jesus, my God! I know His name, His name is all my trust; Nor will He put my soul to shame, Nor let my hope be lost. Firm as His throne His promise stands, And He can well secure What I've committed to His hands Till the decisive hour. Then will He own my worthless name, Before His Father's face; And in the new Jerusalem Appoint my soul a place. — Selected. PAUL WAS ALWAYS READY to preach the Gospel (Rom. 1:15), because he was a debtor to all unsaved people (v. 14). Knowing- the gospel of Christ to be "the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth," he was not ashamed of that Gospel (Rom. 1:16). Paul well knew that the Gospel gets an antagonistic reception by unbelievers (1 Cor. 1:18, 23). He himself had once had an anger- against it which boiled to a persecuting fury (Acts 9:1; 22:4). But the Savior cured his blind- ness by a vital power (Acts 9:18; John 9:25). Paul labored in the midst of a variety of religions (Acts 17:23). Paul preached Christ, and that Christ is God (Heb. 1:8; John 14:9). Paul told forth the good news of salvation in Christ Jesus just as God gave it (1 Cor. 11:23; 15:3). We need never be ashamed of the Gospel because of its divine work (John 17:3; 20:31). The Gospel is no respecter of persons and is impartial (1 Tim. 4:10). The power of the Gospel is in its sim- plicity (Heb. 11:16, 17). And so, Paul unashamed of the Gospel, became an ardent bearer of the name of Jesus (Acts 9:15). It is a sovereign Name that He bore (Phil. 1:9-11). It is a name above all other names, and shall forever endure (Eph. 1:20-22). And yet, there is something of shame in the Name as shown in the announcement of Ananias to Saul (Acts 9:16). "I am Jesus" (not of Bethlehem, nor Jerusalem, but) "of Nazareth" (Acts 22:8). Thus was the former Saul and proud Pharisee who had sat at the feet of Gamaliel made to sit at the feet of the lowly Naz- arene (John 1:46). A catalogue of the many indignities heaped upon the faithful Apostle by an unworthy world is listed in 2 Corinthians 6:3-10. Many have and still die for the sake of the shame of the Name (Heb. 11:33- 37). If we genuinely follow in Christ's path we shall see blood marks all the way (Luke 9:23-26). "A glorious band, the chosen few On whom the Spirit came; Twelve valiant saints their hope they knew, And mocked the cross and flames: They met the tyrant's brandished steel, The lion's gory mane; They bowed their necks the death to feel: Who follows in their train?" Let us boldly practice and preach the Name (Acts 3:6, 7). "I would thy boundless love proclaim, With every fleeting breath; So shall the music of that Name, Refresh my soul in death." Lesson Comments by ^JJldDQLiJdadfa^ldS^ Lesson for January 12, 1958 THE CHURCH'S POWER Lesson: Acts 1:4-8, 2:1-11 TT HAS BEEN often said that any new venture to be 1 successful must have a PLAN and a PURPOSE. Un- doubtedly this is true. But this lesson causes us to re- alize these are not sufficient unless there is the accom- panying POWER which makes possible the fulfillment of the plan and purpose. GOD'S PLAN FOR HIS CHURCH "Go ye into all the world," commanded Jesus in Mark 16:15. The Church is not to stand still — not then, nor now! "Like a mighty army Moves the Church of God," says the song writer. And the Church that is not on the move is disobeying the Divine Commanjdment of the One j who said "GO"! GOD'S PURPOSE FOR HIS CHURCH Not only does God have a plan for His Church, but also a purpose. Jesus stated this in these words: "Go ye . . . and preach the gospel to every creature." Again in Acts we hear the Master say: "And ye shall be witnesses unto Me." The Church was to GO in order that it might WITNESS! To whom were the disciples to witness? To all those in "Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." This was unheard of! Everyone knew God was not interested in the heathen Gentiles! And Samaria! How could Jews take the Gos- pel to these people when it was a well-known fact "the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans" (John 4:9)! JANUARY 4, 1958 PAGE SEVENTEEN "Go" and "witness" unto all men said Jesus. This was His purpose for His Church. GOD'S POWER FOR HIS CHURCH God's plan and purpose for the Church will never be accomplished by weak, vacillating vessels of clay! And God never intended that it should! But God promised to empower men so that with divine enabling His purpose might be fulfilled: "Ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you" (A.S.V.). On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit came down upon the disciples with "a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind . . . And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost." The "mighty wind" may be a symbol to some — but the mighty power and energy of the Holy Spirit did come roaring into these hearts with hurricane force; some may doubt the actual presence of tongues of fire descending on each man, but a fire of fervor did come to the disciples and empower them to both live for and die for the Gospel.* Because of that wonderful experience which took place in the hearts and lives of the early disciples they went forth and evangelized the then known world. If the Church of Today is to accomplish God's Plan and Purpose it will have to be done through the Power of the Holy Spirit! * Mead, Frank S., Tarbell's Teachers' Guide, Fleming H. Revell Co., Westwood, N. J., 1957. p. 27. 1 WW W W V»V W V W W W w W "»'•"' Sunday School Suggestions The Sunday School Board of The Brethren Church by Jerry Flora »j"j*!)**.ig|je TEACHING BEGINNERS (2) HOW SHALL I TEACH? Through Bible verses. I will use them in a natural way. I will be sure the children understand their meaning. I will make Bible verses a part of their everyday expe- riences. I will select them to generalize the theme for the day. Through Bible and "child-life" stories. I will prepare my story well and tell, not read it. I will keep my stories brief (5 to 10 minutes). I will adapt the material and suit it to the child's needs. I will use action and repetition. I will make up stories to fit an occasion. I will use stories to teach sharing, helping, and other pat- terns of right conduct. Through Prayer. I will pray in the language of the children. I will let prayer rise from the experiences of the day. I will use it in response to the story, picture, song, nature, or conversation. I will pray with the chil- dren and not about them. I will pray in a quiet voice. Through music. I will choose songs with simple words and within the experience of the children. I will choose songs with spmtual value, simple harmony, and within the range of the children's voices. I will use songs as an avenue of joyous expression. I will use songs to teach sharing and helping; to accomplish the purpose of the day; to motivate to right conduct; to create atmosphere and lend variety; for worship and prayer. Through pictures. I will use pictures to recall a Bible story; to suggest a song to sing; to make up a story; to interpret a Bible verse; to make ideas concrete; to interpret experience in spiritual values; to stimulate in- terest in ideas and conversation; to give information; to help the children worship. Through conversation. I will use conversation to learn the interests, needs, and capacities of the children; to give information at an appropriate time; to correct wrong impressions; for motivation; for giving meaning and purpose to activities. Through activities. I will play a story with the chil- dren. I will use purposeful, simple handwork for them. (prepared by Dr. J. R. Shultz.) £atn to &? at MORRIS. Mrs. Elizabeth Rachael Morris the widow of Ernest Morris was born Feb. 5, 1888 and departed this life Nov. 13, 1957. Faithful member of the Mt. Olive Brethren Church. Survived by three sons, five daughters, three brothers, 23 grandchildren and 6 great grandchil- dren. Funeral services conducted by her pastor in the Mt. Olive Brethren church. Interment, Port Republic Cemetery. John F. Locke, Pastor, Mt. Olive Brethren Church. YOUTZ. John W. Youtz, aged 73, passed away at his farm North of Louisville, Sept. 11, 1957. United with the Louisville Brethren Church March 11, 1917. His wife, Elta, one son, other relatives and many friends remain. Funeral services held by his Pastor at the Stier Funeral Home on Sept. 14. SHEETS. Allen Sheets passed to his eternal reward, Nov. 13, 1957 at the age of 45 years. United with the Church Dec. 2, 1926, thus giving 31 years of faithful service to his Church. Survived by his wife, Dorothy, 2 sons, two daughters, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Sheets, two sisters, other relatives and a host of friends. Funeral services held at the Church by his Pastor. MOOMAW. Mrs. Ivia Moomaw, passed away at Mercy Hospital. Funeral services, Nov. 18, 1957, by her Pas- tor. United with the Church by relation 44 years ago. She became a Christian at the age of 12, thus she served her Lord 60 years. She was confined to her home and wheel chair the past 14 years. Survived by her daughter, Mrs. Paul Kauth, 3 grandchildren, a sister and brother, other relatives and many, many friends. L. V. King. PAGE EIGHTEEN THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST I NEWS FROM BRETHREN YOUTH Phil Lersch, Youth Director BRETHREN COLLEGE DAYS B. C. D. at A. C— 3-1-58 THE INTERPRETATION CAN NOW BE GIVEN. B. C. D. means "Brethren College Days at Ashland College, March 1, 1958." The exact dates will be February 28 to March 2, Friday through Sunday noon. All Brethren high school juniors and seniors are in- vited by Ashland College and Brethren Youth to BRETH- REN COLLEGE DAYS on the above dates. Come and visit classes in session, attend a youth rally, ask questions about requirements and costs of college, see the Ashland College campus, enjoy a basketball game, attend a banquet, and worship with us. Only cost will be your transportation and some of your meals. Watch this page for more details about res- ervations, programming and final arrangements. Ashland College Chapel BROTH KRHOOD AT LOST CREEK Rev. G. E. Drushal writes that a BOY'S BROTHER- HOOD was organized at Lost Creek, Kentucky on No- vember 24th. It's too early for reports of their progress now, but we do have a listing of their new officers. Martin Luther Deaton, president Roland Eversole, vice-president Dan Stevens, secretary Douglas Mullins, treasurer Rev. Benjamin Frye, sponsor. A part of the work of the LAYMEN in every Breth- ren Church is to organize and sponsor a Boys' Brother- hood. This project cannot be overlooked if we hope to have strong leaders in the church during the next 10 years and after. Does your church have a "boys' pro- gram?" I have a oopy of the "Young Men and Boys' Brother- hood Covenant" standing before me in our National Youth Office. To help you understand the working of this organization and know of its value, read this COVE- NANT: "To live clean lives; taking Jesus as our Example; to give loyalty and service through the Brethren Church of which we are a part; working with other Christian youth of our church that we may more perfectly follow the Master; to hold the ideals of unselfish service ever before us; striving for human betterment; placing the welfare of the other above our own; and int simple trust to follow Jesus as our Saviour and Christ. "Our creed — the Bible, the whole Bible, and nothing but the Bible. Our motto — Christ above all." THE AMBASSADOR'S MAILBAG HERE IS A PART of the second letter received from Pastor E. J. P. Hansen, Copenhagen, Denmark. He represents the group of Brethren who trace their begin- nings back to the followers of Alexander Mack, but now, go by the name of "Assemblies of Christ." Bdcause of their keen interest in the book, "History of the Tunkers" by Henry Holsinger, the Ambassadors mailed them a copy and this letter1 is in reply to that action. "We thank you most heartily for the book, "Tunkers| and the Brethren Church" by Holsinger, for which we are very happy. God bless you for this gift of love. We have been very glad for your visit this summer, and you are heartily welcome to visit us again whenever you can. "You are the first of our brethren from Ashland which we have met with and we have got the best impression to the honour of the Lord. We pray very much for you and your activities for all the Brethren Church and ask you to convey our most intimate greetings to beloved Brother W. Clayton Berkshire and to all the churches and all the brethren wherever you come. We should be very happy to have your church-paper sent to us regu- larly, and we thank you that you will say that to those who take care of that. "We have much inspiration from the Negro-spirituals which you sang to us. It is all about the blessed hope of the coming again of the Lord Jesus Christ and our being with Him. . . . Singi to the honour of the Lord, and you will singi the gospel about our beloved Lord and Saviour into the| hearts of men. Our dearest brother — greetings, the as-| semblies of Christ in Scandinavia and Denmark." Then too, here is a hand written verse on the back| of a Christmas postcai'd received from a Dutch girl we met in Vorden, Holland. "There's something more to Christmas Than trees and candle light. Than songs to sing and gifts to bring That makes the day so bright. It's something deeper, better, invisible; but true. It's the spirit of good-will; and having friends like you.)(| "Once again thanks for the wonderful songs you sang. Have a wonderful Christmas. Best wishes for 1958 as a quartet but also in your own lives." "Life is measured by its depth, not its durati ion. JANUARY 4, 1958 PAGE NINETEEN ("The ^A/ omens fdorner | et36° *G&° e/SG* by Helen Jordan A PRAYER FOR PEACE by Conrad Hilton, was re- cently published in Guideposts. Will you add your prayer to the many thousands of Americans who have already used it: "Our Father in Heaven: "We pray that You save us from ourselves. The world that You made for us to live in peace, we have made into an armed camp. We live in fear of war to come. "We are afraid of the terror that flies by night, and the arrow that flies by day, the pestilence that walks in darkness and the destruction that wastes at noon-day. "We have turned from You to go our selfish way. We have broken Your Commandments and denied Your truth. We have left Your altars to serve the false gods of money and pleasure and power. Forgive us and help us. "Now darkness gathers around us and we are con- fused in all our counsels. Losing faith in You, we lose faith in ourselves. Inspire us with wisdom, all of us, of every color, race and creed, to use our wealth, our strength, to help our brother, instead of destroying him. "Help us to do Your will as it is done in heaven and to be worthy of Your promise of peace on earth. Fill us with new faith, new strength, and new courage that we may win the battle for peace. "Be swift to save us, dear God, before the darkness falls. "In Jesus' name we pray." Whether we choose to use Conrad Hilton's prayer or words of ourl own, our faith in God and our prayers will help make the world the peaceful and beautiful place God meant it to be. Miss Vera E. Laughlin, Greencastle, Penna. *& H^zbiimQ ^ttnxmntvmjent <»c =tea GRAYBILL-NORRIS. Jimmie Graybill of Smithsburg, Maryland and Miss Lois Norris of St. James were united in marriage at the St. James Brethren Church Sun- day night November 24 at 6:30. The service was a single ring service, and the setting was one of candle light. Miss Norris is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James E, Norris and has been very active in the work of the community and the church. She is the Church pianist. Her husband is a Paratrooper and is stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. They will live in nearby Clarksville, Tennessee. The church was filled to capacity for the ser- vice read by the writer, her pastor. Freeman Ankrum. INTERESTING ITEMS (Continued from Page 2) MANSFIELD, OHIO. Brother Clayton Berkshire was the guest speaker in the Mansfield church on December 15th. GOSHEN, INDIANA. The Goshen Brethren Church paper has the following to say relative to the recent Visitation Campaign engaged in by the Goshen Brethren. "One of the most successful programs that has ever been instituted in this Church is the Visitation Program which we have completed. More than 400 homes have been called on during the week of Visitation which began on Wednesday, November 13th, and was completed by the next Wednesday. "We know that this program was successful for sev- eral reasons; one was because of the fact that it drew our people closer together. Not only did it help those who were visited but it very definitely helped those who did the work. Our attendance in all services is on the increase, for which we are very thankful. In other words, no matter how you look at the results of this program, we learn that it is successful." Brother Spencer Gentle notes that 84 workers, divided into four teams, participated in this Visitation program. NORTH MANCHESTER, INDIANA. At the evening service on December 1st, Brother Duane Sholly, Ashland Seminary student, was guest speaker in the North Man- chester Church. WARSAW, INDIANA. Brother C. Y. Gilmer was WRSW Radio Devotional speaker during the week of December 16th through 20th. TUCSON, ARIZONA. Brother Edwin Puterbaugh was Sunday evening, December 1st, speaker in the Tucson church. Seventieth General Conference of the Brethren Church August 18-24, 1958 Ashland, Ohio HOW ABOUT YOUR OFFERINGS? PUBLICATION DAY OFFERING Give through your local Church, or if this is not pos- sible, note the following information. Church Treasurers, also please note: Make checks payable to The Brethren Publishing Com- pany, and address The Brethren Publishing Company, 524 College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio. Brethren Historical library- Manchester Colleg®' N» Manchester, Ind. PAGE TWENTY THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST V ASSURING THE FUTURE 01 BRETHREN PUBLICATIONS * ^t» i Your Publishing Company is out of debt: Has been, in fact, since 1954. We know you want to keep it that way. At pres- ent, because of sky-rocketing costs of operation, benefits accrued from being out of debt are running very thin, and the balance line between being in the black and being in the red, is very thin. Prices of Publications ore kept low: The Publication Board's policy is to keep the price of Brethren Publications low so as to encourage all Brethren to use Brethren Quarterlies and to get The Brethren Evangelist into every Brethren home. Machinery Replacement Reserve: Time passes faster than we realize, and so does the life expectancy of print- ing presses and other equipment in our plant. The need for replacement of expensive machinery may be nearer than we realize. A reserve fund for such an emergency must continue to be a part of the financial plans of your Publish- ing Company. Your 1958 Publication Day Offering: Will help bridge the gap between the subscription price charged for Brethren Publications and their cost of printing. Will help meet the rising costs of operation of your Publishing Company. Publication Day Offering January 19, 1958 Goal-Not less than $5,000.00 It will be impossible for your Publishing Company to operate in the black, financially, this year without a Publication Day offering of at least $5,000.00. REMEMBER THE WORK-REMEMBER THE NEED Give through your local church, Or send gifts directly to: The Brethren Publishing Company 524 College Ave., Ashland, Ohio I ^ &vt evangelist; Official Grgati of ^he Brethren Church Vol. LXXX January I I, 1958 No. 2 Proclaiming Jthe WHOLE GOSPEL, for the WHOLE WORLD PAGE TWO Items of general Interest CARRIE STOPFER Miss Carrie Stoffer, for many years a Brethren mis- sionary at Haddix, Kentucky, died suddenly on Friday, December 20, 1957. A fuller report of the passing of this faithful servant of the Lord, appears on another page of this EVANGELIST. SARASOTA, FLORIDA. Mrs. Helen Vanator, Church Correspondent, writes relative to their Christmas Sunday services: "Sarasota is rejoicing today for more bless- ings. We had more than 150 for church — and we only have 150 chairs. But we have some substitute seating until we can get more regular chairs. "The children put on a splendid program at the morn- ing Sunday school hour, and the worship service was truly a fine one. In the evening, the choir presented a cantata to an appreciative audience." WASHINGTON, D. C. Brother Joseph R. Shultz has supplied us with the bulletin for the Washington Church dated December 22nd, which was "Inauguration Day" for the Church. On this date, the first service in their new sanctuary was held. Brother Shultz writes of this event, "A wonderful day of praise and thanksgiving. Approximately 230 in at- tendance, a record for Washington Brethren. Everyone was so thrilled to be in the beautiful new church. "The formal Dedication Service will be held in a few months. Will announce later the exact date of Dedica- tion." JOHNSTOWN, PENNA. (SECOND). Brother Harold Bamett was the speaker at the opening service of the Moxham Union Week of Prayer services, on January 5th. The service was held in the Christ E.U.B. Church. Brother Barnett, on December 22nd, conducted a Com- munity Carol Service in the Conemaugh First E.U.B. Church. The sing followed the regular evening service hour. LOUISVILLE, OHIO. Baptismal services were held the evening of December 29th. THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST BRYAN, OHIO. The S. M. M. public service was hel< the evening of December 15th. The play, "Kay's Christ- mas Vision," was given. GOSHEN, INDIANA. The Menno Singers presented 1 concert of sacred music in the Goshen church the even- ing of December 8th. HUNTINGTON, INDIANA. Brother Claud Studebake: reports that baptismal services were scheduled for Sun day evening, December 29th. SOUTH BEND, INDIANA. Ashland Seminary stu dent, Brother Duane Sholly, was guest speaker in the South Bend church on December 22nd. From the South Bend bulletin we glean the following comment: "The interest and attendance is increasing ii the B.Y.C. groups. Last Sunday (December 8th) 52 were in attendance." WARSAW, INDIANA. Brother C. Y. Gilmer notes tha a "beautiful studio piano" was delivered to the church the week before Christmas. This was a "Christmas proj ect" of the church. SOUTH BEND, INDIANA (ARDMORE HEIGHTS) Jerry Day was the scheduled guest speaker for services on December 22nd in the Ardmore Heights church. NORTH MANCHESTER, INDIANA. Brother Henrj Bates notes scheduled baptismal services for Sunday evening, December 29th. LANARK, ILLINOIS. The Senior S. M. M. aided the pastor, Brother H. Francis Berkshire, in a Wednesday evening, December 18th, service in the Johnson Nursing Home, Shannon, Illinois. TUCSON, ARIZONA. Six new members were wel- comed into the fellowship of the Tucson church on De- cember 8th. Open House at the parsonage was observed by Brothei and Sister Vernon Grisso, on December 29th. PASTOR DESIRED The Maurertown Brethren Church, Maurertown, Vir ginia, is in need of a full-time pastor. If interested please write to: Miss Dorothy Ritenour, Church Secretary, Box 285, Woodstock, Virginia. THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST Published weekly, except the fourth week in July and the last week in December. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION: $2.00 per year in advance except 100% Churches, $1.50 per year per subscription. Entered as second class matter at Ashland. Ohio. Accepted for mailing at special rate section 1103. Act of October 3, 1917. Authorized September 3. 19 28. THE BRETHREN PUBLISHING COMPANY, Ashland, Ohio, Phone: 3727 PRUDENTIAL COMMITTEE: J. E. Stookey, President, H. E. Weidenhamer, Vice-Pres.; Rev. Robert Hoffman, Sec'y-Treas. EDITOR OF PUBLICATIONS— Rev. W. St. Clair Benshoff CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Rev. William H. Anderson Rev. C. Y. Gilmer Rev. Dyoll Belote Rev. John Byler DEPARTMENT EDITORS Rev. L. O. McCartneysmith, Brethren Doctrine Rev. Freeman Ankrum, Church History Rev. H. Francis Berkshire, Church Methods Rev. Woodrow B. Brant, Brethren Beliefs Rev. J. D. Hamel, Evangelism CHANGE OF ADDRESS: In ordering change of address, always give both old and new addreaset. REMITTANCES: Send all money, business communications, and contributed articles to: THE BRETHREN PUBLISHING COMPANY, ASHLAND. OHIO. JANUARY 11, 1958 PAGE THREE <H-M"I"1"M"1-M"I-M"I"I"I"I"1' I'M l"I"I"l"l"I"l-I-l"l"l"M"M"l"I-I"l-I-I"I"l-I-l-W-l-I"l»I"l"I"l"I"I I I I !■ M-H-H ■! -M-M-I-I-I-M-M-I-l The Editor's Pulpit ■ ■l|»l-M-MH-MH-MHH"I"NNM"MH"NWI-l-M"I"I"I^^ |..|.M.M-|-M-M-M"W-W"I"M We Hre His Veople — Vsalm 100:3 THERE ARE MANY admonitions in Scripture which insist that we accept the absolute cer- tainty of God. In no place is there any effort made to prove that God is. It is always an ac- cepted fact that He is. In this third verse of the 100th Psalm, this unquestioned truth is again stated, "Know ye that the Lord he is God." This is pretty important to us as we live in a world largely given over to uncertainty, fear and doubt. It gives us great confidence to know, as did the Psalmist in Psalm 93, that "The Lord reigneth, that He is clothed with majesty, with strength, and that the world cannot be moved. A great "refresher course" for the Christian on the abil- ity and power of our God, would be to read care- fully Psalm 93, and Psalms 95 through 99. Verse three of Psalm 100 tells us also that God hath made us. Despite all efforts of man to degrade the creation of the human race by showing us as having come out of the slime of the seashore, the fact remains that God made us. Genesis, chapters one through three, gives the absolute facts concerning this creation. This beautiful story of our creation is made even more thrilling as we ponder the reason why God made us. God had a purpose in creating man — for fel- lowship of an intelligent creature with Him, for praise unto His holy Name, and for intelligent enjoyment of the earth and its riches. The pur- pose of our being here is further explained in Ephesians 2:1^10. Therefore we are to glorify God in our mortal bodies. We are today too much in the throes of "Hu- manism," that false doctrine which insists that all we have is the result of natural causes, and that all we are is a result of our own ability. The fact of a God who loves, cares, guides, warns and brings judgment, is beyond the conception of the philosophy of the Humanist. And, in our luxuriant, materialistic society today, the Hu- manist has plenty of argument. The Humanist asks of the Christian, "What do you have that I don't have ? I have material blessings, I have life, health, freedom, I enjoy national security. All of these things I have," the Humanist says to the Christian, "even as you have." He continues: "Therefore, why deprive yourself of pleasures in order to abide by your religion?" Such an argument seems reasonable until you remember that God created man an eternal soul. The Humanist fails to reckon with life after death, with judgment and reward. Then the dif- ference between the Humanist and the Christian will be evident as the Christian enters into the reward of the righteous, and the humanist into the reward of the godless. Our answer to hu- manistic philosophies today rests in showing the love of God for man, to live according to God's way, and to meet temptation successfully in Christ, for we truly are God's people. As God's people, we must remember the great- ness and the sinlessness of God. God is against sin, and if we truly are His people, we must be against it, too. We must make Him the central theme of our lives. How much do we permit Him to have a voice in our plans, our activities? How regularly do we talk with Him, and worship Him? Have we really dedicated ourselves and our sub- stance to Him? We who are His people, who trust Him, and who recognize that He has a purpose in our lives, and is to have place in our plans, etc., then en- joy the distinguished position as sheep of His pasture. Let us remember, though, that this is not a blind pouring forth of God's love upon a person who then goes out to do anything any- where any time he pleases. If we are going to be His people, and enjoy His benefits, we must put His way above our way and the way of the world. God is with us; for His help He expects us to abide in His will, to shun the things of evil. For this, He gives us grace, mercy, provision and care. W. S. B. PAGE FOUR THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST X Brethren Church History by Rev. Freeman Ankrum RETRACING THE VEARS Beginnings with Alexander Mack— 1708 250 th Anniversary Celebrations this year— 1958 "Turn backward, turn backward 0 time in your flight, Make me a child again Just for tonight." SO SANG THE POET many years ago. No doubt he had not stopped to think what would have happened if the wish had been granted, and at the same time applied to all people. If the reader will analyze the thought, it will eclipse the imagination in its realities, such as bringing back to life those who have passed on, and reversing the entire progress of the world. There- fore this article has no desire to bring back the early days of our church except in thought and the study of events of far off days. Even as the rosy fingers of dawn point to the source of light of the new day, so are there many fingers in the churches today which trace their beginning to the work of Alexander Mack and his faithful followers in 1708. Let it be said here without thought of criticism, that in the author's mind there is no church today which can claim to be, using the figure of a tree, the main trunk. All of us are branches, owing our existence, which nat- urally can be traced, to the main root and trunk of the tree. Historians and perhaps some readers are familiar with the various "sprouts" which came forth upon the early trunk, but soon withered and passed away. To name a few we might mention The Ephrata move- ment, The Snow Hill movement, The Far Western Movement and the ones settling in Western Kentucky. It may be of interest to the reader to know that Rev. Austin Cooper, of Staunton, Virginia, a member of the Historical Committee and a Historian in his own right, has recently, at his own expense and on his own time, done considerable research in Kentucky. He has a lengthy report of his findings. Suffice it to state here that he found no organized churches of Brethren name, but found traces of their beliefs and doctrines existing in various churches. This article must naturally be written some time be- fore it sees the light of day in print. Normally this is on the average approximately one month. Therefore some things mentioned will have taken their places upon the pages of history before this is given to the reader. The first one we desire to mention is the observance of a love feast in the Germantown, Pennsylvania, church at 6611 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, January 1. We are happy to know the Pastor there, Rev. B. F. Waltz, a member of the Historical Committee of which the writer is a member. He has done a good work in preserving old records and unearthing many utensils and articles used in the day when Alexander Mack, Jr., was an active member of the church. The writer has been invited to share in this service, but because of conditions beyond control could not be there. Partici- pants in the love feast were representatives from various Brethren bodies as well as wide representation from the Church of the Brethren. To one who has been there, it will be realized that the limited space meant at- tendance by invitation. JANUARY 11, 1958 PAGE FIVE ORIGINAL DUNKER CHURCH Germantown, Penna. Our General Conference Moderator, Rev. Delbert Flora, is to be present and have a part in this memorable ser- vice. Perhaps there will be time to stroll along the old Wissahickon, where occurred the first baptism in Amer- ica, and return to the site of the first communion ser- vice which was held on Christmas Day, 1723. Just a small number of people in a new land with those who had been baptized, at the first baptism, surrounding the simple tables in a simple colonial home. What a contrast, today in a commodious church only by invitation could those who desire to go be accommo- dated. May their minds go back to the dim light thrown by the flickering candles and the wavering shadows as they lighted up the solemn, yet happy faces of those enjoying their first service of that kind in America. Little did they realize the heart aches, the divisions and misunderstandings of the morrow, but they enjoyed the Spiritual richness of the present. While as pre- viously stated, when the Germantown anniversary is ob- served, this article will not be in print. Let us quote from a letter to the writer from Dr. Norman Baugher, General Secretary, in order to get the matter of the order of the day before the readers of this article. "The Germantown observance will begin with a morn- ing session and a sermon 'The Mind of Christ in Judg- ment,' and 'The Mind of Christ Symbolized.' The love feast will be held in the evening." The program prepared in detail, thanks for which are owed to Dr. Paul Bowman of Timberville, Virginia, by the writer, is as follows. THE INAUGURAL PROGRAM 1:00 p. m. Address: 11:00 a. m. Address : Germantown, January 1, 1958 The Mind of Christ Revealed— Vernon F. Schwalm. Note: God speaks through history and ex- perience. The Brethren sought the mind of Christ in prayer, study and through strug- gle. The generations of the past speak to our generation. The Mind of Christ in Judgment— Harper S. Will. Note: This is a service of self examination, penitence, and confession in preparation for the service which follows. 5:00 p. m. The Inaugural Communion and Feast of Love — Edward K. Zigler officiating. The Towel and Basin The Agape — Love and Fellowship. The Broken Bread — Sacrifice. The Cup of Blessing — Atonement. Note: This service may disregard our tradi- tional patterns in an effort to discover pro- cedures and values which are relevant to our current life. Some of the fingers pointing back toward the birth of our day as Brethren, are the activities of those churches today, which trace their beginnings to those days 250 years ago. "Anniversary" programs are being set up in the various churches. While the Conference of the Breth- ren Church will come a couple weeks following the Schwarzenau convocation on August 6, nevertheless there is being prepared an Anniversary program. Those in charge are working upon its pageantry and parts which will be presented in due time before those attending the Conference at Ashland, Ohio, August 18 to 24, 1958. The Church of the Brethren meets in Des Moines, Iowa, June 15 to 21, 1958. It has a program the theme of which runs throughout the entire Conference. Inasmuch as this in a way may be said to be somewhat preparatory, it will be timely as it is before the events in Germany. We shall not in this article give the program, though we have it in hand. It will appear later on in their own publication, The Gospel Messenger. In as much as various Brethren are planning on being at Schwarzenau, in August and some who read these ar- ticles, we feel that the Anniversary Committee will not object to the Anniversary program appearing in this ar- PAGE SIX THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST tide. The members of the Committee are Paul H. Bow- man, Chairman. Nevin Zuck, Secretary, Norman Baugh- er, DeWitt Miller, B. F. Waltz, Donald Rowe and Wil- liam Willoughby. Therefore the following is the program of the Schwarzenau Convocation — Wednesday August 6, 1958. 10:00 a. m. Forenoon Session. Presiding, Dr. S. Loren Bowman, Chairman, General Brotherhood Board. Convocation Worship, Dr. Kenneth I. Morse, Editor, The Gospel Messenger, Official organ, Church of the Brethren. 10:30 a. m. 11:00 a. m. Address : 11:30 a. m. Address : 4:30 p. m. 5:00 p. m. Fraternal Greetings and Presentations. Welcoming Statements. The Rev. 'Mueller, Pastor Evangelical Church, Schwarzenau. Mr. Gottschaly, Mayor, Political Commun- ity of Schwarzenau. Response and Presentation of Art Volume, Dr. Norman J. Baugher, General Secretary, General Brotherhood Board. The Brethren and Schwarzenau — Dr. Des- mond W. Bittinger, Moderator, Annual Con- ference, Church of the Brethren. Bishop F. K. Otto Dibelius, of the Evan- gelical Union of Berlin-Brandenburg, Ger- many (Representing the churches of Ger- many.) Convocation Worship. Presentation of Guests and Visitors. The Prince. Pastor Pabst. President Wilm. Representative from Nigeria. Representative from Ecuador. 5:30 p. m. Address : Representative from India. Representative from China. Fraternal Representatives. (Representing the World Council of Churches) Dr. W. A. T. Visser't Hooft, General Secretary, World Council of Churches. 6:15 p. m. Address: The Brethren in A Changing World, Under the Lordship of Christ. 7:00. p. m. Convocation and Benedictory Prayer— Dr. M. R. Zigler, Director of European Cele- bration. The Schwarzenau convocation of Brethren will be sup- plemented by conferences at Kassel and Berleberg. The Kassel program is being planned by a European commit- tee. M. B. Zigler will serve as director of the European conference and will be assisted by Wilbur Mullen. Kas- sel, a city of some 200,000, is approximately 30 miles from Schwarzenau. There will be insufficient accommo- dations in Schwarzenau for large numbers of people. In connection with the matter of the pilgrimage to Schwarzenau, the traveler should inform him or herself of the country, the locality and the past history. The writer desires to recommend a book, which will all too soon be out of print, entitled, "Schwarzenau, Yesterday and Today." The writer personally knows the Author. He is Dr. L. W. Shultz, North Manchester, Indiana, from whom the book may be purchased at a nominal price. It will make the trip of the individual much richer and fuller by reading this production. It would be worth a place in your luggage. As this is being written, Dr. Shultz has completed his twelfth trip to the lands beyond the seas. He will also be conducting tours to Schwarzenau. It may be said in this connection that his guiding ability has also taken groups to Palestine, from which he brought back beau- tiful colored pictures. Let us not forget as this is being written, that Profes- sor Delbert Flora, of Ashland, Ohio, and Dean of our EDER RIVER Schwarzenau, Germany HUBS JANUARY 11, 1958 PAGE SEVEN Seminary there, also has his eyes on Schwarzenau in the August Convocation. He is our National Conference Moderator and no doubt will have a part in the cele- bration. He is now busily engaged in setting the ground work for a very wide tour previous to Schwarzenau, which will end there with the Anniversary Celebration before coming back home. This is being set up to take in England, France, Rome, Italy, Lebanon, Egypt, Pal- estine, Athens, and Frankfurt-Kassel-Schwarzenau. Pro- fessor Flora is no novice in the matter of traveling in these lands as he has made two trips there. When the Historical Committee met in Elgin, Illinois, in 1956, the matter of traveling to Europe was pre- sented. Then it was stated that three boats had been chartered with the minimum fare from New York and back from Schwarzenau running approximately $700.00. Perhaps the prices will depend upon numerous things. Inasmuch as Delbert Flora has added so much more, it appears that he really packaged a trip which leaves no moss growing and which is a bold adventure. We are also glad to know that a number of our Breth- ren are planning for the trip. This will be practically the same as a new preacher, if it is a Pastor, returning to the field and the pulpit. If a church is in such shape that it will die in seven weeks while the Pastor is ab- sent on such an educational trip as this, it might just as well call in the Tombstone maker and take care of its last rites without further delay and suffering. The Schwarzenau Convocation is of such general interest that Life Magazine asked permission to photograph the ac- tivities. Our last word is that this has not been granted. Life may be made up of dreams. Some dreams are such that we are glad to awaken to reality. Neverthe- less some dreams also fail to materialize, made in our waking moments, and fall as broken fragments at the feet of the dreamer. Mrs. Ankrum and the writer dream of being two of those accompanying Delbert Flora on his tour. However, there are at the present time some hurdles which must be surmounted if we are to go. The writer appreciates the invitation to share in the program at this Convocation with the various leaders of the churches, in this great event. There are also family reasons for going on the trip, not alone to be present at Schwarzenau, where the Macks, the writer's ances- tors on his mother's side originated, but to visit a daughter. The daughter is Genevieve Ankrum Shidler. She is Mrs. Robert Shidler, wife of Major Shidler. They with their1 two sons are stationed at Paton Village, Lud- wigsburg, Germany. This is within driving distance of Schwarzenau. Naturally if privileged to go on this trip, much of the luggage will consist of camera supplies, with the plan of bringing back some eight or nine hun- dred kodachrome slides. Only by flying cculd Rev. Del- bert Flora even attempt to cover as much territory as he anticipates. There is a pleasure in retracing the days of long ago. Many of the trials and tribulations have been dimmed by time, and some even forgotten. The old days have been given a glamor at times which did not exist when they were experienced. Time has a way of soften- ing hard experiences of the moment, so much that when viewed from the peak of years we look back upon them and wonder how we could have been so perturbed. So as we look back upon the experiences of our common history, we should not lose sight of the fact that they were men and women of flesh, even as you and I. They had to struggle in a hostile land, first in their home land and then in the land of their choice, for both homes for their families and places of worship for the faithful. Much of our history as a church is such of which we have a right to be proud, and some is bet- ter forgotten. It would appear to the conscientious his- torian that in retracing our experiences as recorded upon the printed pages, there are matters which show leadings definitely not from the Holy Spirit, but from man. Following man leaves us with an uncertain path. Using his chart and not the chart of charts, leaves us groveling in the dark and at times hopelessly confused. This year, when two hundred and fifty years are cele- brated since the little group amidst the morning mists of the Valley of the Eder marched down to lay their all upon the altar of sacrifice, ought to be a year of chal- lenge to all who trace their ancestry back to the event. Trivial and personal things should have no part in the matters related to the church of the living God. It is well to be contentious, but of His things and not our imaginings. In a world that is ever teeming to over- throw all things that give dignity and freedom, not only of person but of religion, surely God must hold respon- sible those who pose as leaders. They who lead to sep- aration, confusion, making impossible the accomplishing of those things which the world hates are unworthy. God grant that this year shall be one of the high spots in the experience of those who hold the name of Breth- ren. May it be realized that it is not enough to be called Brethren, and that we are unworthy of the name unless implications of the full meaning are carried out. Let us make real the saying of a young man, approxi- mately the same age as Alexander Mack when he took his1 challenging step, when He said, "One is your Master and all ye are Brethren." St. James, Maryland. Setve t6e ^a%d ^attfyuWtf, t&t& yeczi 195% ^a&lccatlatt *De\fy O^awy PAGE EIGHT THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST MISSIONARY DEPARTMENT vlibMONARY BOARD OF THE BRETHREN CHURCH s<0 College Ave.. Ashland. Ohio. Phone 39 58 2 Contributing Editors W. CLAYTON BERKSHIRE. Gen. Sec , (MRS.) IDA LINDOWER. Adm. Assistan. CHURCH OFFERINGS TO HOME MISSIONS (November and December) Gatewood (Fayetteville, W. Va.) $ 8.00 Haddix, Kentucky 22.33 Liberty (Quicksburg, Va.) 16.00 Oak Hill, W. Va 250.00 St. James, Md. 299.20 St. Luke (Woodstock, Va.) 25.00 Calvary (Pittstown, N. J.) 45.00 Cameron, W. Va. 31.00 Johnstown ( First) , Pa. 624.85 Johnstown (Second), Pa 791.50 Meyersdale, Pa. * 192.75 Mt. Olivet (Georgetown, Delaware) 77.00 Pittsburgh (S. S.), Pa 20.85 Quiet Dell, Pa. 33.00 Raystown (Saxton, Pa.) 36.45 Sergeantsville, N. J 30.00 Valley (Jones Mills, Pa.) 59.00 Vinco, Pa 545.39 Waynesboro, Pa 70.40 White Dale (Terra Alta, W. Va.) 48.50 Akron, Ohio 167.82 Ashland, Ohio 768.70 Bryan, Ohio 600.00 Canton, Ohio 123.73 Fairhaven (West Salem, Ohio) 100.00 Fremont, Ohio 26.00 Glenford, Ohio 54.51 Gratis, Ohio 300.00 Gretna (Bellefontaine, Ohio) 1,274.82 ($500.00 on Ky. bldg. debt) Mansfield, Ohio 700.00 Newark, Ohio 17.45 New Lebanon, Ohio Pleasant Hill, Ohio Smithville, Ohio Ardmore, Indiana Burlington, Indiana Center Chapel (Peru), Indiana College Corner (Wabash), Indiana County Line (LaPaz), Indiana Corinth (Twelve Mile), Indiana* Denver, Indiana Dutchtown (Warsaw), Indiana Mexico, Indiana Milford, Indiana Muncie, Indiana Nappanee, Indiana New Paris, Indiana North Liberty, Indiana North Manchester, Indiana (This is children's department and individual gift) Oakville, Indiana Peru, Indiana South Bend, Indiana Tiosa, Indiana Lanark, Illinois Milledegville, Illinois Waterloo, Iowa * Mulvane, Kansas Manteca, California Stockton, California * These churches give at various intervals dur year — some quarterly and some even monthly. 300.00 693.00 818.45 92.01 128.26 64.41 75.90 177.00 127.25 79.50 31.00 65.00 70.89 129.25 885.00 650.00 367.00 230.00 300.00 111.00 788.25 59.00 429.16 436.00 362.05 75.00 200.00 36.00 ing the The Pastor Says — . . . Our communion service, held on November 17, was a small one, but it was a wonderful service; in fact, it was one of the best communion services I've ever at- tended. The spirit that was felt was one of love and fellowship. It was the kind of spirit you look for in this service, and all who attended were blessed for doing so. The officers of the church have been making up the budget for the church year, which can; be met if every- one will do his part. Remember one thing: You should give because you love the Lord and according as He has prospered you. The pastor is slowly getting acquainted with the peo- ple of the church and the surrounding community.! This is a slow, but an important, job. We hope you are joining in reading the Old Testament. We are aiming to read a book a week. What about your prayer list? We should all be praying for the church — its officers and leaders as well as members. USING OUR WINGS James M. Barrie once said, "To have faith is to have wings." We constantly give evidence of our faith in God and His Son by our actions and attitudes; we also dis- play faith in His work and workers by our participation in and support of them. Unquestionably many Chris- tians have demonstrated this truth from time to time — some quite recently. Following general conference, these pages carried a very special appeal for Brethren people to give liberally to missions because large sums would be needed by Oc- tober 1. At the time we could foresee much larger bills coming in than there would be funds to pay; however, after the appeal was made and Brethren realized the urgency of the need, they began to respond — the W. M. S. (National and some districts); the Laymen; one church, discovering a surplus in its treasury; one church of only about 100 members, sending in $700 with no (Continued on Page 15) JANUARY 11, 1958 PAGE NINE National Goals Program of The Brethren Church (Several weeks ago the Goals Committee, through one of its members, Brother John Burton, presented some thoughts and suggestions relative to the "Membership Goals" portion of the National Goals Program. With this issue the committee presents an article dealing with the Publication Goals, written by another member of the committee, Brother Ralph Mills. The committee urges each pastor, secretary, and other church leaders to keep the Goals Program before the church, and to be striving to meet the goals throughout the Conference year.) Henry Bates, Chairman. IV. PUBLICATION GOALS 1. The Brethren Evangelist in every Brethren Home 4 2. All available Brethren Sunday School Literature used in every Brethren Sunday School 4 3. Promotion of BRETHREN EMPHASIS PROGRAM in every Brethren Church 2 4. Lifting of an annual Publication Day Offering in the local church 1 5. Publication Day Offering showing an increase over last year's 2 pROM THE BEGINNING of Christianity the f, early fathers realized that they must make use of every help available to spread the message of their beloved Master. This same desire is prev- alent in the minds of the Goals Committee as they stress the "Evangelist" in every home, and the increase in the Publication Day Offering. The "Evangelist" extends the area of the in- fluence of the church — local and world-wide. It knits the membership more closely into one large family. It increases membership and attendance. It is a method of keeping members informed as to the church's activities, and of stressing the aims and objectives of the church. In this way the "Evangelist" aids the forwarding of the Mas- ter's work and also inspires others to assume their share of the responsibility. It is imperative, therefore, that every congregation endeavor to make its church a 100% subscriber. It is equally imperative that we seek an annual Publication Key. "Ralph £. Wlilh Day Offering and that this offering show an in- crease over last year's offering. In the world to- day we find the anti-religious forces are stronger than at any other time since the dawn of Chris- tianity. Our children are subject to motion pic- tures and modern literature which are not al- ways good. I like to think of the presence of the "Evangelist" and of the lifting of this offering as methods of counteracting these influences. What better defense can be had? Long after the newspapers and the light magazines are thrown away the "Evangelist" remains to repeat the eternal truths again and again. Most ministers are beset with many difficul- ties and much territory to cover. In his work of church management, cheering the sick, calling on members, and taking part in the social and spir- itual activities of the church it is important that he have every available help. The majority of ministers realize that they need help. The pres- ence of all available Brethren literature, and the promotion of Brethren Emphasis, is a vast help to the pastor, and does much to strengthen the ties of the Brethren. Berlin, Penna. PAGE TEN THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST [WJrafe~4)oitiq GK urc OAK HILL TO MANTECA A WORD OF APPRECIATION It is always difficult to leave one field of endeavor where one was loved and to go to a new one. The friendships formed in the former field remain strong. The many kind- nesses mean so much. Yet, it is sometimes necessary to leave ones you've grown to love in order to work in another part of the Lord's vineyard to which you have been called. Then, when it comes to writing about it, the matter be- comes increasingly difficult. What does one say when he leaves a people wlao love him and he loves in turn ? Such is the case with this writer and the people of Oak Hill Brethren Church. He just wishes to express his ap- preciation for the privilege that he's had in working with them and for them. They've always been considerate of their pastor's needs. The manner in which they listened to his sermons has been a constant source of inspiration to him. The way they kept the problems of the church within the church is an example that other churches could well imitate. Loyalty to their church and for what it stands stood them well in the face of discouragement. They had the talent for giving and tak- ing advice in the spirit of meekness that Christ com- manded. Their relations with this writer as their pas- tor have been unusually good. Accordingly, it was with deep regret that he closed his ministry among them to go to another field. The Oak Hill Church did show progress spiritually and materially. Spiritually, souls were won to Christ. Some of them reconsecrated their lives to Christ. The church doubled its offerings to missions, and raised the amount paid to other projects when feasible. Their attendance at the worship services, and especially the prayer meeting, in- creased perceptibly. In two years, four new youth or- ganizations were added to the church: Intermediate and Junior BYC, Signal Lights, and a Cherub Choir. Each year saw the Daily Vacation Bible School have a larger enrollment than the year before. The love of the mem- bers one for the other increased, and harmony prevailed in the church. In a material way, many things happened which aided in serving the Lord, some of which affected the pastor and his family. An organ was added to the church, as was a puplit light and Bible. An offering table was pre- sented to the church by one of the classes. A desk and typewriter were placed in the pastor's study. Several things were added to the parsonage such as: a closed-in porch, a new hot water heater, and metal awnings. The church treasury is healthier than it ever was. Besides this, a nursery was started for the benefit of our little ones. There are other things which occurred, but it would take too long to relate them here. I should like to say that this writer appreciates the privilege that he's had in serving the Oak Hill people. In this he includes the people in the community as well as those in the church. He wishes for them God's rich- est blessing as they begin their work under their new minister. As for the new field to which this writer has been called, he should like to report that in the two weeks he's been here, he's found a people who are at once gen- erous and interested also in serving the Lord. The first Sunday night, the Robinson family was here the members of the church "pounded" them with enough foodstuffs to last for quite a spell. They went to work immediately to make the parsonage comfortable to live in. They have constantly showed their concern for their pastor's welfare by either inquiring often or stopping in for first hand information. They've gone all-out for their minister. The first Monday night that this writer began his work here, the Official Board met in special session at the pastor's request until ten o'clock to consider ways in which we can further the cause of the church in our community. Not only members of the Official Board, but other members as well show an interest in the future of their church. This pastor believes that this church has all the in- gredients to move forward. It has an excellent amount of prospects that have been left for this writer to call on. Every age group in the church is well represented from the cradle on to the older people. All members seem to be interested in not only seeing the church grow, but also in helping to make it do so. Already we have two members who will be received into the church the Sunday following the writing of this article, and another who will be baptized that night. This writer requests that the Brotherhood pray for us in California, that Christ's purpose might indeed be ac- complished out here. While words of appreciation are being expressed, this writer would like to commend his predecessor, Rev. C. Y. Gilmer, for the excellent way he left things for his successor. In this minister's experience, he has never found a church roll so up to date or such a large number of friends of the church upon which to call. He hopes to successfully carry on the torch that Brother Gilmer left him. Yours in Christ, Milton M. Robinson. FLORA, INDIANA Our Evangelistic services which were to begin on No vember 4th had to be postponed to November 10th due to the illness of our Evangelist, Rev. C. A. Stogsdill. He arrived on Saturday evening after fighting the "flu" and another bout with snow and storm on the turnpike. We began our meetings on Sunday and closed on Friday JANUARY 11, 1958 PAGE ELEVEN evening November 22nd. It was our first opportunity we ever had of working with Brother Stogsdill. We found him true and tireless yokefellow and a true preacher of the Word. His straightforward gospel messages were fascinating and enlightening. They were for saint and sinner. It was a rich experience for all. In spite of the fact that the season brought our corn picking during the meetings, which ordinarily would have been over, the attendance held up well. This is a great corn country and most of our people are famers. But they were loyal to the services. We have all experienced the fact that it is very dif- ficult these days to get non-Christians to attend church services. Our prospects were limited due to the fact that we have kept gathering them in through the year. But there were four additions. A man and wife and two high school girls. We feel that we had a very good meeting. We appreciate the fact that the third Johnstown church released Brother Stogsdill for this meeting. The first of January we will begin our eighth year as pastor of the Flora church. This last year the church attendance has been the best. There has been a steady growth. On Sunday evening November 24th we had our communion service which was well attended. We also took communion to the Brethren's Home and the shut-ins making a total of one hundred and twenty-five which was not quite up to the largest attendance we have had. Our people are loyal to this service. We also serve the Brethren's Home and have a service once a week for them. Sometimes the neighboring Brethren Churches come and have the service. The residents there enjoy having the different groups coming in and having a ser- vice. We are grateful for having* the privilege of serving these good people in this fine community and we praise God for his loving care and the victories won. C. A. Stewart. REVIVAL AT LANARK It was my happy privilege to conduct the Revival for 'he Lanark Church from October 6th to 17th, closing on a Thursday Evening. It was my first privilege to visit this part of the State and to see the two fine Churches at Lanark and Milledgeville. Having been a farmer by birth it was a delight to see the large farms, the tall corn and herds of cattle and swine in the fields. At Lou- isville only a few of our members are farmers but at Lan- ark about half of the membership live on large farms. Thus they know how to feed a Minister and bring things in to the preacher. We did hit a hard time to hold a Revival. It was the beginning of the picking of their corn. But more than this, it was during the worst period of the Flu. The first week the High School was affected and the second week the children in the grades. The attendance was, there- fore, more from the older adults. Parents with families were unable to attend because one or more of the children had the Flu. The older people were very faithful and they have a large group in the older ladies Sunday school Class as well as a nice group in the Men's Class. I enjoyed greatly preaching to the people. They were very appreciative of the Gospel and expressed their ap- preciation in many ways. I enjoyed telling the continued story of "William and His Dog Caesar" each evening to the children. I made my home with the Pastor, his wife and son, Mark. They were very congenial and I felt the freedom of my own home. They have a very lovely parsonage, well adapted for a preacher and his family. Brother Berkshire and his wife not only know their own people but the people of the community as well. They are serving the Lord in a very acceptable way and the Lord is blessing the work. It may be a little slower than a young Pastor desires but it is a conservative community and this is a good characteristic. But the people are beginning to respond to the leadership of Pastor and wife. The outward results were not what we had hoped, but we do believe the Church was blessed. Again, we want to thank the Berkshires, and the Church for their kind consideration as expressed in so many ways. May the Lord continue to bless his work in this part of his vineyard. L. V. King. n n n REVIVAL and NEWS OF LOUISVILLE Rev. Robert Hoffman was the Evangelist for the week's Revival at Louisville from October 27th to November 3rd. The ground was covered with our first snow of the fall. Flu and sickness were also in evidence in many homes. But in spite of the sickness the attendance was very good. Rev. Hoffman brought wonderful and chal- lenging sermons on the "Parables of our Lord." We made around 45 calls in the week. The results were gratifying. Eleven have been received into membership and three will be baptized a little later. Four new homes were among the additions. Seven were children of our Sunday School and three were adults. We do believe there will be several more families with- in a short time, among the adults. We have several fam- ilies attending the services quite regularly that we know are definitely interested. The love offering given to the Evangelist the last Sun- day was an evidence of the appreciation of the congre- gation for the work of Brother Hoffman. We would like to express publicly in this way our appreciation to him and the Smithville Church for releasing him for the week and two Sundays. For eleven years the Sunday school here has been making a gradual gain and this year promised to be about the greatest during these years. And then came the Flu and our attendance was down for about 5 Sun- days, which is cutting our average considerable. But to date we are still ahead and IF we can continue this until April, we will show a gain again. Some great gains have been made and some definite rededications of life have been experienced. It is indeed encouraging to a Pastor to see whole families begin to increase in their interest in the work and volunteer to assume places of leadership. A new young married peoples Sunday school Class has been started; also a Junior B.Y.C., called the Youth Cadets, meets with a very good attendance. Sunday there were 52 in the two youth groups; many, week by week, PAGE TWELVE remain for the evening Church services, singing in the Choir. It has helped to increase our evening attendance. The morning worship service has been making the great- est gains the past years and is now about equal with the Sunday School. Three new Deacons and Deaconesses were ordained re- cently. All three couples are worthy of the position the Church gave them and they are beginning to serve in an acceptable way. The Building Fund pledges are coming in nicely; the Building Committee is meeting monthly and making nice headway. We are anxiously looking forward to the day when we can dedicate a much needed addition to our ed- ucation unit. THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST Two youth have volunteered to conduct a nursery on Sunday Evenings. A Mother's room for small babies has also been organized during the morning Church services. This gives us three departments at this hour along with the good work the Junior Church is accomplishing. We covet the prayers of the denomination that we maj make some more commendable forward steps in this oui Anniversary Year. We are praying for some leadership, to take over a Youth and Junior Prayer Service or Thursday Evenings in connection with the Adult group We know we can almost treble our attendance when this volunteer leadership is found. L. V. King, Pastor. An Appreciation — EDWARD L. MILLER THE REV. EDWARD LEWIS MILLER, Pastor for more than three decades of the Maurertown Breth- ren Church, Maurertown, Virginia, was sti'icken with heart failure Friday morning, November 1, and died Saturday, November 2, at 6:15 P. M. He had been en- gaged in an Evangelistic meeting since October 21 with Dr. Joseph Shultz as the Evangelist. This series of spe- cial services Brother Miller seemed to be enjoying to the fullest extent. His illness was of brief duration. Assisting the undersigned in the funeral services were the following Brethren ministers: Dr. Joseph Shultz, Rev. N. Victor Leatherman, Rev. Freeman Ankrum, Rev. Guy F. Ludwig,* and Rev. Claude Stogsdill. A number of the clergy of other denominations were also present in the services, as were parishioners and friends from a wide area. Mr. John Rishel, a former classmate at Ashland College and a fellow member of the Board of Trustees of the college, was present with Mrs. Rishel. Brother Wal- ter Kocntz of Washington, D. C, who was associated with Brother Miller in his early days in the Brethren church in Philadelphia, was also present. The church was filled with the friends of the deceased. After announcing the text, II Timothy 4:7, 8, I read the following tribute before the sermon: "We are met to render praise to God for one of his most honorable, faithful and diligent servants — Edward Lewis Miller. "A gentleman, it has been said, is one who figures for good in the lives of others . . . one who puts more into life than he takes out of it. This gentleman was a useful and influential citizen. As when a giant tree of the forest falls it leaves a lonesome place against the sky, so we shall miss him, for* we have all lost a valuable friend. Many of us, like myself, could enumerate many ways in which he figured in our lives, and blessed us as the servant of God, and our sincere friend. "His abounding faith and optimism, his natural cheer fulness, made him a most comforting friend and admir- able companion. He was never one to retail his troubles to others. His custom was to spread the radiance oi God's joy. Whatever gloom and sorrow there was he kept these to himself. "He was a man of noble courage and very practical faith to the very end of his life. "He was marked for his devotion to his family and that larger family group . . . ever on his heart, the family of God — the church. "He backed all good causes with alert enthusiasm but he was quick to detect the falsities, the frauds, and any tinge of hypocrisy. "He had held the pastorate of this church for over thirty-three years which in point of tenure is a near record for our denomination. At the time of his passing, he was, I believe, the oldest active pastor engaged ex- clusively in pastoral work. But we shall never think of him as old, for in mind and spirit he remained young and vigorous. "I believe that God was very merciful to him in his passing. His journey through the Valley of the Shadow was brief. That brief passage to the light of the day that never fades, we are sure he did not make alone for realizing that his earthly journey was about to end, he commended his soul to the faithful redeemer he had served so faithfully and fell asleep. "Calmly, calmly lay him down: He hath fought a noble fight, He hath battled for the right, He hath won a fadeless crown. Memories, all too bright for tears, Crowd around us from the past: JANUARY 11, 1958 PAGE THIRTEEN He was faithful to the last, Faithful through long, toilsome years. All that makes for human good, Freedom, righteousness and truth, — These, the objects of his youth, Unto age he still pursued. Kind and gentle was his soul, Yet it had a glorious might: Clouded minds it filled with light, Wounded spirits it made whole. Calmly, calmly lay him down: He hath fought a noble fight, He hath battled for the right, He hath won the fadeless crown." The funeral sermon was on the subject: "The Nature of the Believer's Reward." The body was laid to rest in the family plot on the hill which overlooks the church. Dr. John F. Locke. MILLER. Rev. Edward Lewis Miller, pastor of the Maurertown Brethren Church, Maurertown, Vir- ginia, for 33 years, died in the Shenandoah County Memorial Hospital, Woodstock, November 2 at 6:30 p. m. He was nearly 77 years old. He had been admitted to the hospital Friday morning, suffering from a heart attack. About a year ago he suf- fered his first such attack, but recovered quickly, and returned to his pulpit. Rev. Mr. Miller had been conducting a revival in his church and taking an active part in the congregational singing. Though in failing health for a year, he kept up his; ministerial duties to the end. Rev. Mr. Miller accepted a call to become pastor of the Maurertown Brethren Church in October, 1924. Thus, he had been with this church for one month over 33 years. He had served prior1 pastorates in Nappanee, Ind., Uniontown, Pa., and Mansfield, Ohio. He was in great demand as an evangelist, and had preached in many states across the country. He stated some time prior to his death that he had received over 1,000 members into the church. Born at Tremont, Pa., on November 28, 1880, the de- ceased was a son of the late Lewis Henry and Margaret Ann Roberts Miller. He graduated from Tremont, Pa., High School in 1896, and worked in hard coal mines in his home community for 41/2 years. He then worked in the tube steel mills in Greenville, Pa., and in locomo- tive works in Baltimore for 5 years. He then entered Ashland, Ohio, College and Seminary, where he graduated in 1912. In addition to his ministerial and evangelistic duties, he also taught school at Savannah, Ohio, Academy, where he served as principal; and at Maurertown Grade School and on the Woodstock High School faculty. When week day Bible School teaching was done coop- eratively by the ministers of the county, Rev. Mr. Miller joined others in carrying this program. He also was in- terested in Boy Scout work, and in civic affairs of his community and the county. In church circles, he served on the Board of Trustees of Ashland College, his Alma Mater, for 25 years, and was president of its Board for four years. A few years ago he was made a life member of the Boards. He was affiliated with the National Sunday School Board of the Brethren Church, and its vice-president for 20 years. He taught the Alexander Mack Men's Bible Class since it was organized in Maurertown. Rev. Mr. Miller was married twice. He first married Miss Anna Galbraith, a native of Glasgow, Scotland, on August 3, 1910. She died November 14, 1930. To this union were born four daughters. All survive. They are Miss Margaret Ann Miller, Washington, D. C; Mrs. Lois M. Pilch, Chevy Chase, Md.; Mrs. Elenore M. Cole- man, Amherst, Wise; and Mrs. Dorothy M. Redmon, Falls Church. There are six grandchildx-en. Mr. Miller married again on May 7, 1936 to Miss Martha B. Schamel of St. James, Md. She died Novem- ber 30, 1953. One brother, John R. Miller, Philadelphia, Pa.; and a sister, Mrs. Gertrude Sunday, Duncannon, Pa., also sur- vive. Funeral services were conducted Tuesday afternoon, November 5 at two o'clock from the Maurertown Breth- ren Church. The Rev. John F. Locke, a son of that church, and a resident of the community, officiated. He was assisted by the Rev. Freeman Ankrum, and the Rev. Joseph Shultz. Burial was in Maurertown Cemetery. — from "Northern Virginia Daily, Strasburg, Va. <3c ^ Wt&itinty ^ttnxtmtzvm&xt ^c =<©a ROACH-CROOK. On Sunday, August 25, at 4:00 o'clock in the afternoon, Mr. Robert Roach and Miss Nancy Crook were united in marriage at the Altar in the First Brethren church in Flora, Indiana, with Rev. C. A. Stewart using the double ring ceremony. Mrs. Roach is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Crook of Flora and is a member of the First Brethren church. Mr. Roach, whose parents are deceased, is a member of the Methodist church in Delphi, Indiana. This beautiful ceremony was in the presence of two hundred and fifty guests. These young people are well known and highly respected in this community. The bride's father is a well known merchant in Flora. They are residing in Bloomington where Mr. Roach is in his senior year in Indiana University. C. A. Stewart. PAGE FOURTEEN THE BRETHREN EVANGELIS' TPrayer THeeting Studies by B. T. Cjilmer KEEP ME BUSY WATCHING ME It is easy to be critic Of my neighbor and his ways; To find fault with all his actions, When he works and when he plays, But I'm kept so very busy Guarding my own life, and so I have not the time to follow Everywhere that he might go. To be judge of other's actions MAKES ONE'S EGO SWELL with pride; Just to scrutinize their business — See the things they try to hide . . . — 0. Ray Burgess. THOUGH SAUL WAS A FOE to David, David sought to show the kingdom of God to the remnant of Saul's house (2 Sam. 9:1, 3). Galatians 5:19-21 tells about the lame feet of the human race. Romans 8:18 tells us that there is nothing in the natural heart of which to glory, but Colossians 1:27 tells us what is our "hope of glory." As David showed kindness "for Jonathan's sake," so we are to show tender kindness "for Christ's sake" (Eph. 4:32). David gave amnesty to Mephibosheth (2 Sam. 9:6-8), and made him "as one of the king's sons" (v. 11, 13; Eph. 1:6), and nobody made any unsavory remarks about his being "lame on both his feet" (Heb. 10:17). Let us remember what the good Lord has done for us (Isa. 53:6) and that it is our province to restore others with the spirit of meekness (not criticism) if we would be spiritual (Gal. 6:1, 2). It is when we have ourselves over-rated (Gal. 6:3) that we "speak evil one of another" (Jas. 4:11, 12). In this we do not practice the Golden Rule (Matt. 7:12). Slanderers or "tongue murderers" will be "cut off" (Psalm 101:5). Slanderers called Christ a gluttonous man and a winebibber (Matt. 11:19). He claimed to be the Truth but they crucified Him; men would rather practice lying than to worship Christ (Luke 23:2). The govern- ment of the tongue is the test of true religion (Jas. 1:26). Tongue control means self-control (Jas. 3:2). Truth springs from a good heart; falsehood and deceit from a corrupt heart (Prov. 10:11). Envy "delivered" Christ, which is not the only time the tongue has mur- dered its victims (Matt. 27:18; Jas. 3:14, 18). The tongues of busybodies, like the tails of Samson's foxes, destroy the fields ready for the harvest (Judges 15:4, 5; Jas. 3:5, 6). TALK HAPPINESS. The world is sad enough Without your woes. No path is wholly rough, Look for the places that are smooth and clear, And talk of them, to rest the weary ear Of earth, so hurt by one continuous strain Of human discontent and grief and pain. TALK FAITH. The world is better off Without your uttered ignorance and morbid doubt. If you have faith in God or man or self, Say so; if not, push back upon the shelf Of silence all your thoughts till faith can come. No one will grieve because your lips are dumb. TALK HEALTH. The dreary never ending tale Of mortal maladies is worn and stale. You can not charm or interest or please By harping on that minor chord — disease. Say you are well; or, all is well with you. God shall hear your words and make them true. — Author Unknown. Lesson for January 19, 1958 THE CHURCH IS A FELLOWSHIP Lesson: Acts 2:42,47, Romans 15:1-9 Examine a grove of trees, and you will notice that the trunks are straight, rugged, and spaced some distance apart. But as they ascend higher the branches come closer together, and still higher the twigs and branches interlace and form a beautiful canopy. Sometimes churches (and individuals) re- semble those trees: the trunks, near the earth, stand stiffly, rudely, apart; the more nearly toward heaven they ascend, the closer and closer they come togeth- er, until they form one beautiful canopy, as they are united in the loveliness of Christian fellowship and service. SOMEONE HAS SAID: "The Church, in its first day; . . . was not an organization at all, but a fellowship.' What was the basis of their fellowship ? IT WAS FELLOWSHIP BASED UPON A COM MON FAITH. "They then that received (Peter's) words were baptized. . . And all that believed were togeth er. . ." (Acts 2:41, 44). The Word of truth had beei preached at Pentecost, and many embraced it. If we examine the content of Peter's message we see imme diately that he preached the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. A common faith in th< atoning work of the Son of God on the cross bound the Early Church together. CHRIST was the focal point oi] their faith! IT WAS FELLOWSHIP BASED UPON COMMON CONCERN. "All that believed . . .had all things com-J men; and they sold their possessions and goods, anc parted them to all, according as any man had need" (2:-i 44-45). The First Century Christians realized that faitlJ in Jesus Christ necessitated a concern for others! ANUARY 11, 1958 PAGE FIFTEEN Paul, writing some 20 or 30 years later, taught this ame thing: "We then that are strong ought to bear the ifirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let veryone of us please his neighbor for his good to edi- cation" (Rom 15:1). The true Christian cannot sit idly by while his brother i Christ is in need! "But whoso hath this world's good, hd seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his owels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love t God in him?" (Uohn 3:17). ! IT WAS FELLOWSHIP BASED UPON COMMON PIRITUAL INTERESTS. 1. There was adherence to the Apostle's teaching — . 42. 2. They possessed the spirit of prayer and praise — s. 42, 47. 3. Daily they broke bread together — vs. 46. 4. They enjoyed daily fellowship in the temple — vs. 46. When Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome, he en- dned them to work in harmony one with another "that 3 may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even le Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" (15:6). Surely it as the purpose of the Early Church to glorify God! The Christian Fellowship enjoyed by the early Be- evers bore fruit. Because they possessed a common nith in the Lord Jesus Christ, manifested common con- ;rn for each other, and shared common spiritual inter- jits, "Every day the Lord continued to add to them the j:ople who were being saved" (Wms. — vs. 47). i If results are desired today the Divine Formula must p followed. When there is oneness of faith and purpose, iod is sure to bless the Church of Today even as He d the Church of Yesterday! MISSIONARY DEPARTMENT (Continued from Page 8) rings attached; a few individuals with fine gifts — and ■ on until most of those obligations were met. The Missionary Board does appreciate your response to is urgent appeal; your gifts have been a tremendous help. E course, more and more needs continue to arise each onth and each quarter — at an ever-increasing tempo, icause of rising prices and enlarging program — but 3 are so grateful for this evidence of your faith in the ission Board, in the missionary program, in the work- 's, and — above all — in the Lord in whose name the :>rk is done. These generous responses signify that you Brethren « more aware of our many commitments and of our isponsibility for them. In accordance with the policy of lis publication, we cannot make repeated appeals for ission giving on these pages, except at Thanksgiving lid Easter time; however, we shall continue to reveal you what we are attempting to do — you may take it om there. Your faith in the work of missions provides wings lereby we will reach with His message to the "end the world." ■T^'^r*rh^>^l*>1^"^ ^ <v^m^,*~wTw w * ^ ^ w w w ^<v ^■'- Sunday School Suggestions The Sunday School Board of The Brethren Church by Jerry Flora THE 1958 LESSONS THE BRETHREN CHURCH, in its Sunday school quarterlies, follows the International Uniform Les- son Series. This course of lessons goes through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation every six years. These lessons are laid out by a committee of seventy people representing thirty different denominations. The committee outlines the larger lesson, the printed text, the devotional reading, the age-group topics, and the golden text. Then our own Brethren Publishing Company uses this material to prepare the Sunday school quar- terlies. The present lesson cycle began in 1957 and will end in 1962. In this six-year period the entire Bible will be presented in some manner. Here are the subjects for this present cycle of Sunday school lessons: January-March, 1957: The Gospel of Matthew; April- June: Studies in Genesis; July-September: Personalities of the Old Testament; October- December: Letters of Paul (I Corinthians, Philippians, Philemon). January-March, 1958: New Testament Teachings about the Church; April- June: Early Hebrew History; July- September: Principles of Social Justice. October, 1958-March, 1959: The Life of Jesus Christ (Matthew, Mark, Luke); April- June: The Kingdom (United and Divided); July-September: Old Testament Book Studies. October, 1959-March, 1960: The Acts of the Apostles; April-June: Sermon on the Mount and Parables; July- September: Century of Great Prophets (eighth century, B.C.); October-December: Passages of Spiritual Power. January-March, 1961: The Gospel of John; April-June: Biblical Wisdom and Ethical Problems; July-September: Personalities of the New Testament; October- December: Christian Growth. January-March, 1962: Jesus and the Ten Command- ments; April-June: Letters of Faith, Counsel, and Cour- age; July-September: Later Hebrew History and Proph- ets; October-December: Basic Christian Beliefs. In January, 1963, a new six-year cycle will begin which will start again through the Bible, covering the same ground in a different way. By using a comprehensive lesson commentary (Peloubet's Select Notes is the most comprehensive) and saving it from year to year, a Sun- day school teacher will soon have a valuable reference library on the entire Bible. It has been said that if a Sunday school teacher would study every lesson thoroughly, he would in time have the equivalent of a seminary education. Why not resolve that in this year 1958 you will spend no less than two hours every week preparing the Sunday school lesson? It is the most practical Bible study method the average person can use. PAGE SIXTEEN MY DIARY Mrs. George Drushal Oct. 12 — Sat. Arrived at Lost Creek fifty-two years ago today. We found a man at Jackson who brought us up in a jolt wagon with two mules. On the way up we kept watching the wagon wheels to see if they would slip over the road into the creek, we were so close. Dr. E. 0. Guerrant, who had sent us here had told us to enquire for Uncle Walter and Aunt Maggie Strong. They did not know we were coming and were surprised to see us. Found a little two-room cabin with a fire place and two old school desks in it. It had been empty for some time. Aunt Maggie said they had been saving it for a preacher if ever one came. The bed we had sent from home at Fort Scott and the two chairs and little cook stove we had ordered from Montgomery Ward & Company, had not arrived, so Aunt Maggie gave us a room in her comfortable house. The hills on every side seemed to smother us, but we were happy as could be. We had just been married a month and everything was new and thrilling. But back to 1957. Annual church meeting this after- noon. We have only been taking up two special offer- ings each year, one at Christmas and one at Thanks- giving. Decided to take up one more this year, that for the Youth Work. The Youth will have charge of one service during the year. Appointed Ina Boling Nobel to see that flowers be given for any funeral of a member of the church. Had election of officers and a few other smaller items of business. Very pleasant meeting. Oct. 13 — Sun. Fifty-two years ago today (it was Sat- urday then), Papa was looking around and found a nice lot of walnut lumber stacked in a shed on our little lot. Folks said he could use all of it if he wanted it. It was a beautiful October day with the hills gorgeous, as they are today. Back to 1957. Got a telephone call from Columbus, Ohio, from some one (did not get their name) who said they were coming down to see us. Be here around 8:00 o'clock. Mr. and Mrs. Holeman here tonight and gave a puppet program. Good Christian message. Papa and I home from Haddix to get part of it. Had a Promotion Day program here this morning. Oct. 14 — Mon. In 1905 (this was Sunday) had our first Sunday School and church service in the little school house on the opposite side of the creek from where we are now. The house was full. After dinner, we climbed the highest hill just for a hike. Decided when I got down that would be the last time I would ever climb a hill just for fun. We were covered with cockleburs and scratched with briars. Back to 1957. No one has arrived yet from Columbus, Ohio. Mr. Holeman gave his puppet program in chapel. Good message. Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Whittle from Goshen, Indiana, arrived with a truck load of things for the school. We persuaded them to eat dinner with us. Others from Goshen stopped in for a little while enroute to Krypton. Glad to see all of them but especially glad THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST to see Mrs. Maud Webb and Mrs. Baugher who once helped with the work here. This car-load had gotten separated from others going to Krypton, who had started with them, and were uneasy and restless because the others did not know where they were and they knew, as did we, that it was not wise for them to try to reach that hard-to-find place after dark, none of them having been there before. Papa saids the best way to get things straightened out, was to pray. So he asked the Lord to put it into the minds of the others to phone here and see if they were here. The Lord answered better thaw we asked, for soon, in rolled the other cars, looking foi them. Oct. 15 — Tues. Up early so we could get started tc Lexington early. Had a couple reasons for going. Paps wanted to see if he could find a circulating heater large! enough to heat the chapel of the Log House. The furnacej only heats the lower school rooms. Then we had senl word to a patient at the Veteran's Hospital that W would try to get down to see him on this visiting day| We visited him longer than we had intended, he was sc appreciative of our coming. Another man, visiting Hos- pital, also stopped to talk with us. When he found ,oui Papa was a preacher, he sat down saying he had beer wanting to talk to a preacher. He had a number of quesj tions to ask, then said why he was wanting to talk t(| a preacher. When in the Service, he had a clear call t(| the ministry and spoke to his chaplain about it. Th<| chaplain told him to forget it as he had no preparation} So he drifted back in the world. Papa talked with him ; long time. When we got home, were pleased to see somq of our Goshen friends here, who had been to Krypton Columbus folks haven't arrived. Wish we knew wh called. Oct. 16 — Wed. Some of the Goshen folks down fron Krypton. Brother Spencer Gentle was one of them ani he gave a fine chapel message. The students all like thes* special speakers for the morning devotions. The rest o us like them as well as students. Oct. 17 — Thurs. Got in a lot of potatoes and swee potatoes and some cash, in exchange for clothing at thi Sale today. Will also get quite a lot of work done in ex change for things. Seniors planning for their "Sneak tomorrow. One senior told her sister who was in th grade room, sister told others and now the whole thinj is out. Oct. 18 — Fri. The seniors had their "Sneak" but dii not try to get off early as they generally do, since their secret was out. Went to Harrodsburg, and then aroun! to several places of historical interest in the State. Misi Hooks is looking after the girls in the dormitory. Ba game with Oakdale. We beat them 11 to 3. Ada Lu ani Linda Carol are staying here in our home with tl while Adah is away. Papa helped mel dig up and pot th flowers. Can hardly find room for them in the house. Oct. 19 — Sat. Miss Davis' sister and her husband hei' tonight from Danville, Ohio. Papa to visit a man who hsf been attending church lately. He accepted Christ an| wants to be baptized tomorrow. Called on a young mat! who accepted Christ some time ago, but had never bee baptized. He too wants this rite tomorrow. Seniors hon: from their Sneak. Had a great time. They brought hon to us a lovely picture to hang above our fireplace. A.NUARY 11, 1958 PAGE SEVENTEEN Oct. 20 — Sun. One hundred and twenty-four out to . S. this morning. More than we have had for some me except for some special service. Had baptismal ser- ice after church. Small attendance at Rowdy; so much ckness. Made some sick calls up there after church. /entj to the home of one little girl who has been trying > have a perfect attendance, but who is sick. Had a S. class in her home with her. Her parents, sisters, nd the children with us, made up the class. We sang, ad prayer, heard her say her memory verse, then went rer the day's lesson with her, thus giving her 100% >r the day. Oct. 21 — Mon. Some lengthy discussions at Faculty leeting. Hardest to decide was what to do with two iris who have been smoking. Decided to give them two jeek's absence and if they continue it after their return ley will be given a permanent leave of absence. Oct. 22 — Tues. Harold Barnett and Harry Cable here ■om Johnstown, Pa., with a load of things for the school. lid not stay long, but Harold thought he might be ick after a visit with his mother. Papa had to go to ickson and I started to go along part way and visit sick woman till he got back, but happened to think arold might come up while we were gone, so I stayed 5me. Harold didn't come but I was so glad I stayed, r Herbert Pittman who was in school here in 1938 d 1939 came to see us from Michigan. I noticed him •iving slowly over the campus, then over to where the |d home stood, stopping a few minutes, then slowly driv- g away from the campus. Thought he might be looking r some of us, so stepped to the door. He saw me and imped from the car. With our old home gone, he lought we might be gone too. He spent the afternoon lith us and Papa got back in time to visit with him. |ur church records were lost in the fire and he gave us e date of his baptism. We are slowly collecting those cords. Had a special Faculty meeting tonight after r Tuesday prayermeeting. Decided students of each |>rmitory would have their study Hall in their own aiding. (Oct. 23 — Wed. Papa stopped prayer meeting tonight, feht in the midst of my prayer, to call down two girls to were whispering and laughing. It surely did quiet ;ings even though it startled me. It was just the thing I do. After he had quieted them, he said to me "Now you ty pray." Called on Martha Mcintosh through a hard lin. They had just taken her to a Hospital at Lexing- |n. School children are beginning to come down with the u. [Oct. 24 — Thurs. Big crowd out to Sale, but only got i| a few potatoes and few cans of fruit. Will get some |>rk done for a few things. Papa sent a Bible to a pa- Hnt at the Veteran's Hospital, and a Testament to a lin he met there not long ago, and who had none. He Id wanted a whole Bible, but we had no more, so sent '[stament till we could order more Bibles. jjOct. 25 — Fril Turning cold. Picked all the lettuce be- e it froze. Did not rest well last night, felt that robbing in my veins and arteries, so slept too late this >rning. Was interrupted before I got my bed made and was time for chapel before I knew it. When I got ck from chapel, I forgot I hadn't made bed, nor gath- ;d up the clothes I had spread out to dry in the guest )m. It was so rainy, things wouldn't dry out of doors, yesterday. I cleaned up the living room; then to the typewriter to thank folks for their gifts. Soon, I noticed the grade children all going up toward the chapel at the Log House where High school folks were giving a pro- gram. Reminded Papa and we went up. Dinner time when we got back and I had nothing prepared, but found a few leftovers in refrigerator. Had not finished dinner when one of the teachers called for me to go over to the Sale room to get some costumes for the party tonight. I had promised her to help dress up some of the children. I had to hurry for she was due up at High school right away, so let the dinner dishes stand until I got back for she couldn't wait. As I came back, Papa called for me to come and help bal- ance the garage door he was trying to put up. He wanted to be able to close the garage tonight, for even though it is not Hallowe'en, it is the night for our social and that is the night for pranksters. Was helping hold up the door for him to fix the hinges, when an Indiana car drove in. We were pleased to see Mrs. H. E. Eppley and her daughter, Mrs. Mauzy and her son. They had some things for Riverside. We had not heard before of Broth- er Eppley's death. It was her first visit to Riverside. We showed her through our new home. First to the kitchen. There were the unwashed dinner dishes. Then to our bedroom, bed unmade. Had left the room in such a hurry, had forgotten I had not made it. Then to the room where Papa studies but which we have come to use as a store room, since we have no other place to store things. Boxes and things stacked everywhere except a little space for Papa's desk and a few books. Then to our Guest room where was spread wet clothes, yesterday's wash, all over everything. Then to the room where a couple children had slept while Adah was away, and I had not had time to change the bedlinen or straighten up the room. So here I was, showing Mrs. Eppley our home. But they did not care if beds were made, dishes unwashed and my conscience was clear. Just one of those days when things do not go as we plan. But we did enjoy our guests and wished they had stayed longer. Just as they were leaving, Miss Stoffer came up from Haddix. We are always glad to see her, even though we see her every Sunday night, but we never get to visit then. We hadn't got talked out when she had to leave on the school bus. It was near time for the mail to go out, so knowing bed and dishes would wait for me, I wrote some thank you letters. The day is done. Papa got the garage door fixed (gradually getting garage finished. Got windows to put in yet.) Altogether, it has been a very pleasant day. Have gotten everything done which really needed to be done, even though not in the order planned. When I stand before the Judgment Seat to give account of this day, I am sure the Lord will not ask me if my bed got made or when I got the dinner dishes washed. The in- terruption of guests is always welcome and a pleasure and time for the relaxing we need. We like the inter- ruptions of the children too. We'd miss that. Enjoy the telephone calls too. Adah stayed up late tonight for the late bus, looking for Irene Kauffman, of Dayton, who wrote she would be here, but she did not come. Dr. Allen up from Jackson to see one of our little girls who has pneumonia. PAGE EIGHTEEN NEWS FROM BRETHREN YOUTH Phi! Lersch, Youth Director THE AMBASSADOR'S MAILBAG Dear Young Friends in America: We like to thank you for your kind letter which you sent after your departure from Germany. We are glad to know that you have returned safely and also that you have seen much of the continent as well as establish relations between evangelical churches in our country. We often think of you and our memories of your visit are very pleasant ones though you were here only for a short time. Meanwhile the time of Christmas is drawing near and we, as well as you, are about to start a new church-year. We pray to God that He may grant us the peace that we all hope for and that the words in Luke 2:14 may be fulfilled: "Glory to God in the highest, peace on earth and good will to men." We extend our wishes for a successful school year and wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Yours, Pastor Roesner (Pastor Roesner is the pastor of a Lutheran Church near Neumunster, Germany, where the Ambassador Quartet sang last summer). SR. N.E.O. RALLY AT CANTON JANUARY 19, 1957 Registration 2:30 Program begins 3:00 Cost of banquet $1.00 Evening Program 7:00 Speaker — Rev. Kenneth Hulit CANTON, OHIO This is a rally all young people in Northeastern Ohio shouldn't miss. Rev. Hulit is an excellent speaker. Pas- tor Keplinger is good at planning rallies. You will want to be an anxious attender. See you there ? BRETHREN COLLEGE DAYS February 28 — March 2 Last year was the first time BRETHREN COLLEGE DAYS was ever held on our Ashland College Campus. It proved to be a grand success for everyone — both those who planned and those who attended. Entrance requirements are discussed, buildings are in- spected, costs are explained, parties are enjoyed and everyone has a good time during this three-day spe- cialty. BRETHREN COLLEGE DAYS is planned for all of our high school juniors and seniors who will come to A.C. for this week-end. Ask your pastor for the details or write Rev. Virgil Meyer or Rev. Phil Lersch at Ash- land College. THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST NON-ALCOHOLIC COCKTAILS FOR KING OF MOROCCO The cocktail party, long a traditional link between national politics and Washington society, occasionally defers to the religious beliefs of a visiting celebrity. A recent example was the round of entertainment in honor of Mohammed V King of Morocco, whose religion is Islam (Mohammedan). A story in the Washington Post's society pages, de- scribing one reception attended by 1700 guests, contained these two revealing paragraphs: "Guests stopped at the half-dozen bars stationed around the ballroom, got a shock when they found only orange juice, tomato juice and a rosy-pink fruit punch! "Do you notice how quiet we all are? someone said, thinking perhaps of the din usually created at cocktail, parties. The religious beliefs of the Moroccans prohibit! the serving or drinking of alcoholic beverages." (Andj here we sit! — Ed.) (from "Concern") HANDBOOK— SUPPLEMENT II In early December the second supplement was mailed) to the Brethren Youth HANDBOOK. This HANDBOOK,; full of ideas for every phase of your B. Y. work, is] sent to pastors and youth advisors. If you are interested in knowing more of the contents, ask one of these peo- ple in your church. BILLY BOOTH is editor of publica- tions— it has to be top-notch. Brethren Youth heartily thanks Sharon Fells, Dianna Gerwig, Carolyn Sweet, and Mary Sweet from the Garbei Memorial Church and Darlene Myers of Ashland College for assisting our youth office in assembling and mailing! this second Supplement. . . J SUBSCRIPTION DATA JANUARY AND FEBRUARY ARE SUBSCRIPTION MONTHS for the "Brethren Youth Magazine." Special folders and letters of information have been mailed to al| subscription chairmen or pastors. We now have 629 subscribers, but that is still no] enough to pay for the magazine. If someone approache: you on this matter, cooperate! Better yet, mail your dol lar to Brethren Youth, Ashland College, Ashland, Ohii and we'll send you the latest issue pronto! CHEERY REPORT South Bend, Indiana "We had 55 at our Senior and Junior B. Y. Crusader December 8th. We have averaged over 40 for the las four months. Our young people are selling cookies . . they have sold over 189 boxes. . .this money will b used for next year's project." This report by Pastor J D. Hamel sounds real good. Keep up the good wort South Bend. Do we have other reports of progress? IT'S NEW, NEW, NEW, NEW!!! I'm talking about the NEW "Brethren Youth Maga zine" for January-February. The NEWEST feature wi be the size — that's right, a new SIZE. In addition ther will be new feature headings and new items of interes for you all. JANUARY 11. 1958 PAGE NINETEEN ^The ^/omens fdomer. ■"OS* vq&> e/Q€^ by Helen Jordan ANOTHER YEAR has passed and we are already entered upon the new. Gravely we tore the last page | from the calendar and began with one that was fresh and new. Our books were all balanced. We began new records for a new year. We felt, too, that New Year's Day was the time to get a fresh start in life. It was the time for us to forget our mistakes and failures of the past, — the things which we hoped to do but had left undone. We hope you began this new year in the name of Jesus Christ. His name is a practical, wonder-working, all-encompassing power. He has promised, "If ye ask anything in my name, that will I do." When in your consciousness you ask in the name of Jesus Christ, you accept your identity with omnipotent Being; you keep before you the shining ideal of the Christ perfection and the knowledge that you can exercise the same power that Jesus demonstrated. When you focus your attention and effort on the ex- pression of your Christ self, you are divinely guided in the way of wisdom and plenty; you are inspired with constructive ideas and a deep appreciation of life's val- ues; you are aware of the ever-present protection of Spirit. Make this year truly a Jesus Christ year, and the Master will become such a friend that all the future years of your life will be blessed by the joy of His presence. H.M.J. ffiatfc in He gt CRIPE. Mrs. Grace Cripe died August 16, 1957. United with the North Manchester Brethren Church in March of 1907 and remained a faithful member of the church as long as her health permitted. Remaining are her husband, Sylvan, also a fifty year member of the North Manchester Church, and a daughter. Services conducted by her pastor, the undersigned. Henry Bates. Seventieth General Conference of the Brethren Church August 18-24, 1958 Ashland, Ohio CARRSE M. STOPFER, Missionary fo Haddix, Kentucky STOFFER. Carrie M. Stoffer passed into the presence of her Lord on December 20, 1957. She was a faithful member of the North Georgetown Brethren Church be- fore she removed her letter to the church at Lost Creek, Kentucky. While in North Georgetown she taught in many of the local schools in this area. She lived most of the last twenty-four years in Kentucky at Lost Creek and Haddix where she continued teaching. She was very active in the church at Lost Creek. Funeral services were held at Lost Creek on Saturday and at North Georgetown on Monday. Surviving her are five brothers and one sister. Burial was in the North Georgetown Cem- etery. The pastor was in charge of the services at North Georgetown. Donald E. Rowser, Pastor. CHURCH METHODS Department by Rev. H. Francis Berkshire JANUARY CHURCH CALENDAR January 5-12: Universal Week of Prayer. January 19: Missionary Day (Have you tried to use a filmstrip during the opening service of the Sunday School ? With normal conditions, a beaded screen will produce a good picture during daylight.) January 26 to February 2: Youth Week. HOW ABOUT YOUR OFFERINGS? PUBLICATION DAY OFFERING Give through your local Church, or if this is not pos- sible, note the following information. Church Treasurers, also please note: Make checks payable to The Brethren Publishing Com pany, and address The Brethren Publishing Company, 524 College Avenue, Ashland. Ohio. Brethren Historical library Manchester College' Ne Manchester j Ind„ PAGE TWENTY THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST Worship Books for Primaries cincS Juniors PRIMARIES AT WORSHIP Primary leaders will welcome this brand-new book of 52 assembly programs which have been prepared and actually used in Primary worship services. Every program emphasizes a Bible truth and is presented by correlating songs and Scriptures, by visual-aid meth- ods such as chalk talks, flannelgraph lessons, object lessons, and finger puppets. There are two complete shadow puppet shows — Christmas and Easter — in the back of the book. Some program titles are: Following Jesus, God Forgives Us, All Things Possible, Prayer Is the Key, God's Beautiful Colors, etc. Ideal for the Pri- mary Department, the Primary church, and V. B. S., as well as weekday and Sunday evening classes. No. 3100 $2.00 52 PRIMARY WORSHIP PROGRAMS By Idalee Wolf Vonk. Each program includes an object lesson, a Bible story, and a modern story. Different theme each month, with missionary studies to be used on fifth Sundays. Beautifully written calls to worship and offertory prayers. May be used for weekday or Sunday-night course, or for vacation Bible school. 286 pages. No. 2871 $2.95 A YEAR OF JUNIOR PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES Presenting a book of 52 pupil participation type of programs plus handwork, quizzes, playlets and stories sure to make a hit with this effervescent group. Programs are keyed for the month in which they will be presented. For example, some September program titles are: School Days Program, Campfire Program. For Decem- ber: A Great Feast, Let's Make Christmas Gifts, Christmas Carols, Jesus Is Born, and Let's Look at Ourselves. The size is 8% x 11 inches and each book is perforated so program material may be easily distributed. Suggested illustrations for posters or other pub- licity aids are included. No. 3371 — $2.95 GROWING IN STATURE By Idalee Wolf Vonk. 52 Junior worship pro- grams, each with an object lesson and story. Les- son themes are based on Luke 2 : 52, with each pro- gram developing one character quality in which boys and girls should "grow" each day. Numerous playlets, poems, and four special-day programs included. 256 pages. No. 2913 .Price, $2.50 JUNIOR WORSHIP. By Ada Rose Demerest. Fifty-two worship programs, each about twenty minutes long and complete in itself. 240 pages. No. 2981 Price, $2.25 TEACHING THROUGH WORSHIP. By Ann Morgan. Forty-nine programs that teach the fundamental truths of God's Word. 154 pages. No. 3233 Price, $1.75 Order from The Brethren Publishing Company 524 College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio s-*s J '* ' §P*?* EVANGELISM Official Organ of Uhe brethren Church #E^y ^CH Story begins on Page Eight Vol. LXXX January 18, 1958 No. 3 Proclaiming the WHOLE GOSPEL, for the WHOLE WORLD PAGE TWO Items of general Interest _.. / CAMERON, W. VA. Brother Cecil Bolton, Jr., notes that Rev. J. W. Board was the speaker at their New Year's Eve Watch Night Service. ASHLAND, OHIO (GARBER MEMORIAL). Brother Robert Holsinger was the special speaker in the Garber Memorial church on December 15th. Brother Holsinger formerly served in the Garber Church while a student at Ashland College and Seminary. SMITHVILLE, OHIO. The building up of a Church Library is now in process at the Smithville church. The Laymen have built the shelves, and members are being asked to contribute books; members are also being en- couraged to use the reading materials now available to them. BELLEFONTAINE, OHIO (GRETNA). Improvements continue at the Gretna church. Action was recently taken to purchase a folding door to divide the large Sunday school room in the primary department which will add a nursery department for children under three years of age. The addition of storm windows, cold air returns and an electric heater for the basement class room has added comfort to the young adult Sunday school room. FLORA, INDIANA. Brother C. A. Stewart was the Week of Prayer speaker on Tuesday evening, January 7th. The service was held in the Methodist Episcopal church of Flora. SOUTH BEND, INDIANA. Brother J. D. Hamel is the scheduled guest speaker on both radio and television sta- tions, WNDU and WNDU-TV, of the University of Notre Dame, the week of January 13th through 18th. The radio program is broadcast each morning, and the television program each afternoon. (Ed. Note: We are sorry the notice just missed last week's issue deadline, in arriv- ing at our office, for we know that other Indiana Breth- ren would have liked to have known about these appear- ances, and to have tuned in.) The South Bend bulletin lists the service of Ordination of Deacons and Deaconesses for January 5th. Brother Hamel also made guest appearances at Good Will Industries as speaker on December 18th and 24th. HUNTINGTON, INDIANA. Brother Claud Studebaker reports the baptism and reception of ten new members recently. THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST BURLINGTON, INDIANA. Brother Floyd Sibert writes: "December nineteenth was a day for rejoicing in the Burlington Brethren church when a family of six was baptized and received into the membership of the church. It is not often that we see a whole family step- ping out with the Lord into church membership. Two others who are not members of this family are awaiting baptism. "The Burlington Brethren united in a most impressive and worshipful Holy Communion service December sec ond. "A Christmas Program and Party was given for the Burlington Brethren Sunday School December 15 at 7:00 o'clock. The program was most interesting and appropri- ate for the season. The music and speaking were excep-j tionally good. The auditorium was well filled." MILLEDGEVILLE, ILLINOIS. Jim Rowsey, son of Pastor and Mrs. H. H. Rowsey, and ministerial student at Ashland, was the morning speaker in his home church on December 29th. i The Junior Choir of the Milledgeville church wore their new robes at their Sunday morning appearance in the Church Service on December 22nd. The Junior Choir sings regularly in the worship service on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. LANARK, ILLINOIS. Baptismal services were sched- uled for the evening of January 5th. TUCSON, ARIZONA. Brother Vernon D. Grisso notei in his bulletin: "Our church was well filled for all oi our special Christmas Services." Brother Grisso notes also that they were unable to hold their open house at the parsonage as announced in lasl week's Evangelist, due to the illness of Sister Grisso, who was suffering from the Flu at the time. INDIANA YOUTH— PLEASE NOTE Tlie Southern Indiana District Brethren Youtli will meet Saturday evening, February 1st in th< North Manchester Brethren Church. The meeting begins at 6 o'clock CST witl a sack supper (drink to be furnished) ; business meeting- at 7 o'clock. The group will attend th< Ashland-Manchester Basketball game; free tick ets will be distributed during the business meet ing. Rev. G. B. Hanna, adult advisor. THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST Published weekly, except the fourth week in July and the last week in December. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION: $2.00 per year in advance except 100% Churches. $1.50 per year per subscription. Entered as second class matter at Ashland, Ohio. Accepted for mailing at special rate section 1103. Act of October 3, 1917. Authorized September 3, 1928. THE BRETHREN PUBLISHING COMPANY, Ashland. Ohio, Phone: 3727 PRUDENTIAL COMMITTEE: J. E. Stookey, President, H. E. Weidenhamer, Vice-Pres.; Rev. Robert Hoffman, Sec'y-Treas EDITOR OF PUBLICATIONS— Rev. W. St. Clair Benshoff CONTRIBUTING EDITORS DEPARTMENT EDITORS Rev. William H. Anderson Rev. L. O. McCartneysmith, Brethren Doctrine Rev. C. Y. Gilmer Rev. Dyoll Belote Rev. John Byler Rev. Freeman Ankrum, Church History Rev. H. Francis Berkshire, Church Methods Rev. Woodrow B. Brant, Brethren Beliefs Rev. J. D. Hamel, Evangelism CHANGE OF ADDRESS: In ordering change of address, always give both old and new addresses. REMITTANCES: Send all money, business communications, and contributed articles to: THE BRETHREN PUBLISHING COMPANY, ASHLAND. OHIO. JANUARY 18, 1968 PAGE THREK ;• *j* *r**r* t**j**4* *J* *I* "I* *t* *i* "j" *J* *r* *i* *l**f* *I* *I* 77? e Editor's Pulpit -j^*|^*l-* »x**^I* *~l* ^I*^!1* *l**^* ^* "I**!***!**!* *!** *H*I**^* *^* *I**I" *I* *^P* *I* *I* *^* *1* *I* *I* *** *I**'I* *!* ^1" ^1* *I* *I* ^1* *I"**I^ ^**f* *I**I* *^I* ^ ^I~**I**I^ *•!* -I* *•!* *!•* *I~* *•!* ^1"* *!** *^* *I* *•!• *|* *!•* *|* *!•* *I^ * Second Unnual Gross e oun try Gonf onrerence THE SUCCESS of the 1957 Cross Country Con- ference has prompted the sponsoring body, the National Ministerial Association of the Breth- -en Church, to arrange for another one this year. Last year's Conference, held in the middle )f January throughout our churches, proved val- uable and challenging. The subject of Steward- ship was well covered and advancement was made. The 1958 Cross Country Conference, which is icheduled for the week of February 2nd to 9th, s on the subject of Missions. The specific Theme »s, "Knowing our Mission Program." Elsewhere n this Evangelist appears the suggested pro- gram as furnished by the Committee. The success of this program in your local lurch will not be in what the Committee does from here on out. The program has been pre- pared, suggestions made and materials furnished. What happens now is what you do in your own i&urch. Here is a Conference which calls for the very best effort on the part of pastors and all local church leaders. The subject, "Missions," is big. Our Mission Program is big and is steadily advancing, throttled only by the measure of sup- port given by the Brethren. It is our prayer that each local church will devote the necessary time for the preparation, advertising and promoting this Conference on the local level. Through this great, united effort, the entire Mission Program of the Brethren Church will be aided. More than that, though, is what this Conference can and will do to your own church. As a broader understanding of this phase of our Church work is realized, there will be more devotion to it, and the local church will also be blessed. So, let's have a first-rate Cross Country Con- ference in each local church. The results and blessings will multiply as did the loaves and fishes in the hands of our Lord. W. S. B. <3< The Seal of the "Brethren >e> AT THE 1957 General Conference, the Dele- <*■ gates approved the design of the seal which is pictured on our frontis this week. The design s explained in articles on other pages of this Evangelist. This design, which will soon become familiar to all Brethren, is the work of the In- signia Committee, a sub-committee of the Cen- tral Planning and Co-Ordinating Committee of General Conference. We urge a careful study of the design, along with the explanatory articles on the meaning of each item on the seal. Each symbol appearing on the seal means something in a very special way to Brethren. It is hoped that the adoption and use of this seal as prescribed, will help to give strength and unity in purpose to the over all work of the Brethren Church in its great out- reach program of Gospel Witnessing. Let us take up with renewed strength the command of our Lord to "Go Ye." W. S. B. Make Church attendance a regular habit in your life. PAGE FOUR THE BRETH-REN EVANGELIST W»|—|«a 1— t— l— |**t— 1**4— j" *i* *1* *I**I**I" H EVANGELISM j.^^H.^^^HHH*^»H-«H i**i**j**4*%**3 WttT| by Rev. J. D. Hame/ PHILIP The EVANGELIST A man who obeyed God, and was useful to Him. THE KEYNOTE IN EVANGELISM is personal effort. Every Christian should be an evangelist. Many times we have left all to the preacher and evangelist, but they can reach but few. The evangelistic problem will be solved when we can wake every Christian to the white heat of soul-winning. IN THE EARLY CHURCH EVERY MEMBER WAS AN EVANGELIST. Gibbon gave as the reason for the rapid increase of Christianity, "that as soon as a man was converted he ran to tell the news to his neighbor." John records how Andrew found his brother Peter and brought him to Jesus. Our Master told the healed de- moniac to go back to his own home and tell his friends what great things the Lord had done for him. The whole purport of the New Testament Scriptures is to convert the whole world to Christ by the saving of the individ- uals through the appointed means of grace. THE CHURCH THAT HAS THE BEST PROSPECTS FOR FUTURE USEFULNESS, IS THE SOUL-WIN- NTNG CHURCH. Hundreds of churches have been blotted out of existence because they forgot their heavenly mis- sion. The churches at Thyatyra, Corinth and Laodicea were long ago blotted out because they ceased to save souls. As long as the church is engaged in the business of soul winning, it will continue to live for the glory of God. In the first century church the disciples went everywhere preaching the Word. PHILIP RAN TO TELL THE GOOD TIDINGS. Philip was an evangelist, being called to that office by the Holy Spirit of God. Though He was elected by the church as a deacon, yet the Holy Spirit later called him to be an evangelist, carrying the good news of the glor- ious message of salvation to those who had not heard. Luke records Philip as such in the latter part of the book of Acts: "And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we en- tered into the house of PHILIP THE EVANGELIST, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. And the same had four daughters, virgins, which did prophe- sy" (Acts 21:8, 9). JANUARY 18, 1058 I. HIS PERSONAL CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP The Lord Jesus called Philip to be one of His follow- ers, and he not only followed the Lord, but he was com- manded to bring men to Christ. In John 1:43 we read, "The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me." John 1:45 throws a signal light upon the spirit of this man. No sooner had he himself accepted the Lordship of Christ, than he became an active apostle of the faith. The record is, "Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto trim, We have found Him, of whom Moses in the Law, and the Prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph" (John 1:45). Blessed is the new convert who immediately feels it his duty and opportunity to bring some one else to the Saviour. Who can more faithfully and joyfully tell of the glories of salvation than he who has just been saved from the clutches of Satan ? The early church seems to have been blessed with just such willing evangels. Per- sonal work will win the victory. Jesus was a personal worker. He preached some of his most moving sermons to an audience of one. The individual must reach the in- dividual. It must be a face to-face heart talk. A Chris- tian who has never brought one person to Christ should be ashamed of his religious warfare, yet scores in the church have never won a person to Christ; and, what is still sadder, thousands have never tried to win one for Jesus, This indiffei-ence is the shame of the church. When the church was later scattered abroad they went everywhere preaching the Word. Thank God that zeal and passion are not completely lost in the Brethren Church. Much of our personal soul winning today is not only done by the Seminary graduates, but it is done by "babes in Christ" who cannot but speak about the things of their new-found joy and salvation to others. II. PHILIP THE DEACON This layman and personal worker soon had the office of a deacon, being the second in order, chosen and elected by the early church. "And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Procho- rus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, 1 proselyte of Antioch" (Acts 6:5). This is the original diaconate, the first Board of Deacons the world ever saw in the first Church, the world ever knew. Note that Philip is the second man named in the list. There was but one who received a larger vote and that was Stephen, the courageous saint who shall become the first martyr of the church of God. We have not the least doubt that this order of Scrip- ture is another evidence of the verbal inspiration of the Book. These men are put in order of their value — Stephen first and Philip second. What else could the Church do but elect Stephen and Philip? A church that would have failed to exalt such laymen to office would have proven itself derelict, despi ritualized. There are some men who are forever trying to get into office. They love power and crave prominence and covet honors. They are seldom fit even for membership, much less for office administration. There are other men who cannot keep out of office. Their course and con- duct in life is such that their brethren demand it of them, and whether they will or not, select them and set PAGE FIVE them aside for the same. Philip belonged to that com- pany. In other words, when the conditions of becoming a deacon were determined — the man of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom — Philip measured up and the membership of the whole First Church in Jerusalem said with unanimity of speech, "That is the man. Make a deacon of him." III. PHILIP THE EVANGELIST Even though the church chose Philip for the office of a deacon, the Holy Ghost had a more important mission for him to fulfill. Saul was making havoc of the church. Many were scattered abroad. "Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them." (Acts 8:5). AS AN EVANGELIST HE WAS FAITHFUL Philip was faithful in always being obedient to the Lord's call. One day the Lord said to him, "Follow me," and before another twenty-four hours had ended, Philip had brought Nathanael to Christ. When the Spirit bade him go to Samaria, he was quick to obey. And when he was ordered to leave Samaria and go to Gaza, the word tells us that "he arose and went" (Acts 8:27). Philip was faithful in always presenting the message of the saving Gospel of Christ. When speaking to Na- thanael, he said, "We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Naza- reth" (John 1:45). When he went to Samaina to preach, the Bible declares that he "preached Christ unto them" (Acts 8:5). When the Ethiopian Eunuch inquired of Philip about whom the Prophet was speaking, then "Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scrip- ture, and preached unto him Jesus" (Acts 8:35). AS AN EVANGELIST HE WAS FRUITFUL We find that Philip not only WITNESSED to Nathan- ael, but caught him for the Lord. In fact when he came to Jesus he believed, and said, "Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel" (John 1:49). When he went to Samaria "the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did . . . and there was great joy in that city" (Acts 8:6-8). And there was no doubt about the conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch, who went on his way rejoicing after Philip had spoken to him about Jesus Christ. He rejoiced only after he had answered Philip from the heart saying, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:37). Beloved, may the Lord give us a hunger and a desire for FRUIT. The greatest disappointment at the judg- ment seat of Christ will be that of having no fruit to offer to our Lord, who laid down His life for us on the cross. May we have many sheaves to lay at His feet! "Must I go, and empty handed, Must I meet my Saviour so; Not one soul with which to greet Him; Must I empty-handed go?" "Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee." — Mark 5:19. South Bend, Indiana. PAGE SIX THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST MISSIONARY DEPARTMENT vtli>MONAKY BOARD OF THE BRETHREN CHURCH s?0 College Ave.. Ashland. Ohio. Phone 39582 Contributing Editors: W. CLAYTON BERKSHIRE. Gen. Jiec ? (MRS.) IDA LINDOWER. Adm. Assistant NEWS FROM NIGERIA (Excerpts from the Krafts' Letters) . . . We are finally moved into the garage, (ed. note: This is not an ordinary garage, but the large building Dr. Kulp lived in before going into his present quarters.) It is 12' by 20' and there is an adjoining storeroom the same size. We ai'e using our drums (barrels) stacked on top of one another for room separators. We've made a cozy corner for the twins' bed and they love it! Our bed, sewing machine and desk are in the other half of the room; then the other side of the garage has a comer blocked off for a wash room, our dishes and dining room, refrigerator, pantry shelves and a big blackboard where we'll soon be having class. There is a mud hut out in back for the stove and a table for wash- ing dishes. So you see we are really living! We have two big drums back of the garage (house) catching water from the eaves when it rains. Visit to Uba Today Chuck and I drove some mail to Uba — about 20 miles from here. (We took the twins with us.) We stayed and visited the missionary family there who took us eight miles to a river which cuts off contact by car with A VENTURE OF FAITH Last year the Mansfield Brethren Church began a ven- ture of faith in Missions which proved to be very grati- fying. A goal of $175.00 each month for Brethren mis- sionary work was established. This amount was to be given by individuals of the congregation who promised to contribute specific sums and so indicated on signed cards. Although the goal for last year was not quite reached, there were many blessings resulting from the venture. On Sunday, December 15, a goal of $200.00 per month was announced for the present year, and promise cards were distributed to the members of the congregation to be signed and turned in to the proper church officials. I was happy to be present for that Sunday morning ser- vice and appreciated the opportunity to bring a mission- ary message. John Terrell, a student attending Ashland Theological Seminary, is giving good pastoral leadership to the church at Mansfield. He and his wife and two children live in the parsonage; both John and Joan participate actively in the program of the church. They were for- merly members of the New Lebanon Brethren Church. The Missionary Board appreciates this emphasis on missions and the additional support which it has brought to the work of both home and world missions. Mbororo. We saw many Nigerians wading through chest- deep water and swift current, with a bicycle or big load of sticks or boxes on their heads. A few days ago some of them carried Bob Bischof's boxes through — one of them weighed 440 pounds. Can you imagine it! Here in Mubi we see men carrying their sewing machines on their heads to the market; they sit there and sew all day and then carry them home at night. Recreation After working all day, Chuck and 1 decided to "knock off" and throw the soft ball some before supper. Uncle Stover's cook and our cook were very interested. We showed them how to catch and throw and even how to bat with an old piece of bamboo, since we didn't bring a bat along. We had a fine time of relaxation; we'll have to do that again. Out to Tea Last Saturday we were to go to the British doctor's for tea. Since there was no car here, we rode our bikes — about three miles — with a twin strapped in the box on the back of our bikes. They really enjoyed the ride, and we had a fine time. The doctor has two boys, ages 4 and 2, and a baby girl. We drank tea and then chatted and went for a walk. By the time we were ready to come home it was 8:45 and quite dark; so with the lights on our bikes we made our way home. The lights work only when moving, and since the roads are so narrow, it is necessary to stop when a car or truck comes by. For- tunately we met only one car and sat in darkness as it passed. Cooking and Marketing . . . Another week has slipped by. The biggest news is that we started cooking out here this morning. Our wood stove finally came Monday and we set it up on Tuesday; today we have really been using it. This being market day, this afternoon I went with Merle (Mrs. Bowman). We rode our bikes and had lots of fun trying to talk the people down on their prices. Here they set the prices high and then love it when you (Continued on Page 13) MISSION MAP OF NIGERIA The map of Nigeria on facing page, shows the locations of the stations of the mission area where the Brethren Church and the Church of the Brethren are cooperating in an extensive missionary program. -W. Clayton Berkshire. MTinw irmm m iiimmimi I 'AGE EIGHT THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST The Brethren Church has an Official Seal ^CH " Delbert B. Flora, Moderator, General Conference of The Brethren Church '"pHOSE WHO were in attendance at last Gen- eral Conference will remember that the Cen- tral Planning and Co-ordinating Committee made some recommendations about an emblematic seal for the Church. On Wednesday morning, August 21, the Com- mittee included in its printed report this state- ment: "II. That the CENTRAL PLANNING AND CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE be given permission to prepare and adopt an insignia for the Brethren Church." The minutes for Friday morning, August 23, contain this paragraph: "The Conference Secre- tary read the recommendation of the Central Planning and Co-ordinating Committee concern- ing the Insignia for the Brethren Church as found in the above committee's report to Confer- ence. Elder Spencer Gentle gave a brief descrip- tion and showed a sketch of the proposed Insig- nia. A motion by Elder L. V. King, seconded by Elder D. B. Flora to adopt the recommendation of the Insignia Committee was passed." (Note: The Insignia Committee is a sub-committee of the Central Planning and Co-ordinating Commit- tee). The emblem is fully described and illustrated in this issue of the Evangelist. Its symbolism is also fully explained. Its full use now lies within the hand of the people and offices of our churches and our denominational boards and of- fices. Free use of the seal will be another way of letting the world know who and what we are. Feet's use it! ■^^"W w^^^^v v*^*v v^ft^*w • W m'^m 9 '•^^•W &^*^^W ▼^■^B^** tfat6U$& tfowt yt^U fan, t6,e t95X P*t6Ue*tio*t T>€iy O^eii*? Goal-Not less than $5,000.00 REMEMBER THE WORK-REMEMBER THE NEED JANUARY 18, 1958 I'AGF. NINK OUR CHURCH SEAL — WHAT DOES IT MEAN? Reu. Phil Lersch THE SUB-COMMITTEE listed below was au- thorized by the Central Co-ordinating and Planning Committee of General Conference to se- cure preliminary drawings which could be used for our official Brethren Church Seal. Rev. Spen- cer Gentle prepared the first sketches which were in turn presented to Mr. Jack Smith, a com- mercial artist and member of the Park Street Brethren Church in Ashland. Mr. Smith pre- sented several drawings and the one finally ac- cepted was approved by General Conference. 1957. The official seal of the Brethren Church is an adaptation of the old Alexander Mack seal. The original seal is lost, but it is hoped only tem- porarily. An impression of the Mack seal is at Germantown. Alexander Mack's seal has three component parts; the cross, the heart and the grapes. "The cross denotes devotion ; the heart above the cross, sacrifice; and the bunches of grapes, fruit bear- ing. This is very significant of Mack's life and character. His initials are at the foot of the cross." (on the original). This preceding state- ment was furnished by John Heckman of Polo. Illinois and recorded in a book by L. W. Shultz, "The Story of Camp Alexander Mack." Two additions were made to the original Alex- ander Mack Seal; the words "Go Ye" across the face of the heart, and the Open Bible. In addi- tion, the words "The Brethren Church— 1708" form a circular border for the seal. The words "Go Ye" stress the Brethren Church's emphasis upon Christ's command in Matthew 28:19, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel ..." fa I \ye/ H % ^CH The open Bible was used to remind us of our motto, "The Bible, the Whole Bible, and Noth- ing but the Bible." The church seal is to be used on Brethren Church publications, official correspondence, note paper for general use of all members, and adapted for the use of the various Church Boards. The copyright is held by The Brethren Church, headquarters at Ashland, Ohio. Use and distribu- tion will be handled solely by the Brethren Pub- lishing Company. Sub-Committee on Church Seal: Spencer Gentle Carol Berkshire Phil Lersch, chairman PAGE TEN THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST Cross Second Annual Country Conference Date: February 2-9, 1958 Sponsored by the National Ministerial Association of the Brethren Church THEME — "Knowing Our Mission Program." (The Cross Country Committee of the ministerial as- sociation offers the following program suggestions). First Night— I. Our Foreign Mission Program 1. Use the materials in the "Missionary Blue Book", and "Brethren Missions in Nigeria." 2. Use local missionaries of other denominations who are home on furlough. 3. Use a film with a good missionary subject. 4. Use a playlet (1) "Whom Shall I Send?" by Mrs. G. T. Ronk. (two pages). (2) "Songs in the Night" by Mrs. L. E. Lindower, (six pages). 5. Make a comparison of foreign missions— now and ten years ago. Second Night — II. Our Home Mission Program 1. Review the number of churches which have received mission help in the last fifteen years. 2. Use pictures of new churches. 3. Use pictures of the Kentucky work — colored slides are helpful. 4. There is a playlet available, "The Why of Home Missions" by Mrs. St. Clair Benshoff (two pages). The Third Night— III. Our Local Church Mission Program (We suggest a panel or open forum discussion to self analyze the mission efforts of your local church.) A. Evaluate your church's giving to World Missions. B. Evaluate your church's giving to Home Missions. C. Examine your church's participation in the Ten Dol- lar Club. D. Assess the effectiveness of your church's Mission- ary Education Program. Since the best measure of success is progress, we urge each church and each member of Brethren Churches to examine our collective denominational mission program and judge it in the light of the last fifteen years. The Committee — L. V. King Don Rowser Robert Keplinger Virgil Meyer, dim. JANUARY 18, 1958 PAGE ELEVEN VINCO BRETHREN BURN MORTGAGE on SUNDAY SCHOOL ANNEX THE VINCO BRETHREN CHURCH, on Sunday, Oc- tober 27, 1957, held a Mortgage Burning Service. \t that time, specifically, the Mortgage on the new Sunday School Annex was burned, but it represented ilso the removal of the last bit of indebtedness on the Vinco plant. Pastor W. B. Brant makes the following comments n connection with the burning of the mortgage: "On June 6, 1954, we dedicated our new Sunday School Annex vhich contains 18 rooms, a large basement assembly '.'oom, nursery, toilet facilities, S. S. Secretary, Library md Pastors' Study rooms, the latter now being used as i class room. This is a two story building with base- nent. At the time of dedication, we owed $18,000.00. This we paid off and in addition we bought a new Ham- nond Organ, outside lighted Bulletin Board, loud speaker system with outside horns, etc. We use records on this REV. W. B. BRANT system each Sunday. We also finished payment on the new parsonage. In addition, we dedicated debt free a new $20,000.00 Fellowship House (largely a gift of the Mackall Brothers), and finished and hard topped a large parking lot. The Laymen landscaped the church grounds and parsonage front at a cost of $800.00. We also support Rev. Robert Bischof in Africa." Brother Brant continues: "We are now debt free with a total value of all buildings and equipment of well over $225,000.00. God surely has blessed the Vinco Breth- ren." The first unit of the Vinco Church, located off Route 219 seven miles north east of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was dedicated May 24, 1942. Rev. C. Y. Gilmer was then pastor of the church. This beautiful stone structure re- placed the original white frame church which had been destroyed by fire on May 30, 1941. Within two years following dedication, this first unit was free of debt. Shortly thereafter, realizing that the Vinco Church was a focal point in a rapidly growing community, a plan was started which eventually resulted in the erec- tion of the Sunday School Annex. Brother C. Y. Gilmer, pastor at the time of the erec- tion of the first unit, was present and participated in the service of Mortgage burning. Brother Brant also has the following comments on the meeting which Brother Gilmer held for the Vinco Brethren this fall: "We had a wonderful fellowship with the Gilmers. A number of souls were born into the kingdom, and several rededications and one by letter. Mrs. Gilmer conducted children's services at 4:00 P. M. each day the second week with good results. We had a lot of flu and sick- ness, but Pastor and Evangelist escaped with God's help. On November 3rd we had large attendances morn- ing and evening. The Choir, directed by James I. Mackall, Si}., was present at each service for the two weeks, bringing special numbers and helping out in the song services. Brother Gilmer brought powerful messages, true to the Word, which were appreciated very much by pastor and people." PAGE TWELVE THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST THE CENTRAL PLANNING and CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE REPORTS TO THE DENOMINATION The Brethren khurch in a L anging World Mrs . Helen Pairbanks FOR TWO HUNDRED FIFTY YEARS, faith ful believers have been building Brethren churches. Little groups of people who believed alike and longed for the simplicity of the Apos- tolic Church met in homes until they were able to build meeting houses. Through good years and hard times, the Brethren have worshipped, have taught their beliefs, and have kept apart from the people who lived around them. Historically our doctrines and particular prac- tices were based on the Scriptures. One is able to give the reasons for the faith which motivated the founders of the church. Upon this foundation there has been built a church of peace-loving, God-fearing people who are known for then- broth erliness and practice of the simple life. Today people are questioning, evaluating, even discarding the accepted ideas and the church must present them with the eternal values of the Scriptures as a basis for their new philosophy of life. The incredible increase in population, the mobility of families from place to place for em- ployment or enjoyment, and the mushroom growth of housing developments have left the Protestant church far behind in its ministry to these people. The church must reach them with a fresh, vital appeal to put God first as an inT spiration to Christian living. When many of our churches were built it was customary to have a city church in a central lo- cation to serve the needs of that area. The rap- idly increasing population has caused many new communities to be built around every city. There is an attempt being made to establish neighbor- hood churches which have more influence in the community, that provide closer fellowship for the people, and that will also make church mem- bership more personal and meaningful. We must reach out into these new communities with a message that will challenge these people to accept Christ and commit their lives to the Lord. Among our Brethren churches, there are defi- nite trends toward making local congregations more alike. Our people want to know what the other churches of the denomination are doing and often demand to be allowed to participate in the same activities. Better communication and quicker transportation between the churches have encouraged this cooperation. Only by work- ing together, can our churches grow. As the spir- itual life is deepened, confidence in the denomi- nation restored, and a forward -moving program JANUARY 18, 1968 presented, young people will be challenged to de- mote their lives to Christ and our people will be nspired for service in the church. The Central Planning and Co-ordinating Com- Inittee of General Conference has been making progressive plans for church advancement. The General Conference of 1957 adopted the reports md plans of the Committee. Included in the re- port adopted, was the budget for the money to mplement this program. The budget as presented to General Conference ■M-ovided for fifteen hundred dollars for expenses 'or the 1958 conference. This is a little more than las been provided in previous years but the An- niversary Program for this year will make this idditional money necessary. For some time pastors and board representa- tives have felt the need of a general brochure presenting briefly and clearly an outline of our bhurch organization, boards and auxiliaries. This brochure will be useful in visitation and evan- gelistic work as well as for showing church mem- bers the whole scope of the denomination. Three thousand dollars has been budgeted for the print- ng costs of the brochure. As early as 1921, various Brethren leaders felt -he need of having a denominational representa- tive to visit the churches, counselling with the Congregations, encouraging local participation, juid presenting the unified program of the church, pie years have only emphasized and broadened ;his need. There are those who point to the two or three 3oard representatives who now travel among the hurches, questioning the need for another one. Afhen one considers the few churches that can oe visited by each representative in a year, and •emembers that each representative presents ;he needs of his own board with only secondary nterest in helping the local church it is easy to inderstand the need for a denominational repre- sentative. There is an obvious need for one who vill present the total, integrated program of the lenomination with emphasis on helping the local •hurch to participate in this program. This representative would visit the churches >nly upon invitation and would be trained as a consultant, a counselor, and as a stimulator for >oth local and denominational activities. Every national organization from Brownies md cub Scouts, through P. T. A., D. A. R., and m. M. S has dues which are adequate to finance 'epresentatives who provide stimulation for the PAGE THIRTEEN local work. The changing emphasis in church work makes such a budget to implement the ac- celerated program of our church vitally neces- sary. The Committee met in September to plan for the receiving of the apportionment of one dollar per member (active and inactive.) This appor- tionment should be paid quarterly: November 1, 1957; January 1, 1958; April 1, 1958 and June 1. 1958, or all may be paid at once. In any case, full payment should be received by June, 1958. These apportionments are to be sent to Reverend Spen- cer Gentle, 213 West Clinton, Goshen, Indiana. This information was sent to the churches and the response has been most encouraging. The immediate and enthusiastic response indicates that Brethren people will prepare to take a step forward and begin a denominational program. The Brethren Church is ready to meet the chal- lenge of its changing ministry in the world. MISSIONARY DEPARTMENT (Continued from Page 6) try to talk them down. I'm just learning how it is done- First you ask "How much," whereupon, after receiving the information, you offer to pay a price much lower. Then if they refuse to lower the price, just walk away and act as though you don't care about it. They usually call back and begin lowering the price. After they come down a little and you go up a little, they say, "Ka kawo kudi" (bring the money) and you've bought the article you wanted. I bought a big tray (brightly painted for carrying dishes) for only 5 shillings or 70 cents; I also bought 3 huge onions for 9 pence. Merle bought 5 but- tons for a penny and two pieces of material. (Life is really interesting here — you'll have to come and see us!) Domestic Items . . . Another week has passed and another month has come upon us. The Halls from America arrived in Mubi. Our cook is doing very well, but still needs plenty of supervision. I write recipes in Hausa and he follows them quite well, but it takes him forever to make any- thing. Our houseboy is doing well too but is much slower than the cook to catch on; he is a bit younger and just not too careful. He doesn't understand English; so I have to use Hausa entirely with him. He always tries to put tablespoons on the table to eat with instead of teaspoons and is forever putting the dishes and food on the floor when clearing the table. When you understand that they always sit on the floor and eat with their fingers, you know our life must seem very complicated to them. Our houseboy is very energetic and anxious to please us. In his free time he is learning to ride my bicycle. Chuck is now listening to the world series ball game — way over here. (Continued in a later issue.) PAGE FOURTEEN THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST ^r^£^*r^.r"; -\**^" IQrayer THeeting Studies .-. by &. T. §ilmer THE CHRISTIAN'S JOB If I must work with hands that 1 might eat, And sweat and labor for my daily meat, Whether I work with tools or plow the sod, My only purpose is to honor God. If I must cook and bake and scrub and sew To earn my livelihood, yet this I know, There is a greater task throughout each day — To teach some little child the Jesus way. No matter what my daily chores might be To keep me clothed and fed, still may 1 see These things are incidental to the thing That motivates my heart and makes it sing; My job, the real position that I hold, Is bringing others to the Master's fold. —Ruth B. Statler. TO BE CONCERNED about earthly things only is to be as short-sighted as Esau whom the Bible calls that "profane person" (Heb. 12:16). In his disregard for being in the line of ancestors of a great race and of Jesus Christ he was actually hated of God (Rom. 9:13). Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob showed wisdom in their living for the unseen (Heb. 11:13-16). We can never profit by the temporal unless we use time for the benefit of the eternal (2 Cor. 4:18). In the light of the value of a human soul (Mark 8:36, 37) it is the soul winner who shows wisdom (Prov. 11:30). Only the soul winner has respect for the great rewards in Heaven (Dan. 12:3). Thus Christ, the great Pattern for soul winners, looked forward to the satisfaction of souls won and saved (Isaiah 53:11; Heb. 12:1, 2). As He endured the cross, so we must preach the cross (1 Cor. 1:18, 21) to the saving of them that believe. We serve the things of time for a living on earth, but our employment on earth is winning souls (Matt. 28:19, 20). For a Christian to neglect his principal mission in life is to face the "terror of the Lord" (2 Cor. 5:9-11). Not to know the joy of souls saved (Luke 15:6, 7) is certainly to suffer eternal loss. Soul winning is first with God (Mark 16:15, 16). Christ called His followers to fish for men (Mark 1:16-20), summoning them to win souls (vs. 17). For this biggest job in the world Christ has purchased us (1 Cor. 6:19, 20). Every soul saved is saved to win others (2 Cor. 5:17-20). So we live to win the lost (Luke 5:10). So many precious eager souls, Each year go down in sin, And our dear Lord has died for us. That we might lost souls win. The property of all the world, Valuedi ;by . man ,so high, . . . : ; :■..'„ Nine hundred billion dollars worth, Is less than one soul's cry. He Who died on Calvary's cross And knows eternity, Has in the truest tenderest love Asked of you and me: What shall it profit any man If this whole world he gain And lose his own immortal soul In everlasting pain? Since Jesus values souls so high. What better can we do In the few years of this short life Than live to win a few? Then let us pray most earnestly That God will give us grace That each may save at least one soul Each year to seek His face. If you rescue a soul a year, And teach each souls to win, In twenty years a million souls Will each be saved from sin. — J. Lloyd Hunter. Lesson for January 26, 1958 THE CHURCH ORGANIZES FOR SERVICE Lesson: Romans 12:3-8, I Timothy 3:1-10 HOW OFTEN WE have heard this statement: "The Church is not an organization, but an organism." No one would deny the validity of these words. Does this mean, therefore, that organization is not desirable in the Church of Jesus Christ ? Not at all. Dr. A. T. Pier- son, that spiritual giant of a century ago, gave the fol- lowing definition of the Church: "An organized body of Christian believers, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, called out into separation from the world for mutual service and spiritual worship, for the great work of world evangelization and per- manent witness to the Word of God and the Christ of God." Our Sunday School lesson for this week deals with the organization of the Church in terms of her members and her leaders. II « MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH Her members are to be humble. "For I say ... to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think " (Rom. 12:3). The proud ANUARY 18, 1958 PAGE FIFTEEN nd vain have no place in the Church of Jesus Christ! 'he condemnation of God has always been directed gainst this sin. King Uzziah was smitten with leprosy fecause "his heart was lifted up to his destruction" (II !hron. 26). In this way God displayed His displeasure t those who refuse to be humble. Her members are to be united. "So we, who are many, re one body in Christ." It is because we are "in Christ" here is the unity of faith and purpose. In the Body of Christ will be found those with gifts |uch as "prophesy" (preaching), "ministry" (service), teaching," "exhortation" (encouragement and edifica- fion), etc. Each is to use his God-given gift for the up- fting and up-building of the work of God. LEADERS OF THE CHURCH The "bishop" of the church, referred to by Paul in Timothy, was the administrator or overseer. The word robably applied to lay and clerical leaders in the church. 1'aul discussed the qualifications of such leaders. He must be "without reproach," that is, one of irre- roachable character. Also, "the husband of one wife." l moral blemish upon an appointed leader in the church b a reproach to the cause of Christ. If the Saints within ihe church are to be without "spot, or wrinkle, or any juch thing," (Eph. 5:27) then surely those in places of jesponsibility should be blameless in the sight of God. Many other spiritual traits are listed as being essential or the Church's leaders. "Temperate, sober-minded, or- erly, given to hospitality, apt to teach . . ." A diligent study of this lesson uncovers the solemn ssponsibility resting upon both laity and clergy. The 'hurch is not just another organization! It deals with fie Triune God! The eternal, never-dying souls of men re in jeopardy! It is time we take this work seriously, or God does! 3fc 30 W^t&bixtQ (Kimimtttvmznt flC&i£~ =»© SHIFFLETT-MYERS. The marriage of Miss Joseph- le Mildred Marie Myers to Ralph Powell Shifflett took lace in the home of the Groom's Pastor at Maurertown, rirginia November 29, 1957 at 7:30 P. M. before rel- ieves of the Bride and Groom. The double ring cere- lony was used. John F. Locke, Pastor Bethlehem Brethren Church. HARNESS-MATHEWS. Mary Harness and George lathews were united in marriage at the Burlington rethren church Sunday afternoon, November 10, 1957. he double ring ceremony was used. The church was eautiful in its decorations and the attendants added their it of color. A large number witnessed the ceremony. . reception was held in the church basement. The couple iceived many useful gifts. Mary has a Beauty Shop in urlington and George is employed by the Delco Com- any of Kokomo, Ind. The service was conducted by their astor. Sunday School Suggestions The Sunday School Board of The Brethren Church by Jerry Flora Rev. Floyd Sibert. "THE TERRIBLE TEENS" INTERESTS AND NEEDS of young people, the two most important pupil considerations for youth workers, are often difficult to determine. The YMCA of Chicago has gained valuable statistical information concerning attitudes, beliefs, ideas, and prob- lems of teen-agers by conducting a youth opinion survey in Chicagoland. A preliminary report drawn from a sample 10,000 re- plies of 30,000 questionnaires draws the following con- clusions: Interests Of sixteen activities ranked according to interest the top five were these: clothes and personal appearance, parties and dances, "going around with people our own age," religion, sports (boys), and movies (girls). Problem Areas A majority of the sample young people feel a strong need for greater self-confidence. Moral training and dating information are needed by Chicago's youth. Twenty-two per cent are not sure what to do on a date. Over half of the boys and 22 per cent of the girls think it all right for young people to pet or neck on a date. Sexual intercourse before marriage is all right according to 33 percent of the boys and 13 per cent of the girls. Thirty-nine per cent of the fel- lows and 73 per cent of the girls are definitely against it, and the rest are undecided. To know some older person other than their parents with whom they can discuss things is desirable to 69 per cent of the teen-agers. Forty-seven per cent of Chicago's youth feel parents do not understand the problems of modern youth and 84 per cent believe teen-agers should attempt to under- stand parents better. More information about religion is desired by 71 per cent. Forty-one per cent are still searching for some- thing to believe in that will make sense to them. What effect the draft will have upon their futures is uncertain to 49 per cent. About half do not know what they should do after they finish high school. Most Chicago teen-agers believe that there is need of special education and preparation for marriage. Over a fourth do not know how to make such preparation. A well-balanced youth program will deal intelligently with problem areas such as social consciousness, dating information, personal counsel, family relations, religion, draft facts, occupational help, and marriage prepara- tion. Are you facing squarely the interests and needs of young people and bringing the Word of God into clear focus upon them in your youth program? (Reprinted from "Link") PAGE SIXTEEN THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST CHURCH METHODS DEPARTMENT ev. rancis oeriKSJUire PANORAMA OF PREACHING BRETHREN PEOPLE heard sermons from the follow- ing topics and texts' on November 10: Hagerstown, Maryland "But r Say Unto You" George W. Solomon, pastor Bryan, Ohio "Our Fellowship In The Gospel'' Smith P. Rose, pastor Cerro Gordo, Illinois "The Love of Christ" (Luke 10:30-37) Jim Eckhardt, pastor Tucson, Arizona "A Way To Achieve" (Gen. 26:25) Vernon D. Grisso, pastor Louisville, Ohio 'Is War Unchristian" L. V. King, pastor Jones Mills, Pennsylvania "Be Loyal To Christ" (Mark 8:34) (A sermon on Peace) Elmer M. Keck, pastor College Corner, Indiana "The Brethren Church and World Peace" (Luke 6:27) (Thanks to Brother Hanna for submitting the follow- ing outline of his sermon.) A. The cause of Worldwide Unrest 1. Greed 2. Hate 3. Ungodliness B. War is not the answer 1. It does not prove who is right, only who is left 2. War breeds the germs of hatred and revenge. 3. The next war might take most of the inhabitants of the world. C. Why God is the answer to our problems 1. Israel delivered from Egypt 2. Israel delivered from the King of Syria II Kings 6:8-18 3. Our warfare not carnal 4. Jesus Christ the peacemaker D. Why we have failed 1. Our faith is too weak; we have not tried God's way. 2. God's way is love and the Gospel. — G. Bright Hanna Center Chapel, Indiana "The Devil's Harvest" (Matt. 13:24-30; 36-42) (This was given by Rev. Thomas Shannon as guestj evangelist at the above location.) Lanark, Illinois "Peace: Where and How Begin" H. Francis Berkshire, pastoij (Fifteen questionnaires sent out; eight were returned.)! :-sti-. the ^^/*^JT==Sy j^^= NORTH GEORGETOWN, OHIO Special services were held at the First Brethren Church >f North Georgetown, Ohio, beginning November 24th and ending with a communion service on Sunday eveningl December 1st with Rev. J. Ray Klingensmith of the Ash-j land Seminary as the Evangelist. This was the week of Thanksgiving and before the! week was over we all felt that there was much to be thankful for; with four young people accepting Christ m their Saviour, two adults reaffirming their belief ir, Christ and six young people dedicating their lives ir.| full time service for Him. A number of sister churches participated in these ser- vices with music and singing each night. The Lutherai Church of North Georgetown was represented Sundaji evening, with the Brethren Church of Louisville on Tuesj day evening and the Trinity Brethren of Canton on Fri-j day evening. We would like to take this opportunity t( thank these Churches and to let them know how mucl ANUARY 18, 1958 PAGE SEVENTEEN jheir fine musical numbers were appreciated. We also [tad special numbers from members of our own Church jtnd they too, were much enjoyed and appreciated. Our i'astor and wife, Rev. and Mrs. Donald Rowser are the lirst resident pastor and wife in the history of our church. The congregation is growing in numbers and we have i wonderful youth choir under their direction. Two Class ooms which were badly needed, have been added to the •asement and a kitchen and restrooms will be added soon, 'lans also will be made soon for a parsonage to be >ullt or bought in the spring. Our attendance is growing rapidly but much work re- gains to be done for the Lord as there are many in this rea who do not attend church anywhere, and we know ,rreat things can be accomplished if we look to Him for pndance. Alice Hieronimus, Secretary. SPECIAL SERVICES AT THE FIRST BRETHREN SOUTH BEND, INDIANA (November 25 — December 1) It was our privilege and great joy to have the Dean f Ashland Theological Seminary, Rev. D. B. Flora, as a fuest speaker in the South Bend church, for a week of Jible study and spiritual refreshment. His messages were centered around the therm;, "The re-eminence of Christ." ■ Dean Flora brought prestige to our pulpit as the Rational Moderator of the Brethren Church. He is a dy- namic Gospel preacher, evangelist and Bible teacher. j Our fellowship was also enriched as Dean Flora told »f his experiences in the Holy Land where he was a stu- lent at the American School for Oriental Research in 1 955, and where he traveled as a member of the Winona j^ake Theological Flying Seminar in 1952. He will direct ji Flying Ashland Seminary Tour to Europe and the Holy jand from June 30 to August 8, 1958. Having served as a Brethren pastor for fifteen years; le was able to understand and interpret the needs of >ur people and our souls were thrilled by his eloquence md zeal in preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ. To both the church and the seminary his being with is proved a great blessing. His power was in sound Scriptural reasoning. He reached our congregation hrough their intelligence rather than through their emo- ional feelings, and several have already made decisions o change their life and actions, and others have been onverted and will be baptized in the near future. To Dean Flora we owe much, and he will not be for- gotten by the South Bend Brethren. Surely he will come ip to the throne rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. J. D. Hamel FALLS CITY, NEBRASKA Greetings from the Falls City Church at the close of 957. The membership feels that we have just finished a ery successful calendar year in the church under the leadership of Rev. and Mrs. J. Milton Bowman. There is a wonderful spirit of cooperation in the church and we feel a great deal has been accomplished. The church has not only grown in numbers but spiritually as well. Since the last report a new roof has been put on the parsonage. The church has been painted on the outside. A new carpet has been laid down the aisle of the church. Most of the work has been volunteered by the men of the church. The entire membership regretted the resignation of Rev. Bowman as our pastor. He and Mrs. Bowman did a wonderful work among us and we are all gi-ateful to them. We wish for them much happiness in their work at Elkhart, Indiana. A farewell dinner was given at the church for the Bowmans on December 15. We were pleased to have Miss Virginia Bowman with us, too, for the farewell occasion. On Friday evening, December 20, the Sunday school departments put on a fine Christmas program, which was closed with the Christmas Story given by Mrs. Bow- man on Scene-O-Felt. Rev. Bowman preached his farewell sermon on Decem- ber 22 and then he left for his new church. We feel very fortunate in having Rev. and Mrs. Rob- ert Holsinger and his family with us now. They arrived in Falls City on December 28th. Thus we were not with- out a, pastor for one single Sunday. We are looking for- ward to another happy year in the church under their leadership and with God's help we will continue to grow and carry on the Lord's work. Mrs. Joe Lemmon, Cor. Sec. £at& tn SUst WEAVER. Joseph Simon Weaver, life long resident of Salisbury, Pa., died in the Meyersdale Hospital, Oct. 17, 1957, aged 74 years. Born July 11, 1883. Survived by his wife, Cora Witt Weaver, and two brothers. WEAVER. Mrs. Cora Pearl Weaver, aged 65, died in the Somerset Hospital, Nov. 20, 1957, after an extended illness. Born in Summit Mills, Pa., April 9, 1892. Sur vived by three brothers and four sisters. BOWMAN. Eugene S. Bowman aged 38, passed from this life Nov. 17, 1957, after several years of illness. Born in Meyersdale, Pa. July 10, 1919. Survived by his parents and tw0 sisters. D. C. White. • • « BYRUM. Marvin B. Byrum was born July 18, 1880 and died Dec. 24, 1957. Was a member of the Burlington Brethren church for many years. Helped to dig the base- ment and build the present chm-ch which was erected in 1910. Marvin loved to go to church and was a keen listener as the Word was preached. His pew was seldom vacant. His greatest lament came during his prolonged illness when he no longer could read his Bible. The Bible he left behind bore the marks of constant usage. He was buried in the Burlington cemetery Dec. 27, 1957. The services were conducted by his pastor. Rev. Flovd Sibert. PAGE EIGHTEEN THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST NEWS FROM BRETHREN YOUTH Phil Lersch, Youth Director A CHRISTMAS GREETING from LINZ, AUSTRIA Dear Ambassadors, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you Tor your nice letter, September 1957. The reason you came to Europe was of great importance to all of us who were able to hear you. Are you planning another trip to Austria next year? If so please let us know. The best wishes to you all. Miss Trade Vanas Lutheran World Federation Linz, Upper Austria. LANARK LANDS AN IDEA f RECEIVED A SATELLITE IN THE MAIL TODAY! Really I did! Inside this satellite was a special communique from the outer planet of LANARK, running wild in the area of the universe known as Illinois (that's where all the peo- ple are sick of loud sounds). This special bulletin was a copy of the "OUTER SPACE BANQUET" held at the Lanark Brethren Church on New Year's Eve. The whole scheme of things is original and very clever. The blue program is circular with toothpicks pro- jecting in every direction to — so that it really looks like a "Sputnik." The different parts of the evening's pro- gram are so well labeled that I want to share them with you. Following the menu, here's what happened: Invocation Rev. Berkshire The Launcher Sherman Sarff Beeper Diane Rahn Selection of the Outer Space Queen ? ? ? ? Hats Off to the Solid Fuel Producers Artificial Satellite Reading Keith Hall Solo Test Flight Shari Linton Fuel Booster Mrs. Rostron (Presentation of Awards) Security Guard Reading Paula Lamoreux Tranquilizers — Clarinets Karan Truman, Jackie Eslinger GUIDANCE EXPERT Rev. Johnson T-Time , "God be with You" Space Travel Thinker Kenneth Guenzler (Tic-Tac-Dough) Refueling Time Drinks on the House (What's this? — Ed.) Observation Time "Seventeen"— film (Courtesy of Brethren Laymen) The Watch Mrs. Berkshire HAPPY NEW YEAR May God Bless You in 1958 WHAT'S DOIN' NEXT SUMMER? SEVERAL Brethren Youth have already secured, com- pleted and returned their applications for SUMMER CRUSADING to our National Brethren Youth office. They have chosen to use their summer this year to help teach Bible Schools in our churches. Would that inter- est you? If you would like to share in this rewarding expe- rience of teaching and working with children, write to Brethren Youth, Ashland College, for an application blank. The time is drawing nigh sooner than all of us realize. Let me hear from you. YOUR DIRECTOR TRAVELS Where?? January 10, 11 .Youth Leaders Conference New Windsor, Maryland January 12 Morning & Evening services Maurertown, Virginia January 19 N. E. 0. Rally Canton, Ohio January 26 . . . Methodist Youth Fellowship Ashland, Ohio February 2 E. U. B. Church, Morning Message Ashland, Ohio "Pray for National Brethren Youth work often" I AM RESOLVED . . . -To live with all my might while I do live; -Never to lose one moment of time, but improve it in the most profitable way I possibly can; -Never to do anything which I should despise or think meanly of in another; -Never to do anything out of revenge; -Never to do anything which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life. — Jonathan Edwards. WILL YOU SHARE? ARE YOU WILLING to share in the National Project of $4,000 to "Expand Summer Crusading?" It can't be met by dreaming or wishing — it takes giving, money- raising ideas, and work on the part of us all. DO YOU SUBSCRIBE YET? ONLY $1.00 brings the Brethren Youth Magazine to you all year. FOR THE BRAIN "Some folks attend church only 4 times. When they're hatched, matched, patched and snatched!" Sarasota's "Sand 6' the Sea." JANUARY 18, 1958 PAGE NINETEEN omens }orner *QQ* s-SS* '^G* by Helen Jordan "Be Still, and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10. TS THERE ANY NOTE of music in all the chorus as mighty as the emphatic pause ? Is there any word in all the Psalter more eloquent than the one word, Selah (Pause) ? Is there anything more thrilling and awful than the hush that comes before the bursting of the tem- pest and the strange quiet that seems to fall upon all nature befoi-e some preternatural phenomenon or convul- sion? Is there anything that can touch our hearts as the POWER OF STILLNESS? There is for the heart that will cease from itself, "the peace of God that passeth all understanding," a "Quiet- ness and confidence" which is the source of all strength, a sweet peace "which nothing can offend," a deep rest which the world can neither give nor take away. There is in the deepest center of the soul a chamber of peace where God dwells, and where, if we will only enter in and hush every other sound, we can hear His still, small voice. There is in the swiftest wheel that revolves upon its axis a place in the very center, where there is no move- ment at all; and so in the busiest life there may be a place where we dwell alone with God, in eternal stillness. There is only one way to know God. "Be still, and know." "God is in his holy temple; Let all the earth keep si- lence before him." — Selected. (The above selection for the Women's Corner arrived by air mail from Ashland, without signature. If the per- son who sent it will let us know, we will give credit. H.M.J., Waterloo, Towa.) / Y DIARY Mrs. George Drushal Oct. 26 — Sat. Fifty-two years ago, we moved into our new little home. People here called it "The Little White House." We had a bed, a trunk for a table, and two old school desks for chairs. We cooked our first meal on the fireplace. We still had some butter and doughnuts we had brought from home. Aunt Maggie had given us some potatoes and lard, and we fried them on the fireplace. Also some biscuits. Such fried potatoes, and such a de- licious meal! It was our first meal alone together, and never before nor since have fried potatoes tasted so good. Papa had been busy making book-cases, typewriter table and study table out of the walnut logs he had found in the loft of the shed. Back to 1957. Mr. and Mrs. Heykoop here for supper. He is a member of our Board of trustees and there are always things to discuss about Riverside. He was pleased with the way things are going. Oct. 27 — Sun. A large percent of our church folks absent because of the flu. Only 5 out of my 18 class membei-s. Papa's twin nephews, Ronald and Raymond Drushal, from Butler, Ohio, came in this evening. Looks like there will be a freeze tonight, so I went out and clipped the pretty rose buds, to bloom in the house. Oct. 28 — Mon. Papa hired Mize Roberts to take the bulldozer back to Frankfort to the Surplus Commodity House, where it belonged. Mr. Teed went with Papa and they made arrangements for getting things there in the future. The Youth Group, under Bessie Hooks, went to the Home Place Hospital tonight for a service. Had first frost last night. Oct. 29 — Tues. Boys who didn't have the flu had a ball game with Annville. We lost, but the boys enjoy playing, so we let them play even though we have no coach and no gym. More of the children down with the flu. It's almost more than Adah can do, to look after the sick girls and her high school work too. Trying to get some one to come in and help her. Folks here selling apples and cabbage. We gave them some clothing in exchange for them. TAvins left this morning. Went to see a man sick with the flu this morning. Had an early dinner, so Papa could fix the car and do more calling this afternoon. But it took most of the afternoon to fix the car, so only made one call. Two boys at the Wheeler Home awfully sick with the flu. Cannot get a doctor, so Mr. Fry is bundling them up and taking them to Jack- son to doctor. Oct. 30 — Wed. Most of the girls down with the flu today. Mr. and Mrs. Adkins, missionaries in training for the Philippines are here tonight. Hallowe'en prank- sters out on campus tonight. Adah had a little trouble with one of the flu patients this morning. She had a high temperature, but was determined to go to school. Adah called me over. I spanked her and put her to bed. Nov. 1 — Fri. Most of boys and girls down with flu. Mr. Adkins showed pictures of the Philippines in chapel this morning. I stayed with the sick girls most of the morning. Only having school for half a day: so many are out. Nov. 2— Sat. A big truck rolled in today driven by Dwight Miller and C. J. Zimmerly, Smithville, Ohio, loaded with food and clothing. Looked mighty good to us. Postponed Communion which was planned for this evening, on account of the flu. Nov. 3 — Sun. Small attendance both here and at Rowdy, but more than we had expected. Made sick calls on way home from Rowdy. Had a S. S. class in the home of a sick girl who is trying to have a perfect attendance. Nov. 4 — Mon. Mrs. Joseph came up to help Adah wait on the sick. Some better, but the last three down. Papa and I invited out to a big supper tonight at one of the neigh- bors. Had prayer meeting tonight in Prayer room. Nov. 5 — Tues. Miss Stoffer and Mrs. Kessinger up from Haddix today to help with the sick. They always help lots of ways when they come up. Executive Com- mittee met today to make plans for the farm. Brethren Historical library- Manchester College" N. Manchester, Ind. PAGE TWENTY THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST "HEROES OF THE CROSS" MISSIONARY BIOGRAPHIES The "Heroes of the Cross" series of exciting missionary biographies, written for teen-agers has caught the fancy of young readers everywhere. These are fast-moving biographical accounts of men and women who devoted their lives, and sometimes even GAVE their lives for the cause of missions. Price $1.00 each. •" N 3gS%"° m*. fit®, qW*< rmio^ ill m^oH"; I ^JOHN V* Also "Nineteen Missionary Stories from the Middle East" by Basil Miller, price $1.50. These are thrilling, true accounts of zealous missionaries who carried the Cross of Christ and planted it in foreign lands. Interesting for Primary Age: "Missionary Hero Stories" and "The Missionary Story Hour" by Nina Millen, l>rice $1.50. Order from The Brethren Publishing Company 524 College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio EVANGELISM Official Organ of Uhe 'Brethren Church Vol. LXXX January 25, 1958 4 NO, 4 Proclaiming the WHOLE GOSPEL, for the WHOLE WORLD PAGE TWO Iti nf C ewis of general Interest MAURERTOWN, VIRGINIA. National Brethren Youth Director, Phil Lersch, was the January 12th speaker in the Maurertown Brethren church. OAK HILL, W. VA. Brother Robert Madoski was the speaker at the Week of Prayer service on Tuesday eve- ning, January 7th. The service was held in the White Oak Presbyterian church. Oak Hill Brethren were hosts to the Friday evening service of the series. GATEWOOD, W. VA. A communication from Walter E. Goff, Sunday School secretary of the Gatewood Breth- ren church, reads as follows: "Rev. Robert Madoski, pas- tor of the Oak Hill Brethren church, has also accepted the pastorate of the Gatewood Brethren church, at Gate- wood, W. Va., and delivered his first message, Sunday, January 5th." The Gatewood church is located on Fayette- ville, Rt. 1, about eight miles from Oak Hill. WASHINGTON, D. C. Speaker for morning and eve- ning services on the last Sunday of 1957 in the Washing- ton church, was former pastor, Brother J. Ray Klingen- smith of Ashland Seminary. CUMBERLAND, MARYLAND. Brother L. O. McCart- neysmith notes that the Cumberland church engaged in a Day of Prayer and Fasting on January 9th. Theme for the day was "The Power of Prayer." LEVITTOWN, PENNA. We quote from the Sergeants- ville, N. J., Brethren bulletin the words of Pastor George R. Lindberg: "Another joyful occasion was our first ser- vice held in Levittown, Penna. Mr. and Mrs. Phil Nolte opened their home to a fine group of twenty-two people. This number, including those of us from Sergeantsville, shows real prospects." The service, which was held the evening of January 5th, is further reported in an article by Mr. Phil Nolte in the "News from the Churches" section of this Evan- gelist. The new work is under the sponsorship of the Ser- geantsville Brethren Church, and at present, Sunday eve- ning services are being held in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Phil Nolte, who live at 139 Kenwood Dr., North, Levit- town, Penna. Brethren or former Brethren in the greater Philadelphia area are invited to contact Pastor Lindberg, or Mr. and Mrs. Nolte, and to attend the services, at 7:30 each Sunday evening. THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST WAYNESBORO, PENNA. (WAYNE HEIGHTS). Mrs.| George Detweiler, of Waynesboro, was the scheduled speaker for the W. M. S. public service in the Wayne Heights Brethren church on January 19th. JONES MILLS, PENNA. (VALLEY). The missionary film, "Peru's Jungle Indians," was shown recently in the Valley church. JOHNSTOWN, PENNA. (SECOND). One new mem ber was received by letter on December 29th. SMITHVILLE, OHIO. Universal Week of Prayer was observed with services being held in the area churches on Wednesday evening, January 8th. Rev. Thomas Shoe- maker, pastor of the Paradise Church of the Brethren spoke in the Smithville Brethren Church, and Pastor Rob- ert L. Hoffman spoke in the Oak Grove Mennonite church A feature this year was having lay leaders preside at the services; Smith ville's lay leader was Elmer Frank. LOUISVILLE, OHIO. Five new members were receivec on January 5th. PLEASANT HILL, OHIO. Brother William H. Ander- son notes that the Pleasant Hill church is planning i "Christian Life Week-end Conference," for January 24tl through 26th. Brother E. J. Black of our Muncie church! is the speaker. BURLINGTON, INDIANA. A card from Brother Floyc Sibert reads as follows: "The men of the Burlingtoi Brethren church were entertained at the parsonage Wed nesday evening, January 8th. The evening began with '< devotional program and was followed by refreshment: and a planning period. "Sunday morning, January 12th, estimates for buildinj Sunday school Class rooms, were presented and a congre gational meeting called for January 20th to vote on th project. "Sunday evening, January 12th, there were 100 pres ent for the evening service." (Continued on Page 19) t-m^i^ijijwisijijit^iii^ SECOND ANNUAL CROSS COUNTRY CONFERENCE Subject : "Know Our Mission Program" Date: February 2-9, 1958 THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST THE BRETHREN PUBLISHING COMPANY, Ashland, Ohio, Phone: 372] PRUDENTIAL COMMITTEE: J. E. Stookey, President, H. E. Weidenhamer, Vice-Pres.; Rev. Robert Hoffman, Sec'y-Treas. EDITOR OF PUBLICATIONS— Rev. W. St. Clair Benshoff Published weekly, except the fourth week in July and the last week in December. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION: $2.00 per year in advance except 100% Churches, $1.50 per year per subscription. Entered as second class matter at Ashland. Ohio, Accepted for mailing at special rate section 1103, Act of October 3, 1917. Authorized September 3. 1928. CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Rev. William H. Anderson Rev. C. Y. Gilmer Rev. Dyoll Belote Rev. John Byler DEPARTMENT EDITORS Rev. L. O. McCartneysmith, Brethren Doctrim Rev. Freeman Ankrum, Church History Rev. H. Francis Berkshire, Church Methods Rev. Woodrow B. Brant, Brethren Beliefs Rev. J. D. Hamel, Evangelism CHANGE OF ADDRESS: In ordering change of address, always give both old and new addresses. REMITTANCES: Send all money, business communications, and contributed articles to: THE BRETHREN PUBLISHING COMPANY. ASHLAND. OHIO. ANUARY 25, 1958 PAGE THREE 1 *J* *1* "J* *** *I* *3 The Editor's Pulpit ^.^.i.4,^^^.^.I..H..I..H'4^^4HH^»^^^-H^-H^^4^^^-H»^^^4H^^-I"I"I"I"I--i rTTTTTTT Vutting The World Together '"pHE CRY OF "DANGER" is going forth i* throughout the land. Since events of last fall, everyone has been going about like ants, when {their ant hill is suddenly upheaved. It appears that the scurrying about which is being done by Americans is about as pointless as the frantic rushing of the disturbed ants. Yes, the danger signals have been hoisted. We are told that as a nation, we are in dire straits. Gftiere are those who tell us we are so far behind that we can never catch up. Others tell us that civilization, as we know it, has but a few short rears to exist unless something is quickly done about it. Yet another has told us that this great democracy is destined to take its place among civilizations which have perished on the sands of time. Actually some of the statements we have heard, or have read, leave us in a state of astonishment. We cannot believe our ears nor our eyes. Sure- ly in the state of complacency and confidence in our leaders which we have been presuming to enjoy, such statements seem almost inconsistent. Yet we hear them day by day. Such statements, note, are not coming from men who would, in some circles, tend to be classi- fied as prophets of doom — the preachers. One can well recall a few years past when, if a preacher got up and warned the people about impending judgment and destruction of civilization, he was severely criticized, and avoided. No one wanted to hear such news. Life was too meriy, too com- fortable, to listen to the voice of God's messen- gers as they warned of what could happen. No, it is not the preachers, this time, but men who are high in the governmental positions in our country. Radio and television commentators are quoting political leaders, top men in the armed forces are speaking, and they all have one message — danger. It seems strange that the American people will hear these men who speak, seemingly with authority when, a few years back, the mes- sengers of God were classified as gloomy seers when they spoke in this way. Now, it is up to the men of God to speak words of wisdom and cheer. Men of God are needed who will speak forth the eternal word to a fearful people. Only the uninformed will feel that the world is so disintegrated that it cannot be put together again. There was once a father whose small son was giving him a rough time, and to entertain the lad, the father gave him a picture puzzle of a map of the world, and told him to put it together. Sooner than expected, the boy was back with the finished map. When questioned how he was able to perform the task so quickly, the boy replied, "There was a picture of a man on the other side, and when I put the man together, the world was together." A rather crude illustra- tion, but there is a person who can pull this old world together if given a chance. That one is Jesus Christ. Now, since the predictors of destruction are those other than preachers, isn't it time that men of God herald forth the message of the Lord to a fearful people? What can we do? We can pray for our leaders, for men, for rulers of other nations. Let no one underestimate the value of prayer in the preservation of our national life. Brethren, that is the only thing right now that is holding us intact. Millions of people pray daily, and God is noting these petitions. Also, we can spread the message of salvation, seeking to win men's hearts from fear to peace in Christ. In this day of fear, let us have our spir- itual lights shining brightly, empowered by prayer and the knowledge that God cares about His people. W. S. B. PAGE FOUR THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST oderators Address IQ57 niid-Vest ^District Qonfewnce ~-4 PUTTING GOD IN THE CENTER "God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Him- self . . . and hath committed unto us the word of recon- ciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ" 2 Corinthians 5:19, 20. ^» TT IS A REAL PRIVILEGE, my friends, to greet you in the name of the Lord at this Midwest Conference of Brethren churches. We have a common cause and a God who is able to do exceeding abundantly above any- think we may ask of Him. Our district is small in num- bers and the distances between the churches are very great, yet it is a wonderful privilege to fellowship with one another and work together for Christ and His king- dom. When Christ was here on earth going about doing good, He was always talking about God. What do you talk about? Well, the World Series, the game of the week in football; the amount of precipitation, especially since we have been plagued with two years of drought. Then again it may be about the changes in the new cars, the good crops this year; the wonderful supply of water under the Nebraska soil for irrigation pur- poses; the latest clothes; the whereabouts of our children Reu. J. Milton Bowman (Delivered at Carleton, Nebraska, on October 11, 1957). and other things too numerous to mention. Christ was talking about the Father — of seeing Him and being like God; this was the center of His conversation. It was likewise the central message in the preaching of the disciples. With tremendous zeal and earnestness, they went everywhere bearing witness of Christ and putting God in the center. Any church will grow pow- erful spiritually if it puts God in the center of every- thing it does. We should ask ourselves from time to time the question, "What would Jesus do?" Many of our attitudes concerning the problems of our various churches would change greatly, if we would settle them as Jesus would; if we would put God in the center. We know that God was through Christ reconciling, or restoring to favor, the world. After Christ rose from the dead, this great task was delegated to us. When- ever the Christian church holds fast to this great pur- pose, it has been strong; whenever it neglects to pro- claim it with fervor and zeal, it goes into eclipse; it becomes weak, indifferent, self-satisfied and spiritually dead. Unless that church does the first works over and has a new birth of freedom by turning again to the things of the spirit, the Lord may remove its candle from the candlestick. We should be concerned as a de- nomination, lest we come to the point of no return. The Brethren Church has a great message and a great cause — none greater. It has an obligation to God and to the world which should challenge every person to give of his best to that cause. The world is in desperate need! This age needs the assurance that a God of love is in the center of the JANUARY 25, 1958 iuniverse trying to reconcile the world through Jesus {Christ our Lord. There is an old legend about creation [which tells of four seeds which presented themselves to IGod. The first said, "I like water, if I had fins I could Iswim everywhere." God made it a fish. The second didn't {like the water but liked the air. God made it into a bird. The third liked the jungle so was made a tiger. iThe fourth seed didn't like the water, air, or jungle but asked God to make it like Himself. Then God smiled land said, "Very well, I will make you a man." Isn't it wonderful that we are related to God? With ;God at the center of things, we have the assurance of Divine relationship. When we become divinely related to God by the impartation of His divine nature, then life takes on a sense of real purpose. Life has a divine mis- sion; we are all marching to some predestined end. Tf we put God in the center of life, we will sense His divine presence. It will be a very real personal indwell- ing and will strengthen us down the river of time into eternity. We will then move forward and step out boldly to fulfill the mission of the Church of the living God- — the ministry of reconciliation. The United States News and World Report — a nation- ally prominent magazine in America asks this question, "Is the whole world in trouble?" It then mentions the I following nations having trouble: Korea, Japan, Red ;China, Thailand, India, Philippines, Cuba, Indonesia, Viet- nam, Brazil, Argentina, Canada, Russia, Britain, Poland, | Germany, France, Hungary, Spain, Italy, Syria, Jordan, Union of South Africa, and the United States. The lat- ter two have serious race problems. There are others that could be mentioned. "In the rest of the free world, there is a haunting fear that the United States, pre- occupied at home, will tend to pull back and leave the troubled world to shift for itself." Dr. Elton Trueblood says, "Unless the spiritual problem is solved, civiliza- tion will fail; indeed we already have a foretaste of that failure in many parts of the world . . . The sober truth is that, as a people we do not believe we are en- gaged in a race with catastrophe. We are not aware of the dangers we face, and consequently we are doing rela- tively little to meet them." The Brethren Church is challenged to put God in the center of every activity if it is to be effective in help- ing reverse the decay of the Christian faith. As to the Midwest district, our churches are small and the long distances between them make fellowship difficult. There is a remarkable shift in population in this ai*ea to the larger centers — industrial areas. There is a turnover every five years of the farmers in Nebraska. Our young people leave for the army or for other localities as soon as they are out of high school, making it very dif- ficult for our small churches to carry on. However, the people out here are of pioneer stock. They have faced many difficulties and problems in the past and have survived. The drought of the past two years is an example, and many of the people have taken it in its stride. It must be admitted, however, that many have left and gone to industrial areas. We must face this fact and do the things necessary to meet the situation as our pioneer fathers would have done. The Church has not always been at its best but we know that if we, with sincerity of heart, put God in the center, "all things are possible to them that believe." PAGE FIVE REV. J. MILTON BOWMAN We must locate some new churches in growing areas. There are approximately twenty such areas in a triangle bounded by Mulvane, Fort Scott, Morrill and Falls City. These churches will not locate themselves so it will be necessary for some of our present churches to find a good location or for the District Mission Board to find a suitable location near one of the present churches. A team of laymen helped by their minister, or a min- ister of a neai'by church could promote the work until a full time minister could be found. It might be possible for several churches to join together to sponsor a new church. A Sunday school or Bible study class could be started in the new location until a church was ready to be organized. One of the most vexing problems of our denomination is the shortage of ministers. We are just beginning to do something definite about it. A very interesting work- shop at National Conference went into the problem in detail. A bright spot in our district is that two churches, Cheyenne and Mulvane went off of the National Mis- sionary Board this Fall. Carleton also is off the Nation- al Board. Now not a single church in this district is on the National Board. This is a real step forward and we pray that all the churches may go forward with new strength and vigor. When one considers that just a few years ago Mulvane was not in existence, nor Cheyenne, nor did we own Camp Wyandotte, added strength has come to the District. Three or four strong churches be- tween Mulvane, Fort Scott and Falls City would revital- ize the whole district, reduce the distances between the churches, improve the fellowship, raise our spirits, strengthen our camp program and multiply our activity for Christ and His kingdom. When one considers the great distance from any of our churches to Cheyenne, Wyoming, the difficulties of cooperation are very great. Cheyenne is only a little over one hundred miles from Denver, Colorado and there are fast growing cities between. Since Wyoming and PAGE SIX THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST Colorado are growing in population much faster than the average of the nation, we need three or four churches within one hundred and fifty miles of Cheyenne to form a new Rocky Mountain District. When that takes place it would not be so difficult to get ministers to come out to the Midwest District; some of them would naturally move over to the Rocky Mountain area and then on to Arizona and California. The Brethren Church needs young men with the pio- neering spirit who like Paul of old, do not want to build on another man's foundation, but are willing to move on from area to area planting churches everywhere. Camp Wyandotte is gradually improving its facilities. Bought for one thousand dollars originally, it is now worth at least twelve thousand dollars at the very low- est figure and may be worth fifty thousand or more in the near future. We hope to make a real effort to com- plete the caretaker's house which will increase the val- uation greatly. By putting a small dam down in the val- ley, the water situation can be solved and with running water, showers and other facilities will make it a much more worth-while place. It should, if possible, be incor- porated in the District. The entire District should get behind this camp. Most of the volunteers for labor have come from two churches. Hundreds of dollars worth of work has been done by these two churches and help from some of the other churches would be appreciated greatly. The camp is a good place to send your children. It is so wonderful to have this great time of fellow- ship even though it is so short. Perhaps a Midwest quar- terly or monthy mimeographed newspaper containing news of the local churches would give us more of a sense of belonging. It is so difficult for us to get to Na- tional Conference and we are so far apart, that we feel isolated. This new Bulletin might give us a better feel- ing of unity. The Brethren already have plenty of organizations. One of our problems is to make them work. We are making some real progress along this line; but the effort has been too little and to some extent, too late. Yet a friend of mine had a few seeds which were found iii an urn in the Cliff dweller country of the Southwest. Archeologists estimated that they were fifteen hundred years in a dormant state. My friend planted them for fun and a new species of bean developed — at least one not common today. The spark of life was still there — although dormant. Let us plant the seed upon the prom- ises of God. Let us strengthen our message; Let us revive our spiritual energy; Let us lift our horizons. Let us put God in the center of everything. We have a strong message. God has given this message to us for such a time as this. The world is crying for help! If ours is the true Gospel, and I believe it is, we should grow. Karl Barth said, "The world which we confront today is aggressively pagan. Many influences and agencies in modern life work to undermine the Christian view of life, and subtly to convert even Church people from an outright Christian faith. The only adequate answer is for Christians to recover the New Testament power of spiritual aggression. That demands an ability to witness convincingly and positively on behalf of our faith. It is not sufficient for Christians to content themselves with being Disciples (learners) of Jesus Christ. Our calling is to be Apostles (messengers) of Jesus to every man and to every realm of life." Since the Church is always within a generation of extinction, it is good to see here and there within our district and within the entire Brethren denomination, that the wind is beginning to stir in the Mulberry trees. A few years ago, we were without an adequate mis- sionary program; there were no missionaries going among our churches. Now, our World missions program is becoming strong and young people are volunteering and getting the vision of world service. This is to a large extent due to our splendid Brethren youth and Camp programs. Can you remember that just a few years ago, Brethren Youth was not in existence? Now it is mak- ing a real and vital impact upon the denomination. Our Woman's Missionary Society has been a strong factor in the Denomination for many years. Its empha- sis on direct mission aid in the past few years, thus fulfilling the purpose for which it was intended, has been a move in the right direction. The Laymen are coming to the front. It has been a long slow grind but real gains are being made by our splendid group of men. If the men truly put their shoul- S&we t&e *&a%et faitfyccCtty t&U yea* t&MMcyJi you* yi£t& fat t&e J95Z Pn&Ucatitot T>ay O^mitty Gooi-Nof less than $5,000.00 REMEMBER THE WORK-REMEMBER THE NEED JANUARY 25, 1958 PAGE SEVEN ders to the wheel, great strides can be made in our de- nomination. It is more difficult, of course, for them to [find the time to meet. ; The Publishing interests have been moving forward in a remarkable manner. Ashland College has grown tremendously in both lumbers and facilities in the past few years; it is mak- ing remarkable improvements. Our Seminary has been improving to a wonderful degree and now has a beau- tiful new home. However, it will take many more stu- dents before the cost per graduate comes down out of the stratosphere. That is one reason why recruitment of tudents for full-time Christian service is so important. We need to re-think our attitude on witnessing. At this point we find the greatest weakness in the Brethren hurch. We can have wonderful college and seminary buildings, a splendid publishing program, outstanding Organizations, boards, machinery. In fact, we can invest piillions in church buildings and other physical equip- ment, but the real dividends of any denomination are feouls won for Jesus Christ our Lord. Nothing less than a passion to evangelize the world will meet the challenge bf this terrific age. If we do not bear fruit we die (spiritually. j E. M. Bounds hit the nail on the head when he said, j'What the Church needs today is not more machinery tor better, not new organizations or more novel methods, put men whom the Holy Ghost can use; men of prayer, pen mighty in prayer. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not come on machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men — men of prayer." So our unfinished task today is to expand or perish! Since the Gospel is "the power of God unto salvation to all them that believe" and since we claim to proclaim, "The Gospel, the whole Gospel and nothing but the Gos- pel," we should have the power to grow, to make the impact upon the world which God expects of us. Jan de Hartog in "Duel with a Witch Doctor," has one of his characters Ganwitz say, "Holiness. His only hope in this dark tunnel of black magic was the white magic of Christianity. Not the Christianity of pompous hypocrites, such as his own father had been, but the Chris- tianity of St. James: the works, not the faith. Utter hu- mility, self denying love, a pure adoration of God instead of prayers like mumbled petitions to a millionaire in the clouds — this Christianity alone could save his soul from that satanical power. And he was as far removed from that state of grace as an ape." We are living in an age which now has the capacity to blast itself off the face of the earth with man-made earthquakes. The leaders of many nations bare their fangs like the animals in the jungle. They talk peace as wolves in sheep's clothing, and there is no peace. The blackness of their hearts is coated with the veneer of civilization and their iron fists are covered with a silken glove. It is in such a world the Brethren Church must function. Let us put God in the center of things and live! Falls City. jnannnnnnnnnnnnnaannnnnnnnnnDnnnnnnnnnnaannannaaDDaDDDDananDannaaDnDnnannnnanaannc zoaDaDaDDnQannnnaDDaaaanoanDnaaoaaaannanoaaaaaDaaaaanaDannafDaanaanaaoDDDaDDDaaaaac Spiritual fiDeditations Rev. Dyoll Belote HUMILITY "We also are men of like passions with you." Acts 14:15. WHEN PAUL AND BARNABAS, on their missionary journey, came to Lystra, you will remember that they came in contact with a man who had been unable to walk from his birth. With divine insight Paul perceived that the man possessed enough concern and faith to be jaealed. Accordingly Paul commanded him to stand on his feet. And obeying the command, the impotent man was lealed. This brought on a wave of superstitious belief in their gods among the people, and an attempt to delegate :o Paul and Barnabas the place of their leading divinities. But Paul was quick to deny any relation to the heathen j lei ties and declared himself and Barnabas to be only nen like the people of Lystra, and only came to preach the gospel of salvation, to be found through faith in the ;rue God. When the opportunity comes to be praised of men, and ;o receive honor from them, men are often tempted to ac- cept the laudation of their fellows. But Paul's admonition :o the man of Lystra is still good counsel. "We are" yet, "men of like passions with" our fellows, and need to watch that we do not come to "think more highly of our- selves than we ought to think." We do need to think so- berly and sensibly, lest we become puffed-up with a feel- ing of our own importance. It is still written in the "Mag- na Carta" of the Kingdom that "The meek shall inherit the earth." Jesus humbled Himself to the cross and re- fused crowns, when He might have had them. The teach- ings of Him who was lowly of heart shall yet conquer the earth. "A king might miss the guiding star, A wise man's foot may stumble: For Bethlehem is very far From all except the humble. "But he who gets to Bethlehem Shall hear the oxen lowing; And if he humbly kneels with them, May catch far trumpets blowing." PAGE EIGHT THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST MISSIONARY DEPARTMENT MISSIONARY BOARD OF THE BRETHREN CHURCH ■530 College Ave.. Ashland. Ohio. Phone 39582 Contributing Editors: W. CLAYTON BERKSHIRE. Gen. Secy (MRS.) IDA LINDOWER, Adm. Assistant Missionary Prayer Calendar (Put this in your Bible and usq it daily.) Subjects for prayer each week, beginning on Sunday. February 2. 16. 23. A better program of missionary education in the local churches Growth of the radio ministry in Argen- tina Our C.R.I, teachers in Nigeria Veda Liskey (26) WHAT'S GOING ON AT MUBI? A FEW WEEKS AGO one of the Nigerian fellows who had been coming daily to ask for work — but without success — was given a job to do. He's had work here ever since. Another fellow arrived from Higi coun- try to the north of here to become an apprentice cook — he's now having to cook on his own. Still other fellows have had to be hired to cut back the six-foot-high grass that surrounds the compound and to make long mats of it. Several small grass-mat buildings are beginning to spring up where, until recently, was only tall grass. The station car now sits outside when not in use — the writer and his family are comfortably settled in the garage. A couple of itinerant carpenters have been put to work making furniture. The round mud hut that has been our study room is now equipped with stove and other essentials for use as a kitchen. And even the porch of the house is being used as a bedroom. Close to the center of all this activity are the three Nigerians in their long flowing white garments that come down our quarter-mile lane each morning to spend several hours acting as language informants. For Mubi station has been turned into a noumenal language school — an experiment to develop a more effective language- learning program for Brethren missionaries. What will come of this experiment we have no way of knowing for sure. Our prayer is that we may succeed in becoming truly fluent in the language (s) we study as quickly as possible, so as to be of the utmost effective- ness in the proclaiming of the Gospel message to these needy people as soon as possible. To do this, the latest methods of modern linguistic science are being applied to the task of missionary language learning, and the sev- eral years of linguistic training which my wife and I have been able to acquire are being put to their first major test. Some sort of full-scale treatment of the problems of language learning is necessary in this, perhaps the most linguistically diverse, area of the world, if we are to reach effectively the 600,000 or more people, speaking more than ten different languages, in our mission area. So the seven of us have decided to give it a try. "Uncle" Stover Kulp, Field Secretary and co-founder of C.B.M. in Nigeria, has opened up his two-bedroom home and relinquished his garage for the project. Jim and Merle Bowman are spending a couple of months away from their station work at Gulak to improve their abil- ity to use Hausa, while Von and Elsie Hall, just out from the States have just arrived to learn Hausa as their first Nigerian language. We have been here since early May learning Hausa and preparing lesson materials for these folks. Our program consists of a full morning's work learn- ing and practicing greetings, useful words and phrases, discussing current events, hearing stories, and so forth, with our Hausa informants. Our afternoon program varies from more work with the informants to visiting in the town in order to hear and speak more Hausa. We fill in with reading assignments in various grammars and other helpful linguistic literature and all in all keep pretty busy. Will our experiment pay off? We hope and pray so. The indications so far are very encouraging. And we already have several more applicants for our Hausa course as well as plans for several improvements. Nearly every day sees more lesson material run off on our duplicating machine. We trust that it won't be long before we can branch into other languages as well. The need for this sort of program is great. Pray with us that what's now being started here at Mubi may begin to fill this need. —Charles Kraft. The Krafts' Hausa language informants (Note: The Krafts have been living at the new Mbororo station since the Middle of December) ^NUARY 95, 1958 PAGE NINE jBSflBj^^^Bssaisiafliafl^^ HE ASHLAND SEMINARY TOUR AND SCHWARZENAU Summer, 1958 Rev. Delbert B. Flora OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS, BUT NOW! "YET A LITTLE SLEEP, A LITTLE SLUMBER, A LITTLE FOLDING OF THE HANDS TO SLEEP11 (Prov. 6:10), so can the opportunity of a life time slip away. BRETHREN, Church of the Brethren, Brethren in ) Christ, and Evangelical United Brethren people are gistering for the Ashland Seminary Tour of 1958. Reg- trations are still being taken. At first, people of the rethren Church were promised priority, but now the prin- ple which must be practiced is that of "first come, first rved." In order to be sure that we can get reconfirma- ons on our reservations, our travel agent says that about pril 1 should be our "deadline." It can be only the greatest of thrills for a leader and orker in any of the Brethren Churches to visit the land the birth of Christianity, the lands of the early expan- >n of Christianity, and the place of the birth of the •ethren Church. Here are some of the important Biblical sites which the )ur will visit in Jordan: — 1. Shechem, recently much more excavated, ancient home of the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and I his sons. 2. Jacob's well, near Shechem. 3. Samaria, capitol city of Ahab and the northern kingdom. 4. Gibeon, recently excavated, important in the lives of David and Solomon. 5. Hebron, David's first capitol and the burial place of Abraham and Sarah. 6. Bethlehem, David's home, and the birthplace of the great Son of David, Jesus. 7. Jericho, famous for the names of Joshua and Jesus. 8. Bethany, home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. 9. Mt. of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemane. 10. Old Jerusalem (not the new city), which is a museum in itself, with the Temple courts, the pool of Siloam, the pool of Bethesda, ancient walls, etc., etc. Here are a few of the important Biblical places we all see as we visit Israel: 1. The Valley of Hinnom or Gehenna. 2. Possible site of the Upper Room. 3. Possible place of David's burial. 4. Emmaus, to which Jesus walked with the Two. 5. Caesarea, where the Apostle Paul was imprisoned for two years. 6. Nazareth, where Jesus grew up. 7. Valley of Esdraelon, place of ancient battles and the place of a great battle to come. 8. Sea of Galilee, our hotel on its very shore. We can walk on the beach in the twilight as Jesus did. 9. Hills, valleys and plains of Galilee over which He walked in three major missionary tours. 10. Mt. Carmel, which will remind us of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. So much more could be said about the places where Paul was, places we shall visit such as Athens and its Mars Hill and its great temples which the Apostle saw; also Corinth where he worked for nearly two years and established a church, and where he was brought before the Roman governor, Gallio. We shall then finish the Tour by visiting Schwarzenau where Alexander Mack and his companions took the great step which resulted in the Tunker movement of which we are a part. There we shall have a part in the great Con- vocation in celebration of the Two Hundredth Anniver- sary of the organization of 1708. There will be special services, our own Rev. Freeman Ankrum participating, lunch in the homes of the villagers, and a tour of the community. WHAT MORE CAN BRETHREN DESIRE FOR IN- SPIRATION AND FULFILLMENT OF LIVES OF STUDY AND SERVICE IN THE BRETHREN CHURCH ? For full information and descriptive folder write to: Delbert B. Flora, Ashland Theological Seminary, Ashland, Ohio (NOTE: — The Middle East situation? Does it worry any one who is contemplating making the tour? I have re- ceived letters from the American School of Oriental Re- search in Jerusalem, Jordan, which indicate that those who are there go about their travels and general affairs without realizing that we here in America are all stirred up about a "crisis" there. Things are as quiet as when I was there in 1952 and again in 1955. I have no fear of difficulty.— D. B. F.) PAGE TEN THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST NEW EDITOR of The Brethren Layman FLOYD S. BENSHOFF % n«» i NATIONAL LAYMANS ORGANIZATION President, John Golby, has announced a change in Editors of the Organization's monthly magazine, "The Brethren Layman." Floyd S. Benshoff, of the Third Brethren Church, Johnstown, Pennsylvania, has been chosen to succeed Elton Whitted, of the Park Street Brethren Church, Ashland, Ohio, who has been Editor of the paper foi some years. Mr. Benshoff is an active member of the Nationa Layman's Organization of the Brethren Church, and i also active in the Laymans work of his local churcl and the Pennsylvania District. He is Moderator of hi local church, is Vice-President of the Pennsylvania Dis JANUARY 25, 1958 PAGE ELEVEN trict Mission Board, and a member of the Ashland Col- lege Board of Trustees. He has also served at various 'times as Secretary and as Moderator of the Pennsylvania District Conference, and as General Conference Treas- urer. He is owner and operator of the Morrellville News, !in Johnstown. President Golby, in announcing the appointment of (Mr. Benshoff to the Editorship, says he is very happy about the new arrangement; that since Editor Whitted jfelt he could no longer continue in that capacity, he "feels jsure that this arrangement will work out, knowing that Floyd will give the assignment his time, talent and at- tention." Brother Golby has also the following to say in appre- ciation of the very fine work done for the Laymans 'Magazine by retiring Editor, Elton Whitted: "Our for- mer Editor, E. E. Whitted, is to be complimented on his capable, dependable service to the Laymen over the years, service which has been appreciated very much many, many times, and to this I'm sure all the Brethren will add 'Amen.' " For the purpose of clarification, the new Editor of the I Layman is a double first cousin of the Editor of Publica- tions; our fathers being brothers and our mothers, sis- ters. We welcome Cousin Floyd to the Editorial circle, and pray for him God's blessing and leadership in his [new field of service to the Brethren in the witnessing of the Gospel even unto the ends of the earth. We covet for him the prayers and support, not only by the mem- bers of the NLO, but by all Brethren. As Editor of Pub- lications, we would also like to express our deep apprecia- tion and thanks to Brother Elton Whitted for his very fine work and devotion to duty in the service which he has given while at the helm of the Brethren Layman. ELTON E. WHITTED The new Editor began his duties as of January 1st and the first issue to appear under his administration will be the March issue. President Golby, who, inciden- tally, lives at 358 Beatrice Ave., in Johnstown, and who is likewise a member of the Third Brethren Church, asks that all contributions for the Laymans Magazine now be sent to the new Editor, Floyd S. Benshoff, 148 Wilson St., Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Round-Up of eporfi LEADER URGES INDIA CHRISTIANS TO BE ALERT Christians in India are in danger of being "deprived of their religious and civic rights bit by bit," the presi- dent of the All-India Conference of Christians said re- cently. Dr. Eddy Asirvatham told the organization at its annual meeting that it must "exercise a never-failing vigilance." Two recent events sparked his warning, the leader said. 1. In Raipur a four-story Protestant Community center had been destroyed by a group of Hindu rioters after an Indian pastor had objected to a Hindu Idol being brought into the building. 2. In the state of Kerala, the Commun- ist-led government adopted a measure that would place church-operated schools under control of the state. The Raipur incident has never been fully reported in India's secular press, Dr. Asirvatham asserted, nor has there been "any expression of regret or sorrow by any national leader of national organization." Pointing out the Prime Minister Nehru has ordered an impartial investigation of the Raipur affair, the National Missionary Council of India last October urged Christians "not to get agitated" over an "isolated inci- dent." Later, Mr. Nehru told the group of church leaders who called on him to protest the Raipur riot that, since India's independence, many forces "good and bad," had been set loose in the country. The number of foreign missionaries sent to India by "regular" churches had de- creased, Mr. Nehru said, while those sent by "irregular" churches had increased. Mr. Nehru did not amplify what he meant by regular and irregular churches, but evi- dently referred to the increasing activity of fringe sects in India. Some Indians have the impression that the British brought Christianity to the JM^\®.F$J^jSj>Xs%id. Ac- tually Christianity was brought to the country I14. the first century and "is thjjfs a religion of India," he\re- marked. PAGE TWELVE THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST LEVITTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA The first Sunday of 1958 marked a new beginning in Levittown, Pennsylvania. A group of people — twenty-two in all — joined together in worship with the prayerful hope that a Brethren Church would come into existence in this community. Twelve people from the Sergeantsville Brethren Church, our sponsoring church, joined ten of us who live in this locality and we mutually expressed a determination to work toward establishing a church. The enthusiasm that is being shown for this project would be difficult to match. We feel that the presence at our first service of ten people who are willing to work is an excellent indication of things to come. In addition, we have leads on seventeen others who were Brethren but who have changed their denominational affiliation merely because there was no Brethren Church in this area. Therefore, it is easily deducted from the above in- formation that the prospects for a thriving Levittown Brethren Church seem to be very bright. We solicit your interest, your enthusiasm, and above all, your prayers. A word of commendation should be given to the coun- try church known as the Sergeantsville Brethren Church. In numbers, it is not a large church — in spirit, it is tre- mendous. The pastor, Rev. George K. Lindberg, and the people have caught that new spirit which seems to be gaining momentum in the denomination and which is culminating in such admirable forward strides as a re- markably progressing Ashland College and Seminary, and new congregations in Sarasota, Tucson, and Waynes- boro. The Sergeantsville Church has pledged the Levit- town work its full support. We welcome it as we wel- come the support of all Brethren. Mr. and Mrs. Phil Nolte. Rev. William Boyer, ordained into the Brethren min- istry from the Roann church, assumed our pastorate, October 1. This is his first charge, but each week finds him becoming more confident in his work. He and his family have moved into the community, thus enabling him to better serve the congregation. It is our hope that we can help him and his family establish them- selves in the Brethren ministry. The church has new restrooms, installed by the men of the congregation, donating materials and service. This improvement has been greatly appreciated. Serious illness of some of our oldest and most faith- ful members has cut into our attendance. Mrs. Delpha Carson and Mrs. Beatrice Conrad both members for many years, have been unable to be present at services for some time. Rev. G L. Maus was shut in by illness for two months. Attendance in the children's department and the young- er married group has been good and shows fairly steady growth. Emma Lee Staller, Clerk, Corinth Brethren Church. OAK HILL, W. VA. We would like to tell of some of the activities of our Church at Oak Hill, even though some of them are a little bit late. Rev. Milton Robinson conducted the funeral services for one of our eldest members, Mrs. Mary Jane (Booth) Hootin, on Sept. 20, 1957. Throughout the month of October, the morning worship hour was broadcast over our local radio station, WOAY. On Octber 27th, Rev. Robinson closed his pastorate here in Oak Hill. The month of November we were waiting for Rev. Madoski. Rev. Paul D. Tinkel, a member of our Church, ably filled the pulpit of our Church during November. Rev. Robert Madoski arrived in Oak Hill, November 26th. December 1st was his first message as pastor of our church. The Adult Bible Class sponsored a food shower and refreshments in honor of Rev. and Mrs. Robert Madoski, on November 27th. Myrtle Nuckils, Cor. Sec. CORINTH BRETHREN CHURCH TWELVE MILE, INDIANA In retrospect, we find several points to bring to the brotherhood's attention concerning the church at Corinth. The 56-57 church year closed the ministry of Rev. John Turley at Corinth. During the four years he served as our pastor, attendance has increased, financial sup- port of the church and denominational giving has in- creased, and many testified to a richer spiritual expe- rience. Rev. Percy Miller, Dayton, Ohio conducted a week of evangelistic services in September. Attendance was good, and although no decisions were made, interest was great in the messages delivered. NORTH LIBERTY, INDIANA Since we have not sent in any news recently, that doesn't mean that we haven't done anything. We have been very busy. On October 10th we held the W. M. S. District Rally at our Church. We were very happy to entertain all of these wonderful churches. Our neighbor, the South Bend Church, presented the playlet called "The Missionary Client." There was also a special number from the Ard- more Church. Our guest speaker for the afternoon was Phil Lersch from Ashland. The first two weeks of November we held revivals at our church with Rev. and Mrs. William Anderson as our Evangelist. \NUARY 26, 1958 PAGE THIRTEEN Also we are happy to say that our pastor Rev. W. E. tiomas could conduct the revival services at County ine Church, Lakeville, Indiana. On December 1st we held communion Services in our lurch basement. On December 8th was our Baptismal Tvice with five being baptised, and six being taken to our church. At Thanksgiving time our church gave food baskets to te needy families of the community. Again at Christmas me we did the same thing. We are happy to say that we had our Organ installed November. It cost $2800, and by the support of the imaritan class and other church members, we have it 1 paid but $500, which is to be paid off in June. We )pe that it will be paid off before then. Mrs. Frank Sims, Jr. HUNTINGTON, INDIANA iA brief report from this field I am sure will be appre- ated, although it is easy for me to defer the reporting, r it never seems to me that we are accomplishing much, hen I think of so much that should be accomplished at is not. Huntington is a pleasant little city of 16,000 iid our church has been here a good many years but jid never grown as churches should. JThe primary task of the church is to reach people for jlvation, for all men without Christ are lost and are lily saved by believing the gospel. In his last personal essage on earth, our Lord said, "Go into all the world id preach the gospel to every creature. He that believ- h and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believe th it shall be damned." I have no protest however many e saved without baptism, but I insist that when Christ (io died on the cross gives the commands, there is only le course left for us and that is to obey. In the great- it of sermons preached by our Lord which we call the prmon on the Mount, Christ said, "Many will say to me J that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy mie ? and in thy name cast out devils ? and in thy name ne many wonderful works? And then will I profess ito them, I never knew you, depart from me, ye that )rk iniquity." These are very plain words and easily tderstood. Also our Lord emphasizes the truth by tell- g them, " — He that heareth these sayings of mine and eth them," is wise and builds on the rock, but he that ■eth them not is foolish and builds on the sand, and e storm will destroy his house. The people to whom irist refers have a good testimony and say they know e Lord. Yet He says to them, "I never knew you." ie certain evidence of our salvation is our obedience the word of God, not our feeling or our testimony, ie genius and basis of the Brethren Church is that ry truth, Obedience to every command of our Lord, f ye love me keep my commandments." I could not report without preaching a little, for it easy to go the popular way and overlook the very ings that make us Brethren. It has been a very pleasant year of labor with our loved brethren in Huntington. They have manifest ery kindness to the pastor and wife which makes pas- cal life a real joy. We have now been on this field for 16 months and have received into the church by confession of faith and bap- tism and laying on of hands, thirty five new members. Most of these are adults, whole families and heads of families. They are proving themselves good substantial members. Four were received by letter and two are waiting baptism. A grand total of forty one. At our morning service on Sunday (Jan. 5) we presented 10 certificates of baptism and membership to those who were baptized the last Sunday of the year. Seven of these are heads of families. When we came here the Brethren Annual listed 117 as the membership, which makes our percentage of gain in 16 months, 34 percent. This is an encouraging growth. Unless a church is constantly receiving new members, that church is decreasing in membership and strength, for people are taken away by death, removal, offense and many other things that take them away from the church. The pastor who spends his time and energy in other activities and neglects seeking the lost will dis- cover he is not reaching the lost. Our attendance has naturally increased. On Sunday morning, Jan. 5th, we had 135 at the regular preaching service; the special service two weeks before, 160 were present. Another encouraging step was the election and ordination of four deacons and their wives as deacon- esses. The ordination was on our Homecoming day. Rev. Henry Bates preached. This church had never had a board of deacons, and for the information of those who know these people they are, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Kreiger, James Maxton, DeWayne Lusch and Arthur Stahl. A fine group for any church. This church should have a continual growth for we have found many prospects, and with real interest in them, a number will be reached for Christ and the church. Our laymen have a faithful group which meet regu- larly; also our W. M. S., Sisterhood and Brotherhood. We have found it difficult to keep the BYC active. We can get a group to attend special meetings, but the reg- ular Sunday by Sunday meeting is more difficult. The city of Huntington is somewhat down industrially, with quite a heavy roll of unemployed, but it is a nice city for a home and we are finding an ever widening field of service and if I could forget my birth date I would not know I was past 35. Mrs. Studebaker enjoys it here and as I told some inquiring friends, I think if I would leave they would want her to remain. We) are well, busy and happy in the work. We solicit the prayers of the brethren and assure you that we are concerned in the growth and progress of each church. We have a very definite commitment of faith in obeying all the com- mands of Christ. Let us contend for that faith. Claud Studebaker. HOW ABOUT YOUR OFFERINGS? PUBLICATION DAY OFFERING Give through your local Church, or if this is not pos- sible, note the following information. Church Treasurers, also please note: Make checks payable to The Brethren Publishing Com- pany, and address The Brethren Publishing Company, 524 College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio. PAGE FOURTEEN THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST rayer meeting I Studies > 1 hy (3. T. Qilmet IF CHRIST HAD COME TODAY Our Lord has told us all to watch His coming to discern; For in an hour when we think not Our Savior shall return. Suppose that He had come today, At morning or at noon, Or in the evening? For we know It will be very soon. Would I have been ashamed before Him, as He looked on me? Have I been glorifying Him, Who died to set me free? What thoughts possessed me, as about My daily task I went; What of those hasty words I spoke When I was tired and spent? That visit which I meant to make, That word of comfort say; I'd ne'er have had another chance If Christ had come today. When pausing on the step to greet My neighbor with a word, How strange I did not say one thing About my precious Lord. Why is my time so occupied With every trifling thing? Will I not gain a single soul As trophy for my King ? I know that all around me, souls Are dropping into Hell; And yet I go my tranquil way As though all things were well. Lord, as I contemplate these facts, I hide my face with shame. Oh, wake me, rouse me, Lord, I pray, And stir me into flame ! CHRISTIANS ARE WARNED not to have to stand confused with shame when they shall be called to account (1 John 2:28). Shame means that we have been caught in wilful neglect, disobedience, or carelessness when we knew better and are without excuse (Matt. 25:24-30). We shall be ashamed before the Lord at His coming if we are caught unforgiven (1 Cor. 11:13), or we are caught unforgiving (Matt. 18:23-35). There can be no excuse for the first shortcoming (1 John 1:9), nor the second (Matt. 5:23, 24) as we are taught not to de- lay one moment in these matters. Such sin of omission brings us into bondage (1 John 8:34). The Lord will not be deceived at a "make-believe" faith (Matt. 22:11-13). Mere profession, and especially an erroneous belief, will be most dreadful for shame (Matt. 7:21-23). Have like assurance with Paul, and know beyond the shadow of a doubt (2 Tim. 1:12). . . Can I withhold from others that Which I received so free And thus neglect the work which Christ Entrusted unto me? Nay, help me, Lord, to live for Thee, My privileges prize; That I may never be ashamed To meet Thy loving eyes. — Poem by Sarah C. Lewis. Lesson omments by Lesson for February 2, 1958 PRIVILEGES OF CHURCH MEMBERSHIP Lesson: I Peter 2:9-10; II Cor. 9:6-8; Gal. 6:1-5; Heb. 4:14-16, 10:23-25. PRIVILEGE AND responsibility go together. The Church of Jesus Christ offers abundant and blessed privileges which are eagerly grasped by every member. But few stop to think of the responsibilities that accom- pany the privileges! PRIVILEGE OF RELATIONSHIP TO GOD The Jew had long looked upon himself as "the chosen" of God. Peter says this privilege also belongs to Chris- tians: "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priest- hood, an holy nation, a peculiar people." All true be- lievers in Christ have been called "out of darkness into His marvelous light." You are not a member of His[ Church unless called and regenerated by God. Unconverted church members is the lamentation of 0. G. Wilson, in an editorial in The Wesleyan Methodist: "It is a catastrophe of the first order when a church is filled with fairly decent people who know nothing oft deep conviction of sin, nothing of genuine repentance and nothing of sound conversion. They joined as they would a Kiwanis Club, and continue as they were, with no as- surance, no joy, no compassion, and no consuming zeal." PRIVILEGE OF FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD "Seeing then that we have a great high priest let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace" (Heb. 4:14, 16). The privilege of prayer and fellowship with God! No longer is it necessary to struggle alone with our problems. At the throne of prayer "we niay obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." The song writer expressed it in these words: "What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!" RESPONSIBILITY OF STEWARDSHIP It is not possible to "pay" for our spiritual privileges The responsibilities which accompany church member- I: i ;i :; lNUARY 25, 1958 PAGE FIFTEEN ip should not be considered as such. The true spirit j stewardship is the result of inward motivation of the feart. The Christian gives because his Christlike nature id character requires that he does so. Since "God loveth cheerful giver," as Paul says in Corinthians, therefore, ivery man according as he purposeth in his heart, so I him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity." jThe obedient soul, who recognizes the responsibility of ^wardship, finds "God is able to make all grace abound." |ius, stewardship becomes a privilege rather than a re- jonsibility! j RESPONSIBILITY OF SPIRITUAL MINISTRY Each member of Christ's Church is responsible for the iritual welfare of his brother in the Lord. "Brethren, a man be overtaken in a fault," says Paul to the Gala- ins, "ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the irit of meekness." By so bearing one another's burdens, s are fulfilling the law of the Master. RESPONSIBILITY OF FELLOWSHIP WITH MAN There can be no church unless the members meet reg- irly for fellowship and worship. "Not forsaking the sembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some " How very important this is in the light of the day which we live! The writer to Hebrews adds this per- lent comment: "And so much the more, as ye see the y (the Final Day, Judgment Day) approaching." |What does your church membership mean to you ? Are u enjoying all your privileges? Are you also bearing your responsibilities? unday School Suggestions The Sunday School Board of The Brethren Church by Jerry Flora m « » «.«.«. WE'RE LOSING 60 PER CENT! "'HE DEPARTMENT of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches warns that at least 60 r cent of those taught in Sunday school are eventually t. Interpreted into figures this means that of the ap- >ximate 29 million who are enrolled in the Sunday school lay, 17.4 million will be lost from the active fellow- p of the church in the ensuing years, 'n direct relation to this astounding fatality is the fact it there are approximately 1,000 churches which "fold" :ry year. Yet there are 37 million young people in the S. with no church affiliation; 30 thousand villages h no resident pastor; and 10 thousand with no church, 'rotestants must find ways of communicating the gos- to each person on the level of his own interest and 'ticular need. We must continually strive to reach the ividual through genuine friendship. Nothing will take place of personal, sustained interest — a loving con- n which goes far beyond merely trying to build up attendance of a class or the rolls of the church. Counteracting by Visitation /[any evangelical churches are counteracting with a pro- im of planned visitation. Usually the pastor and the Sunday school staff discuss and decide upon a workable visitation program for the local need. The pastor and su- perintendent take the lead in carrying out the visitation, but someone is usually in charge of records and visitation assignments. With sufficient records as to who must be visited, the Sunday school workers should join together to visit the visitor, the absentee, and the prospect. Counteracting with the Home A new frontier in Christian education is in the realm of enrolling, not simply the individual or the child, but the whole family. Too often the Sunday school is assumed by both families and the church to be the place where children and young people receive their Christian nurture. Many churches now recognize that they cannot fully help the child or young person grow without the cooperation of the family wherein his feelings, ideas, and attitudes are molded. Sometimes when churches speak of the home and church working together, they really mean the home should co- operate with the church. What we need is a two-way re- lationship. The family and the church work must be part- ners in Christian education. To meet this responsibility churches are developing various means. Councils of parents, parent-teacher or- ganization, parent representatives on the church commit- tees— these have all proved helpful. A church program planned by both home and church helps stop the "leak- age." (The above is article 8 from "Growing Trends in Chris- tian Education," prepared by the Sunday School Board office and free upon request.) > » » » Our Poet's Corner « « « « GOD IS NEAR God is near, His love is flowing Softly as a shadow going: Let Him clasp His arms around you; Burst the chains that long have bound you — Rich, your joy, His having found you . . . God is near, His love is flowing Always — never, never slowing. O sin-bowed souls, you — growing older — May become more worldly, colder; Lay your heads, now, on His shoulder . . . He is near, His love is flowing To you — far beyond your knowing. Annabelle Merrifield. aDDaaaannaaDaannDannaannnnnnDanngDaaaaaD nannnnnDDDacinDnDannDnnannanaanDQnaannnaD PAGE SIXTEEN THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST Young Men's and Boys' Brotherhood Program BYRON HILDRETH, Topic Editor THIS ISN'T YOUR LIFE "And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees; every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast in the fire." And the peo- ple asked Him, saying, "What shall we do then?" He answereth and saith unto them, "He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none, and he that hath meat, let him do likewise." . . . And He said to them all, "If anv man will come after me, let him deny him- self, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For who- soever will save his life shall lose it, but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it." —Jesus Christ: Luke 3:9-11; 9:23-24. CHRISTIAN YOUNG MAN, your life is not your own! If we are to understand this teaching of Christ and the Bible we must realize that our lives are marvelous gifts from God and that the right living of them is a great responsibility to God. A Marvelous Gift from God. All that is good in out- lives we may directly attribute to God. We do not often think of this but the very fact that we exist at all as a creature in God's world is accounted for by nothing more than His graciousness. But there is more than mere existence for God from the very first designated man as lord of creation, as caretaker of the world He made, that we might live and grow in perfect usefulness and close communion with Him. God gave man the power to think and choose, to love and serve. He went so far as to make man in His own image. The talents and abili- ties, the blessings and pleasures which each one of us possess to a greater or lesser degree are, whether we admit it or not, from God. But there is a far greater gift than all this and the need for such a gift came about in a strange way for, in spite of God's goodness to men, he fell into temptation and disobeyed God. From that time on man was indi- vidually and collectively a rebel from God, a lost crea- ture without the communion he could have enjoyed with his Maker. Something had to be done to save man and something was done. God became a man — Jesus Christ came into the world that all who believe on Him might regain that communion man had before the entering of sin into the world. How gracious our God is, and how unspeakable His love, that He would die for us! A Great Responsibility to God. And since Christ died for us we must die to self and turn over our whole lives to Him. Dead to the world, the flesh, and the devil but alive in Christ. We must, as the disciples of old, forsake all and follow Him. Family, friends, country, comforts, wealth, fame, worldly pleasure and all else dwindle into insignificance when compared with the incomparable spiritual riches of abiding in Christ. It is this writer's hope and prayer that all young men who have named the name of Christ will early in their life consider full- time service to Him on the front lines in the mission field or in some other place. Jesus Christ wants nothing less from us than an unconditional surrender to Him. Let us dedicate our entire lives to spreading the good news of Jesus Christ for it is the greatest service we could possibly give our fellow men and the greatest glory God knows among men. "The bread that giveth strength I want to give; The water pure that bid the thirsty live; I want to help the fainting day by day — I'm sure I shall not pass again this way! "I want to give the oil of joy for tears The faith to conquer cruel doubts and fears. Beauty for ashes may I give alway — I'm sure I shall not pass again this way. "I want to give good measure running o'er And into hungry hearts I want to pour The answer soft that turneth wrath away! I'm sure I shall not pass again this way. "I want to give to others hope and faith; I want to do all that the Master saith; I want to live aright from day to day — I'm sui'e I shall not pass again this way.'" This isn't your life. The Scripture tells us that we an not our own for we are bought with a price (I Cor: 6:20) the price Christ paid on Calvary. May our lives be a con! stant sacrifice on Christ's behalf, in realization of th fact that, although we lose our lower nature, our lowe life, when we surrender to Christ we gain the ir finitely greater, higher, abundant life that can only bl found in Him. "Quoted anonymously in Where Life Matures, by Ro R. Laurin (Dunham Publishing Co.) / MY DIARY Mrs. George Drushci Nov. 6 — Wed. I "Baby sit" with flu patients whi Adah was up at High school. Orlena and Jo-Elle we[ to Fugate's Fork and had the Bible class in place Mr. Fry, who has been going up every Wednesday foil noon. Mr. Fry has flu. Nov. 7 — Thurs. "Sale" in forenoon, as usual on Thuij day. Rosa Lee Dobbins, a former student from Indiai stopped in to see Adah, and seeing her so worn of decided to put her to bed and stay over a day and h<| look after the girls and Adah's high school classes morrow. Surely the Lord sent her. Nov. 8 — Fri. Rosa Lee stayed all day and took chaii of Adah's work so she could stay in bed. Says it l\ been a long time since she has had as much pleasi| as she is having in being able to be of some help Riverside. Says she is coming back Monday to h'P Adah one more day, before going back to Indiana. ANUARY 25, 1958 PAGE SEVENTEEN Nov. 9 — Sat. William Musser and E. Condit Newcomer rrived today from Bryan, Ohio, with a truck load of lings. And a LOAD it surely was. There must have een 30 bushels of apples and pears, and about every- ling any one could think of. Glad they are spending le night with us. Nov. 10 — Sun. Bryan, Ohio, folks left this morning. i's always hard to find a "Thankyou" word that is big nough to say to folks who do so much for Riverside, .ttendance at all of our services was up more like nor- ial, since the flu epidemic has subsided. Nov. 11 — Mon. Rosa Lee back to help, driving nearly 0 miles to do it. Such a wonderful spirit! Says it's all i appreciation of Riverside's teacher's patience with er when she was a child. Papa up to Log House as usual t 7:30 this morning, so some one will be there until ie teachers come at 8. As he alighted from his car, he ill over unconscious. Boys got him up in car. Came home ) bed. Was a pretty sick man for a few hours. Mr. ry came in to pray with him and anointed him. Nov. 12 — Tues. Papa feeling fine today. A miracle, aid all October bills today, another miracle. We now we no man anything but love. Rosa Lee staying by idah, helps a lot. ;Nov. 13 — Wed. Ada Lu very sick. Could not get doc- faj from Jackson, but got one down from the Hospital 1 Perry Co. tonight. She has pneumonia. I Nov. 18 — Mon. Ada Lu much better but still running mperature, brought her over home here, so I could jok after her and Adah can be up at school. {Nov. 22 — Fri. Papa met with the boys and young men I the Church to discuss the organization of a Boys' Irotherhood. • Nov. 23 — Sat. Adah sick. Was sick yesterday and |ould have been in bed, but there was so much to do e thought she had to stay up. She took charge of the i»ung folk's social last night while running a high tem- ;Tature. None of us knew it. Some of the teachers had en invited out to a supper and she said she knew if e told it that she was sick, one of them would have ayed home and sponsored the social. Tiny flakes of low fell for a few minutes. First of the season. Nov. 24 — Sun. Adah suffered intense pain all last !?ht and is not better today. Don't know if it is the i or not. Miss Hooks took her Sunday school class and jiss Agen, Elizabeth and Orlena went to Fugate's Fork jble class. Miss Hooks' Sophomore High school Bible jiss gave a choral Bible reading at the close of Sunday !iool this morning. jNov. 25 — Mon. Adah to doctor at Jackson. Pronounced jr trouble rheumatic fever. Thinks he can check it since ' has taken it in time, but it will mean stay in bed :j" some days. Mr. and Mrs. Kimmel, from McLouth, msas, here for a couple hours. Enjoyed not only them, |t especially enjoyed their children. Nov. 26 — Tues. Mrs. Teed's Home Ec girls served a :e thanksgiving dinner to the students before they t for their vacation. Served the big turkey Miss Davis' ter brought to us from Danville, Ohio. Mrs. Joseph ne up to help with the high school teaching since lah is in bed. Nov. 28 — Thurs. Papa not feeling well, so Brother Fry had charge of the Thanksgiving service here in the chapel this morning. Mrs. Kessinger and Miss Stoffer up from Haddix to help us eat our Thanksgiving dinner. We had had our turkey on Tuesday, but we had good roast beef today. There were 27 of us at the table. The children who live in Dayton and New Lebanon, Ohio, could not get home. Mr. and Mrs. Burton Toms visited us during the afternoon. He was a former teacher here; now prin- cipal of a Bible school at Bristol, Tenn. Good attendance at Rowdy tonight considering the bad weather. Folks brought in things for a needy family up there. They will deliver the food to the family yet tonight. Doing things like this helps the church there. Adah got up for dinner, but ber fever came up after that. Papa better tonight. £aih tn Seat PRICE. Mrs. Blanch Price, daughter of Rev. Ben Flora former pastor of the Flora, Indiana, Church, passed away on Dec. 31, 1957. Services held the following Friday at North Liberty. Was an aunt of Rev. Delbert Flora, of Ashland. C. A. Stewart. * * » FISH. Mrs. Bertha Fish died Nov. 3, 1957 in her home in North Vandergrift. Born March 6, 1883. She gave 44 years of selfless devotion to the Brethren Church, miss- ing services only when sick. James Naff, Pastor. * * * LOUCKS. Mrs. Mary Brooks Loucks died in the Union- town Hospital, Dec. 10, 1957. Survived by husband George, two sons, two granddaughters, and two sisters. Members of the Masontown Brethren Church since 16 years of age. Former officer in the W. M. S., and teach- er in the Sunday School. Funeral at the church con ducted by the undersigned. Wm. D. Keeling. * * * McCLANAHAN. Mrs. Bertie Frances McClanahan was born May 10, 1912 and died Dec. 13, 1957. Was a devout member of the Maurertown Brethren Church. She was the mother of a large family of children, ten of whom with her husband survive. Services held by the under- signed at the Dellinger Funeral Chapel, Woodstock, Vir- ginia, Dec. 16. Interment, Maurertown Cemetery. John F. Locke. » ♦ » SIPE— Clyde S. Sipe, aged 88 years, 10 months and 2 days, died December 30. Funeral services held at the Mt. Olive Brethren Church. Interment, Mt. Olive Ceme- tery, of McGaheysville, Virginia. Brother Sipe is survived by his wife, Mrs. Lelia Hinkle Sipe and four sons and four daughters, 22 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Assisting the under- signed in the memorial services was the Rev. Douglas Ebert of the McGaheysville M. E. Church. John F. Locke, Pastor Mt. Olive. PAGE EIGHTEEN THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST NEWS FROM Phil Lersch, Youth Director OF LITTLE INTEREST . . . THESE OPENING WORDS should be of little interest or importance to you— that is, assuming you have already contributed a financial gift to our denomination- wide emphasis this month, the PUBLICATION BOARD OFFERING. But, just in case you have been putting it off and have yet to make your donation, let me add these words of encouragement. BRETHREN YOUTH is helped a great deal in its work by the Publishing Company. A clear-cut example is the page which you are now reading— given to us with- out charge so that more people throughout the brother- hood might know about the activities of their young peo- ple. Our appreciation of this kind gesture on the part of the Board is great. The assistance offered by your Publication Day Offer- ing enables the Publishing Company to print our BRETH- REN YOUTH MAGAZINE at the lowest possible expense to us. This factor aids very much in our being able to keep it in print. As I said, these remarks are "of little interest" to you if you have already given, but if not, rest assured that the Publishing Company helps Brethren Youth and many other of our Church organizations through your gifts. YOUR SUPPORT IS APPRECIATED BY US ALL. A DAWNING DO YOU KNOW WHAT I JUST REALIZED ? It just "dawned" on me that most of the recent pages of BRETH- REN YOUTH NEWS have just been "straight stuff" with nothing unusual or different. It must be getting very bor- ing for you poor readers. Something has to be done RIGHT NOW! '3Nizvdvw HxnoA NaaHiaaa M3N 9lW J° 9nssi 1SJ£ 8ltt ss-ra ^'u°a °!q0 *PUBWBV 'aSanoo piremsv *W°A ™JHflMH °1 OO'I* Pire 'sswppB "oureu mo/L Smpiras Aq topaj aqtrasqns ';(uop noA ij •reqanup puaAQS ui ppq Suxqo^o si Areiuqatf pue &a -nuBf qSnojq^ 3auq uox^duosqng -mo wm uopBOiput m — AupaaisaX rrera aqi ui 8«ira suopduasqns A\au ^31 'XVHHOd M9N puis xhom. xav *«»n 'sDNiavaH xnswihvj -SO ^9N '3ZIS ^9N :9JB sa.m^aj M3N »*B ?° 9ul0S ■j Anm.iqa^ ssa.id aqi Jjo Sm -uiod ((8uizb3bh Wf^ox UMiflJug.. A\3N 'M3N 9ltt ln0W luatuaipxa Jno ut ,(dn„ Si Abm qoiqAV ua^oS.xoj 9A,8M MAY I SHARE . . . ... A PORTION of this personal letter with you? It was written by a Dutch friend of mine who came to hear the B. Y. AMBASSADOR QUARTET when they were in Holland last summer. "The singing you did was very fine and I think you did a good job in doing so. This time the Europeans saw Americans of a different side than they do usually. They saw your group as some people as everybody is, not those rich in big colored cars with lots of dollars." This is just another indication of the work accomplished by YOU when you assisted in sending the Quartet to Europe. The Quartet continues to thank you for your past help and thanks God for the results of the mission. A PLEA FOR INFO WHAT'S GOIN' ON IN YOUR CHURCH OR DIS- TRICT' We need reports of your activities for the "Brethren Youth Magazine." Meet GOAL 8 of the Na- tional Goals by sending us something about you and youi friends in B. Y. C. ALSO, RALLY DATES are needed. We are glad t( publicize coming B. Y. events on this page if you sent us the dates, time, place, etc. If you are a district offi cer or pastoral advisor, let's hear from you. It will prob ably help to get more people in your district to 1 rally. VISITS TO THE EAST On the week-end of January 11, 12 your Youth Dim tor traveled first to New Windsor, Maryland, to atteii a Youth Workers Clinic and then to Maurertown, Virgin] for two preaching services on Sunday. The Youth Chni sponsored by the Church of the Brethren, was very h| ful and instructive as the problems and methods of lea. ing young people were discussed in detail. I hope to able to pass some of these findings on to you in the dJ future Fellowshipping with the Maurertown Brethr.J was also an uplifting experience and I shall long remer, ber their hospitality, both in the Church and a few their homes. Second Annual BRETHREN COLLEGE DAYS February 28 — March 2, 1958 This event of the ASHLAND COLLEGE CAMPUS is for all Brethren J school Juniors and Seniors from every state. Check with your pastor for deta. COME AND SEE US ON THESE DAYS JANUARY 25, 1958 PAGE NINETEEN INTERESTING ITEMS (Continued from Page 2) NORTH MANCHESTER, INDIANA. One new member was received by baptism on December 29th. SOUTH BEND, INDIANA. New deacons and deacon- esses ordained for service in the South Bend church are: Mr. and Mrs. Bertram Jane, and Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Maxson. The service was held on January 5th, and Dean Delbert B. Flora, of Ashland Seminary, brought the mes- sage of the hour and assisted Pastor J. D. Hamel in the service of ordination. TEEGARDEN, INDIANA. A card from Pastor Hays JK. Logan says: "Five were baptized and received into the fellowship of the church, Sunday, December 15th." GOSHEN, INDIANA. The mission film, "In His Name," was shown in the Goshen church the evening of January 5th. Brother Spencer Gentle notes also in his bulletin that January 5th was the 54th anniversary of the dedication af the first church on the site of the present church. WABASH, INDIANA (COLLEGE CORNER). Pastor G. B. Hanna notes in his bulletin of December 29th, that Mary Trent, widow of Albert Trent, suffered a light troke on the Sunday before Christmas. ROANN, INDIANA. Brother Thomas Shannon reports that a small fire in the Beginners S. S. Class room on the Monday after Christmas, caused considerable smoke damage which required a lot of cleaning up. Actual loss included the class room cupboard, cracked panes of glass, curtains and S. S. supplies. No origin of the fire was ;iven and it was discovered before it became more se- rious. COUNTY LINE, INDIANA. Brother Herbert Gilmer, in reporting on the recent contest between Sunday Schools Pf the area, says, "We were third in the race of five hurches, but our people did real well toward the last of the contest. In October and November, the flu hit us pretty hard, but we had a gain of 12.8% over the same period last year. The winning church had a nice gain of 27.9%." Brother Gilmer continues: "The Superintendents and cheir wives, and Pastors and their wives will have a banquet January 28th to honor the winners and to make plans for a 1958 contest. Friendly contests are good." TIOSA, INDIANA. A card recently received from Mil- ired Swihart indicates that Brother Wayne Swihart has tendered his resignation as pastor of the Tiosa Brethren church effective October 1st. 0AKV1LLE, INDIANA. Brother E. J. Black, of our Muncie church, conducted communion services in the Oak- wile church on December 8th, for Pastor Arthur H. Tinkel, who was ill at the time. MUNCIE, INDIANA. The Gospel in Song and Word >vas broadcast by the Muncie Brethren church, Sunday loon, December 29th, over WLBC. LANARK, ILLINOIS. Brother H. Francis Berkshire re- ports the baptism of 14 on January 5th. MANTECA, CALIFORNIA. The Manteca bulletin in- forms us of their Revival Service which began on Jan- uary 9th, with Pastor Milton M. Robinson bringing the messages. Also, from the same source we learn that the Northern California District Conference is scheduled for the week end of January 23rd. T he omens fdorner -c-s- <*Q&> ""OS* by Helen Jordan ONLY YOU CAN OPEN THE DOOR Rev. 3:20, "Behold I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." WHEN I WAS A YOUNG GIRL, one Sunday evening in Christian Endeavor meeting, I was given a les- son I will always remember. We had as part of our les- son the picture of Christ standing at the door with a lantern in His hand. I am sure all of you are familiar with this picture "The Light of the World" by Holman Hunt. The thing that impressed me was the fact that the artist had left something off the door. Unlike the doors to our houses this one has no door knob, thus no matter how many times Christ knocks at the door of our heart, He cannot come in unless we not only bid Him enter but also push open the door for Him. To me this lesson was one never to be forgotten; and it has always impressed me as being one to use also in our Christian living. So often we feel that there is not enough done in our churches, communities, etc. We forget that the world judges Christians by their daily life and only each individual can show his Christian life by his own actions in working and serving wherever he may be needed. We cannot blame others for not doing enough unless we have done all in our power to further the work of Christ in the world. Only we can push open the door to others, to help them receive Christ for them- selves. It may be through prayer, teaching in the Sun- day School, regular attendance at church services, or by some other gift of love we give without realizing how much that gift may mean to someone; but whatever the way, we must give of ourselves for others to learn of Him. I do not remember who gave me the following quota- tion but I would like to share it with you: "The service we give is the price we pay for the space we occupy here on earth." How wonderful that is — a few words — but to me it tells in another way part of our obligation to Him. May all of us, each in his own way, fulfill our promises to Him, and open the door of our hearts and lives for better Christian living. Mrs. Donald L. Kollar, South Bend, Indiana. Brethren Historical Iibra.rj.AGE twenty Manchester College' N. Manchester, Ind„ THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST "HEROES OF THE CROSS" MISSIONARY BIOGRAPHIES The "Heroes of the Cross" series of exciting missionary biographies, written for teen-agers has caught the fancy of young readers everywhere. These are fast-moving biographical accounts of men and women who devoted their lives, and sometimes even GAVE their lives for the cause of missions. Price $1.00 each. nJRAVIP Also "Nineteen Missionary Stories from the Middle East" by Basil Miller, price $1.50. These are thrilling, true accounts of zealous missionaries who carried the Cross of Christ and planted it in foreign lands. Interesting for Primary Age: "Missionary Hero Stories" and "The Missionary Story Hour" by Nina Millen, price $1.50. Order from The Brethren Publishing Company 524 College Avenue, Ashland, Ohio EAMSTGELIST? Official Organ of /Ghe Brethren Church BRETHREN'S HOME AND BENEVOLENT BOARD ISSUE wed maat& Vol. LXXX February I, 1958 No. 5 Proclaiming the WHOLE GOSPEL, for the WHOLE WORLD PAGE TWO THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST Items of general Interest CUMBERLAND, MARYLAND. Brother L. 0. McCart- neysmith reports on their recent Day of Prayer and Fast- ing: "... was well attended and those present received a great blessing." LINWOOD, MARYLAND. The Linwood bulletin notes that Brother Bruce C. Shanholtz has been recalled for another year as Pastor. JOHNSTOWN, PENNA. (THIRD). A Teacher-train ing course of six weeks duration is to be held each Wed- nesday evening beginning on February 26th. The Boys' Brotherhood Winter Camping trip was sched- uled for January 17, 18 and 19. It was to be held at the Grey Run Boy Scout Camp. Church and Sunday School services were a part of the program. SERGEANTSVILLE, N. J. The new oil heating system in the parsonage has now been installed, and awaits only the final hooking up and testing. SMITHVILLE, OHIO. The Smithville Brethren paper, "Crossbeams" reports that sixty-one members of the Sunday school had perfect attendance during 1957. This was two more than the previous year. DAYTON, OHIO (HILLCREST). Brother Percy C. Miller notes their recent building addition program: "We are moving forward with great strides. Our contractor will be finished in possibly less than a month. Plans are now being made to equip both the chapel and auditor- ium." SOUTH BEND, INDIANA. Miss Lillie Garwood, Secre- tary to the Pastor, writes: "On January 15th, the South Bend Church received a gift of two large lots from Mr. and Mrs. Forrest G. Hay." (Continued on Page 19) PASTOR DESIRED The Maurertown Brethren Church, Maurertown, Vir- ginia, is in need of a full-time pastor. If interested, please write to: Miss Dorothy Ritenour, Church Secretary, Box 285, Woodstock, Virginia. COMING EVENTS NORTHERN INDIANA BYC RALLY South Bend, Indiana February 9th 3:00 P. M. CST John Porte SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT MINISTERIAL RECRUITMENT and SEMINARY SUNDAY March 9, 1958 On Friday morning, August 23, last Genera Conference adopted a Resolution as follows: "Be it resolved that this Conference designai the second Sunday of March annually as 'Ash land Theological Seminary and Ministerial Re cruitment Sunday,' and, that Brethren Churche, shall be exhorted to set aside the day "1. For calling attention of their members tt Ashland Theological Seminary, Ashland, Ohic and "2. For presenting the call to young men an boys of the Brethren Church to dedicate them! selves to the Ministry of the Gospel in the BretJij ren Church . . . "It is to be especially noted that this prograij is meant to be inspirational and educational, an] that no monetary appeal is to be related to it. This announcement will remind Brethren Pa*i tors and people of Conference action and of thj day which is rapidly approaching. More infornuj tion will follow in the near future. Delbert B. Flora, Moderator of General Conference and Dean of the Seminary. THE EVANGELIST THE BRETHREN PUBLISHING COMPANY. Ashland, Ohio, Phone: 375 PRUDENTIAL COMMITTEE: J. E. Stookey, President. H. E. Weidenhamer, Vice-Pres.; Rev. Robert Hoffman, Sec'y-Treas EDITOR OF PUBLICATIONS— Rev. W. St. Clair Benshoff Published weekly, except the fourth week in July and the last week in December. TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION: $2.00 per year in advance except 100% Churches, $1.50 per year per subscription. Entered as second class matter at Ashland. Ohio. Accepted for mailing at special rat« section 1103. Act of October 3, 1917. Authorized September 3, 1928. CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Rev. William H. Anderson Rev. C. Y. Gilmer Rev. Dyoll Belote Rev. John Byler DEPARTMENT EDITORS Rev. L. O. McCartneysmith, Brethren Doctrir Rev. Freeman Ankrum, Church History Rev. H. Francis Berkshire, Church Methods Rev. Woodrow B. Brant, Brethren Beliefs Rev. J. D. Hamel, Evangelism CHANGE OF ADDRESS: In ordering change of address, always give both old and new addresses. REMITTANCES: Send all money, business communications, and contributed articles to: THE BRETHREN PUBLISHING COMPANY. ASHLAND. OHIO. pEBRUARY 1, 1958 PAGE THREK •+-H rTTTT'S »J* »'»»;« » - ■* «^*»|««-« »' -« *t* *r« » W *■!• *I**T* *£* *I* *i* *!* *t * *I* *I* *!**£" The Editor's Pulpit P *I* TT tt* I" *3 '*V,IMI*V Waraii/ in a Gold World A MONG THE BASIC NEEDS of people today * are those relating to creature comfort. In his group are sufficient food, clothing, shelter, knottier great basic need is that of love. De- rive an individual of an}' of these, and there is [liscomfort, and heartache. Especially is this so for people who are on the sunset side of life. The passing of the years occurs to each one pf us. In the early years, by reason of strength, seal and challenge, the passing years seem to lo us no harm. Birthdays are celebrated with glee, "for are there not yet many years to pome?" We don't know at just what age there pomes a consciousness that years are passing rapidly, and that there are not as many ahead as Ithere used to be. But there comes a time when, as never before, an individual realizes the pre- jciousness of each passing year. When it comes, pr how, we don't know; perhaps it is a gradual process. At any rate, it comes. What the outlook s at that time, determines pretty well how we •eact. If the future promises provision of crea- ture comforts, life can continue to be enjoyed and work can continue to be accomplished. But, if ihead there is but fear, uncertainty, and famine for soul and body, what then? Life takes on a de- feated, frustrated aspect. The joy of the Christian faith is that it prom- ises more in the future than it gives now. Even though creature comforts are well assured, the lesolation of soul is ahead. The way is dark. Very dark. Let Christ come into the heart, clear- ing away the debt of sin, and the future gives promise of His watchful care, His provision, and the hope of the eternal home in glory. Then the passing years bring a gladdening of the heart, and a quickening of the step, as in the words of the poet: "One sweetly solemn thought, Comes to me o'er and o'er; I am nearer home today, Than I've ever been before." With this hope and assurance, life can be lived to the very last moment; service can be ren- dered as long as mind and body cooperate. Christ knows the way; He leads and provides. A Chris- tian with this hope, can face any problem, any difficulty. He who won the victory over sin, sickness, disease and even death, is Lord and Master; He is our Saviour. So, we trust Him, and the passing years lose much of their drab- ness and uncertainty. However, the needs of shelter, food and cloth- ing remain with us until our dying moment. We need only to look around us to see that for many people, the provision of these necessities pre- sents a problem as people older grow. Some, by reason of good fortune and favorable circum- stances, have been able to provide for their sun- set years. Others, through no fault of their own, have not been able to do so. Still others, having served the church and the Lord for a life-time at great sacrifice, come to their sunset years with nothing materially laid by. Are these to be cast aside by the church which they have served ? Are their years of sacrificial services to be forgotten even though now we enjoy the fruits of their labors? No Church which claims to belong to Christ, can side-step its responsibil- ities in this way and still remain in the favor of God. Among our membership are Brethren minis- ters, their wives, widows of Brethren ministers, and other elderly Brethren who deserve and need our help. If they were to come to our homes to live, we would surely not turn them out on the street to die of hunger and neglect. What would people think of us if we did? We dare not underestimate the need for lib- eral support of the Benevolent offering this year! Pages of this Evangelist are devoted to telling of the needs. Even though we would not be guilty of turning anyone away from our door, let us be sure we do not do it by our neglect of this offer- ing this month. In giving to this offering, we are providing creature comforts to those in need ; and in doing this we are helping to supply another basic need — that of love. Read the handwriting on the wall, Brethren. The hour is late, and the need is great. W. S. B. PAGE POUR THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST " I Will Give You Rest " Matthew 11 : 20-30 Rev. Floyd Sibert THE ELEVENTH CHAPTER of Matthew marks a climax in Israel's relation to the Saviour-King. Here we reach the time and place in the history of our Lord's earthly life and ministry where the rejection by His own people is more and more in evidence. Surely, the poor "heard Him gladly." A few turned and followed Him. But the leaders were going on to com- plete rejection of Him. John 1:1 says, "He came unto His own and his own received Him not." He was rejected by His own. There is nothing worse than that! We learn from chapters 11 and 12 of Matthew that the Lord's rejection by Israel was wilful and deliberate. They didn't want a KING born in a stable. They didn't want a king born of a virgin. They didn't want a king born into a family of poor people. They didn't want a king without any apparent mili- tary, or official, or political power. (Message delivered at the 1957 Indiana District Confer- ence.) They said, "We will not have this man to reign ovei us." They did not ask God what He wanted them to dc about it. THEY SAID, "We will not have this man t< reign over us." They had no heart for Him. They wante< no part of Him. They purposed in their hearts to ge along without Him. There are none so blind as those who will not see Such wilfulness is followed by more and more blindness There is such wilfulness in the world and in the churcl today. Not inquiring of God, people say, "I will not hav this way." To such people who, then and now, say, "Vt going to have my own way about this thing — I don't car how the Lord wants it," Paul says in 2 Thess. 2:11 "Strong delusions will be sent that they should believ a lie and be damned." It is a solemn thing to say 1 God, "We will not have this man to rule over us." In this chapter the rumblings of controversy are be coming louder and louder. This portion begins with th coming of the messenger from John the Baptist, askin; John's question, "Art thou He that should come?" Sata tempts with questions. Had not John said "He must ir crease but I must decrease?" Jesus made the blind to se and the lame to walk. He healed the lepers and raise the dead and preached the gospel to the poor. So to hi fEBRUARY 1, 1958 PAGE FIVE [uestioner He said, "Go and show these things to John." le then adds tenderly, "Blessed is he that shall not be Iffended in Me." I know you can't understand it, John, jut won't you trust Me anyway? And having sent the lessengers back to John, Jesus pronounced His cita- ion upon the blessed Baptist. He said; Verily, I say unto ou, among them that are born of women there hath ot risen a greater than John, the Baptist. Then He turned to those who had listened to John and rho had imprisoned Him. He turned to those who had stened to him with no response but faultfinding and Hasphemy. He denounces them in powerful language. He egan to upbraid them, because they were wicked? No! 5ecau.se they repented not. WOE unto thee Chorazin, Jathsaida, and Capernaum! Now we know where MOST of His mighty works were tone. Not in Jerusalem, nor Nazareth, but in the three treat cities that hugged the sea of Galilee. There He vas lavish in His works of power and mercy, but they ailed Him Beelzebub. The Lord keeps books. Heaven keeps an accurate ac- ount. The day of accounting will come when all must inswer for the privileges they enjoyed. For the oppor- unities they had to know Him and love Him, to know lim better and to love Him more. Jesus here began to UPBRAID them for their lack of epentance. He said that Tyre and Sidon, cities in Phoen- cia on the shores of the Mediterranean, would have re- sponded differently. AND THOU CAPERNAUM— you Capernaum who think so much of yourself, — you who are exalted to the skies shall be brought down to hell. i i How shocked some people must be to hear these words. People who are under the false impression that the Lord Fesus is so meek, mild, loving and kind that He vould not upbraid, reprove or rebuke anyone. People go tround happily singing "Tho it makes Him sad to see the way I live He'll always say I forgive." And that's the devil's lie. This Juke box religion is mostly the devil's lie. "Though it makes Him sad ..." — WHEN will He say 'I forgive?" When we ask Him. When we are honestly sorry for our sins. When we repent. But we prattle be- fore hopping into bed, "forgive our sins," and then keep right on living in our sins. Bearing the same old grudges, and the same old hatreds. Let me say, "DON'T COUNT ON IT." People pray (or say) "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors," who were never known to forgive anyone they had a gripe at. And we had better not fool ourselves into thinking that He forgives us our debts when we don't forgive the other fellow. I know that is digging pretty deep, but it is the truth. (Matt. 11:23, 24) "And thou, Capernaum, which are exalted unto heaven, shall be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained unto this day. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable for the land of; Sodom in the day of judgment than for thee." That's pretty plain, but remember that God's Word is unchang- ing. In verse twenty-five Jesus turns from His divine in- dignation and severe denunciation of these cities to thanksgiving and rejoicing. Notice the phrase in verse 25 "at that time." It is significant. At that time when His rejection was clearly evident, even where "most of His mighty works were done." What does the Lord an- swer to the situation? Complaint? No! thanksgiving. This lack of response in the Galilean towns certainly looked like failure for Jesus. Indeed from the standpoint of HUMAN measurements, His entire earthly ministry was a failure. Among His followers were FEW of the intelligentsia, few men of influence. In spite of His pop- ularity with the multitude in healing campaigns, and free meals, he could count on only the few very ordinary folks. Rather early in His ministry when He was teach- ing about the Holy Spirit, He said, "It is the Spirit that maketh alive, the flesh profiteth nothing. THE WORDS that I speak unto you, THEY ARE SPIRIT, and THEY ARE LIFE." No man can come unto Me except the Father draw him. It is then that John says in 6:68 "From that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him." How did He react to this seeming failure? He did not regard it as a failure at all. He rejoiced and gave thanks; for Christ's satisfaction was not found in what men call success, but rather in the accomplishment of what was WELL PLEASING TO THE FATHER. Here is a stan- dard of success of which the world knows nothing. Here is an outburst of joy which few Christians understand. Here is a motive of thanksgiving which is beyond the apprehension of most of us. In the midst of human re- jection Jesus still knew Himself Lord of all by the ap- pointment of His Father. Here we see Jesus FULL OF JOY p\en in the midst of what men call failure. He is really transported in exaltation and thanksgiving, wholly delighting in the Father's will. 0 to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer This is my constant longing and prayer Gladly I'll forfeit all of earth's treasures Jesus, thy perfect likeness to wear. 0 to be like Thee, lowly in Spirit Holy -and harmless, patient and brave. Meekly enduring cruel reproaches Willing to suffer others to save. O to be like Thee, O to be like Thee Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art Come in Thy sweetness, Come in Thy fullness; Stamp Thine own image, Deep on my heart. It is easy for us to rejoice and give thanks when everything comes our way, but the way of Christ is to rejoice and give thanks for all that seems good in the Father's sight. I pray that we may learn of Him who hid these things from the wise and prudent (probably scribes and Pharisees) and "revealed them unto babes" (probably unlettered fishermen and the like.) It is better to be a "babe" with the knowledge and love of God than to be a Doctor or something or other without it. That is ever God's way. He hides the knowledge of the truth from self-righteous, self-sufficient men who cling to their own wisdom, and who are wise in their own conceits. It is a first necessity that God should BE God, and man a puny creature — a babe — who is entirely dependent PAGE SIX THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST! upon receiving everything for his good from the parent. Here is one of the most dramatic, most powerful pas- sages in all the Gospels. Jesus turned from the denuncia- tion of the unbelieving cities in verses 20 to 24 to thanksgiving to His Father, verses 25 to 27, and then to A GREAT INVITATION to all who desire to accept it. "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of Me: for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." John 11:28, 29, and 30. The gracious invitation, "Come unto Me," reaches the dying thief. "Today thou shalt be with Me in Paradise." It reaches into the valley of the shadow of death. For having accepted it there is a LIGHT in the valley. The triumphant song arises, "I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me." The invitation, "Come unto Me," reaches the stained prostitute, and hope and purity bloom in glorious radi- ance. "Neither do I condemn thee," said Jesus, "Go and sin no more." Matthew accepted that invitation. Hated and ostra- cized, a chief of sinners, in accepting the invitation he discovered that he had also accepted salvation, and a call to be one of the twelve apostles. Yes, Matthew the publican, never forgot that he was taken from a hor- rible pit, from the miry clay, and his feet set on a rock. Into the haunts of vice, into the palaces of nobility, into the ranks of bond and free, into the homes of the hum- blest and poorest has gone this blessed invitation. Men and women of all walks of life have heard and heeded this gracious invitation and have found rest and peace which passes all understanding. In these modern days of haste and speed, nerves are taut, patience is thin, smiles are few, the suicide rate climbs, mental collapses fill our institutions. Never, never has this old world needed so desperately to listen to this blessed invitation. "Come unto Me, and I will give you rest." Strange that we listen to every other voice, and accept all the other invitations. Christians who ought to be RESTING IN THE LORD, take sleeping pills and are not ashamed to do it. We listen to the voice of education and obtain our degrees. We listen to the voice of ambition and obtain our farms, our homes, our new cars. WHEN will we listen to His blessed voice, and find rest unto our souls? When will we trust Him fully as the small child trusts its father? I see the loving father carry his little child in the crook of his arm and it isn't afraid of anything. Friends, you and I have a loving Father, too, who is altogether trustworthy. And there is nowhere else to go for peace and rest. For, "He, alone, hath the words of eternal life." Come unto Me ALL ye that labor and are heavy laden, and that includes all of us. The heart is restless until it rests in Him. Those who have known many long sleepless nights of pain and anxiety, fully realize the preciousness of rest. In this our day, we have so many labor saving ma- chines, but are more tired than ever. We fuss and rush and worry and never take time to appropriate the pre- cious promise of Christ, "I will give you rest." In Psalm 37, David says, "Rest in the Lord." Jeremiah,' the weeping prophet, sobbed out, "My people have beenj lost sheep. They have turned away on the mountains,! they have gone from mountain to hill. They have for-j gotten their resting place." I pray that if you have ever known that resting place, you will return to it this morn- ing. Those who have never had it cannot forget it. They may never have heard it, or having heard of it, slighted it, or intentionally refused it. They may not have felt the need for it, or they may not have known upon what terms it can be obtained. I heard the voice of Jesus say Come unto Me, and rest Lay down, thou weary one, lay down Thy head upon My breast. I came to Jesus as I was Weary, and worn, and sad I found in Him a resting place And He hath made me glad. From sadness to gladness. From sorrow to joy. From darkness to light. From weariness to rest. The gracious invitation is, "COME, TAKE, LEARN." Burlington, Indiana. Spiritual fIDebitattons Rev. Dyoll Belot«> CHOICE IS INEVITABLE "Ye cannot serve God and Mammon." Matthew 6:24. CHOICES are determining factors in life; always fraught with meaning, and the results may be end- less. We usually interpret the text of this meditation as referring to the choice of money as the thing of great-! est value in life. But there are other masters men serve beside money that keep them from serving God. The self-destroying emotions of hate, greed, pride, vanity, may creep into life and change its character. Do you know that if we allow ourselves to become! jealous of a church worker who has more friends thar we have, we are not serving God. If we use our place! in the Sunday School for our own selfish satisfactiorj we are not serving God. If we are jealous of some one! else who can play the organ as well as we, and arel peeved if they get to play oftener than we do, we are not serving God. We are not asked to play better thai: any one else, but just to do our best, knowing that Godj understands — and many times our friends understand bet-! ter than we think. Only as we strive to cultivate within ourselves thf] graces of humility, unselfishness, faith and love are we! truly serving God as we should. God challenges men tcl make choices. "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve,'! is the challenge given men long centuries ago; and thai same challenge stands today. Because choices are fateful and possibly fatal, they should never be made carelesslj or thoughtlessly. If we strive always to make such choices as God can approve, we may be sure He will give us all that we need to make our lives worth while EBRUARY 1, 1958 PAGE SEVEN MISSIONARY DEPARTMENT UoMONAKY BOARD OF THE BRETHREN CHURCH 10 College Ave.. Ashland. Ohio. Phone 3958 2 Contributing Editors: W. CLAYTON BERKSHIRE, den. »ec » fMRS.) IDA LINDOWER. Adm. Assistant MORE NEWS FROM NIGERIA (from the Krafts) . . . The Halls are progressing fine with their Hausa udy. They have a little son, Douglas who gets, along \ne with the twins. Monday I took Elsie Hall and Merle owman with me into the compound of our informant. o English speaking person was there, and I led the ausa chat; in fact, I had to translate everything for lsie. It surely was a good feeling to be able to carry In. for an hour or so of visiting in Hausa. Since the Halls re here, we are no longer the "new" missionaries. Language Study We have been very busy with mimeographing mate- ials for the language study and keeping the four other )lks busy learning Hausa. Do pray that we will all learn > speak the language effectively — Von Hall is in the leld of Agriculture and Elsie in Education. 1 Chuck has really been pushing hard to get lesson jlans out. So far we have arranged and mimeographed |2 sheets. As fast as we get them done we use them on iur students here. We have fun, all of us, in our lan- uage study. Nigerian Visitors J Yesterday I had a real thrill as the sister and second life of our informant came to visit me! His sister had er one-year-old daughter on her back and an older aughter with her too. I put chairs out in the yard and 'e sat and chatted — all in Hausa, of course, since they now no English. They were a bit uneasy because of itting on chairs, I believe. After talking about 30 min- tes or so, I asked them to come inside the house. We ave a straw mat on the floor, and as I was talking ley immediately sat on the mat on the floor. I quickly at on the floor too and we had a real chat! They were i much more at home on the floor. They asked for a rink and I gave them water from the refrigerator — ley liked it fine. Once before, when we gave the cook some ice cream, e said it "killed his teeth." They loved the twins' toy ox and especially the toys that squeaked and made oises. We examined and discussed them all, and what work-out on my Hausa! I gave the little girl one of ie squeaky ducks, and they were so pleased. First Hausa Sermon Chuck preached his first Hausa sermon last Sunday at ie Teacher Training Center, here at Mubi. I didn't go ecause I thought the twins would be too much of a istraction. Chuck received a letter in the mail today filing him how much his sermon was appreciated and lat they wanted him to come back. Our Hausa study is moving right along. We've been 'orking a lot on verbs and their classification and are nally coming up with a workable way to teach it. Next omes arranging the pronouns. So far Chuck has ar- mged and mimeographed 28 pages and lesson plans. The Bowmans are going back to Gulak to live in a week because their three children are coming home from school in Jos for an 8-week vacation period. I have been trying to get out in the village with Merle almost every day. Tuesday we walked for three hours greeting the Christian women — we were ready to drop when we reached home! We are all well and busy each day. The twins are still cute as can be — at times; and then at other times — Hu- man, I guess. TRAVEL BRIEFS— General Secretary Levittown, Pennsylvania A few weeks ago, I visited Mr. and Mrs. Phil Nolte at Levittown, Pennsylvania, and Reverend and Mrs. Lind- berg at Sergeantsville, New Jersey. 1 was gratified by their enthusiasm and constructive work toward getting a new Brethren church started in the Levittown area. The Pennsylvania District Mission Board is cooperating with the Sergeantsville Brethren Church in laying the ground work for the new church; Mr. and Mrs. Nolte are coordinating and directing the initial efforts. At the first two meetings held at the Noltes' home, located at 139 Kenwood Drive, Levittown, Pennsylvania, the attendance was twenty-two and thirty-two. respec- ively. We commend the Sergeantsville Church, the Penn- sylvania District Mission Board and Mr. and Mrs. Phil Nolte for their vision and efforts in church extension. SARASOTA DEDICATION The dedication day services at the new Sarasota, Flor- ida, Brethren Church were all that one could hope for in blessing and inspiration. Accomplishments, climaxed by services like these, make all of our efforts in church extension so meaningful and worthwhile. The new slogan for stewardship "To Give Is To Live" has a living testimony in the new Brethi'en Church at Sarasota, Florida. Their giving has a direct relationship to the fulness in which they are living as a body of Christian believers. Their exuberance, harmony and ear- nestness in the work of the Lord stem from their will- ingness to "first give themselves." Certainly these Breth- ren people have realized that they cannot afford to do less. They will continue to live to the fullest as they con- tinue to give. The building itself is beautiful and is located in a grove of stately pines. The natural contour has been empha- sized in the landscaping and with its completion, fences, shrubbery and parking area, it will be typically Floridan. We commend all who have had a part in this church extension project and we thank God for His direction from the beginning to the end. PAGE EIGHT THE BRETHREN EVANGELIS'I THE BRETHREN'S HOME — Let's be proud of it I REV. C. A. STEWART, Pastor, Flora Brethren Church i ■»■ i THE BRETHREN '8 HOME is an institution that every Brethren should be proud of for two reasons. First and foremost because it is functioning as a Christian institution reflecting the Spirit of Christ. Eveiy denomination recog- nizes that it is a Christian responsibility to care for those who are not able to care for themselves. This is a Christian duty. Jesus sets this forth in his teaching concerning the separation of the sheep and the goats. He said, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these rny Breth- ren, ye have done it unto me." They were aston- ished when He said, "I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat; I was thirsty and ye gave me drink : I was a stranger, and ye took me in : naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me." They could not understand that in so doing they were doing it unto Him. We have many people who need a home where they are com- fortable and well fed. The Brethren have just such a Home and it calls to every member of the Brethren church for support. The residents in the Home are our Brethren and they need our help. As Christians we dare not let them down. In the second place we should be proud of the Brethren's Home because it is Brethren. It is our Home and stands out as an evidence of the Spirit of Christ in us. This certainly is the evidence of good works as Jesus said, "Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Every denomination recognizes thai they have a responsibility to their older peopl(| and are building and maintaining Homes fo;! them. Dare the Brethren fail in this respect? W<j have a Brethren home and all the residents ar< Brethren. There is room for a few more and thi: room should be occupied by more Brethren whJ meet the requirements. Of course not everyod can live in the Home. There are certain require; ; ments which must be met. But every Brethrei in good standing in their church and above j • certain age may be a resident in the Home. This home requires a lot of help to keep it go! ing. Those who do not know the workings o such an institution cannot imagine all the wori necessary to maintain such. This help must b paid the current wage. It is very difficult to kee competent help because our money does not peii mit us to pay wages which such help demand* Brethren you will never spend a dollar anywher that will give more comfort and joy to your ow heart than to give it for the support of this woi thy Institution. We sit in our comfortable home: too many times very complacently and fail t think of the less fortunate. We could give a feY more dollars and never miss them and bring com fort to others who otherwise would not have ii I am not a member of the Board but am closel associated with it and know the need. It is a nic comfortable Institution; let us keep it that waj The Board needs your help. Flora, Indiana. FEBRUARY 1, 1958 PAGE N1NK THE BRETHREN'S HOME--- A Brethren Obligation JOHN R. JOHNSTON, President Brethren's Home and Benevolent Board URING THIS YEAR we Brethren will cele- brate our 75th anniversary. Something to be proud of? Yes; it should be, but can we enjoy ithe meaning of this celebration to its fullest? To completely realize all the joy possible means that we, as Brethren, must have completely given iourselves to Christ and let Him dictate what we ido. Can we say we have done this? Can we say jwe have given the utmost of our support both 'spiritually and materially? A quick look at the 'records shows that many of us fall short. Just how thoroughly have we searched to see if we have fully accepted the teachings of the scrip- tures? If we fully surrender, then love will be so strong in each of us that we will want to do jmore than He asks of us. Do we do this ? If we we do not then we are missing the great bless- ings in store for us. If we loved our fellow Brethren as we should, there would be no need for the printing of the 'articles written to call attention of the urgent needs. There would be no need of appeals from your Brethren's Home and Benevolent Board or any other Board. The practice of caring for the saints was not started by The Brethren Church. Neither is it a new idea. This practice was founded in the early days of the Church (Acts 2:37-47). Paul in his epistle to the Romans (Romans 15:26) refers to the matter of helping the Saints. Again, Paul speaks of such matters to the Corinthians (1 Cor. 9:11) telling them that if spiritual things i have been sown into them then it is a great thing if they divide their material things with the sower. This matter is again spoken of in 1 Cor. 16:1 as well as how we are to do these things. "These things were well in those days, but do not apply now," is the excuse given by many for the lack of interest. If we have the slightest feeling that this practice should not apply today then we should read Matthew 25:31-46. This chapter very clearly shows what we should do in this matter and what we have in store for us if we fail. Have not we profited spiritually by our aged Saints? Should we not then do our part to see that they are properly provided for? If we do not do our part, how can we say we are full of that love that can come only by Him? Brethren, it is time that we awaken and con- sider our position more seriously than in the past. We cannot take the middle of the road route. We must go all the way or not at all. It is time we started reading the Bible and finding out what our obligations are. Let's not stop reading when we have found some of them but let's find them all and then do something about them. We have no other choice if we fol- low Him. If we want to follow Him we will be happy to do His bidding. Read the references given. A careful study of these will reveal more, and show us how far we fall short of our obli- gations and just what to expect for our blunder- ing. Not until each of us, through our faith and love for our Master, give our all, shall the Church in each of its phases go forward. The Brethren's Home and Benevolent Board can not carry out your wishes unless you provide the funds. We have been very lax as Brethren in assuming our obligations for this phase of the work. This work is important to you, to the Church and to the aged Saints. If this work was not important it would have never gained the attention and recognition of The Brethren Church. However, our forefathers realized these obligations and acted by establishing The Breth- ren's Home and Superannuated Ministers fund. Shall we abolish what they saw and knew to be a Christian's obligation? Covington, Ohio. 'AGE TEN THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST BRETHREN'S HOME NEWS LETTER Dear Member of The Brethren Church: Many times the members of the Brethren's Home and Benevolent Board fail to keep the brotherhood informed of happenings at The Brethren's Home. Sometimes this is because we feel there is a definite lack of interest on the part of the members of the Church. Usually when this feeling arises, something happens that makes us know that you are interested and want to do all you can to support the home and make it a better place for our elders to reside. Recently I received a letter from a member of the Flora church which offers much encourage- ment to the members of your board and which tells what the Church has to be proud of at Flora, Indiana. The letter received, reads as follows: Flora, Indiana. Dear Brother Johnston; This letter will probably be a surprise and maybe a little out of order, but we feel we owe you and your board some congratulations and praise for your selection of Brother and Sister Kuns as superintendent and matron of our Brethren's Home. Recently we had the pleasure of having din- ner with them and the folk at the home, and we were deeply impressed with the order and spir- itual influence that prevailed over all other things, also the fact that everything was spot- lessly clean, friendly and kind; the patients be- ing well cared for by two wonderful people. We hope and pray that these wonderful ser- vices may always be had for these old people. Respectfully yours, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Frye We thank the Fryes for their fine letter. With- out the help of the Good people of the Brethren Church as a whole these things could not be done. The credit given in this letter belongs to each and every one of you who has had a part in helping both materially and spiritually. It is the earnest desire of the entire Board that each and every one of you might visit the Brethren's Home and see conditions as they ac- tually are. Then and only then can you actually understand just what your offerings are going for. Although the Brethren's Home must be con- tinued, aid must be also extended to retired min- isters and their wives. We can not let down now. Your support is needed more than ever. The time for the benevo- lent offering is here. Again $35,000 is needed to continue throughout the ensuing year. Church offerings must increase if the home is to be con- tinued. Think the matter over. Talk with those who have visited the home. Pray. Then give. This is a very important work. John R. Johnston Covington, Ohio. annnnnnnnnnnnnanaaaaaDaDaaannaannannnannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnanDDnaanDDnnnnnaananaanDnaD DDDDDDaaaQnDQDDDoaaaaQaaDaaaanDnDDaaaoDaaaDQaooaaaaaDnDanaonaaaDnaanDaanDnaDaaaaon it €ait& yawt g,i£t& and fr%acf,e%d annaaDaDaaDaDnnDannDnnaannnaaDDaDannannnDnnnnDnnnnnnnnnnnaDnanaanaaDDaanaDDaaanana anDaaDnnaDnDDDDnDnnnnnnnnannaDannnnannnaaDDDDaDannDannnDDaanannnnnnnnannnnnnananaD PEBRUARY 1, 1958 PAGE ELEVEN WORD from the SUPERINTENDENT and MATRON : |AT THE BEGINNING of the new year, in be- *■ half of members of the Brethren's Home, we want to thank all our good people of the Brethren Church for making- Christmas possible iere at The Brethren's Home with your cards and gifts. The gifts were placed under a large decorated ree in the living room as they arrived. Some lent them by mail, and others that were closer [)rought them. | Our Christmases from year to year are about he same; Christmas songs and the Christmas !.tory by Richard and Sue, who were home from j\shland College for Christmas. After the pro- gram there was the distribution of gifts. | God gave His only begotten Son to the world, vhose birth we celebrate at this time, and we jike to give gifts to those we love at this time. ; Every one was remembered several times; all members of the Home, except two who are bed- fast, enjoyed the afternoon very much. On Christmas day a large turkey was served ; it was a gift from one of our Churches. At present we have nineteen members. We lost three very dear ladies; Mrs. Lydia Petit; Mrs. Mary Coin, who had been here twenty six years ; and Mrs. Grace Westfall ; all of whom we miss very much. We have devotions every morning after break- fast, given by some member of the home. Rev. Belote has services on Tuesday evening and our Minister, Rev. Stewart and wife, come out on Thursday afternoon and hold services. Thanks to Rev. Belote and Rev. Stewart. We hope more of our Christian friends can visit us this coming year. May God bless each one. In His Service, MR. AND MRS. RUSSELL KUNS mrngtimm MR. AND MRS. RUSSELL KUNS PAGE TWELVE THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST Let the Churches and Individuals Remember the Old Folks FRED W. ECCARD, Acting Secretary, Brethren's Home and Benevolent Board THE BRETHREN'S HOME and the Superan- nuated Minister's funds are under the con- trol of one Board, consisting of nine members. We feel that the two services are very impor- tant to The Brethren Church and should and must be more generously supported than they are at the present time. The present offerings for the funds are about the same as they were ten years ago and the general expenses to operate them are three times greater due to the increase of all labor and mate- rial. Within the last ten years it was necessary to build three two-apartment cottages to care for the demand of older people who wished to enter the home. The general expenses for maintaining the buildings at the Home of late years has been ex- tremely heavy, largely due to the state of Indi- ana's new law which revises their standards up- ward for Homes such as ours at Flora, Indiana. Due to the above increased expenses in the last ten years, it was necessary for the board to pay the greater portion of the bills out of the Home reserves. At the present time our operating expenses are between $30,000 and $35,000 per year, and we are receiving about $9,000.00 from the churches. Therefore if we are going to operate] these two branches of the Church it is very im-j perative that the churches be more liberal in their giving to the above funds. We suggest that all members of the Brethren Church give this matter prayerful consideration and that the official boards of all churches be urged to increase their amount immediately if we are to continue to go forward. Dayton, Ohio. Some of the Residents of the JFEBRUARY 1, 1958 PAGE THIRTEEN . * - ^- - ■»• a - ^b * ■*■ ^- - <■■■ * ^a - •* * - ^^ - * <* - ^B - * -*■ - - - Meeting Brethren Obligations RUSSELL WOLFE, Member of the Brethren's Home and Benevolent Board "MEETING OUR OBLIGATIONS" is a term we are familiar with in everyday life. Whether or not we try to apply this term in an honest way is up to the individual. There is a tendency for some to shirk their responsibilities or what is known as to "get by." These become known and are labeled as "dead-beats." The debts or obligations which they owe are incurred by them. However, they feel as though they should not be asked for payment or be re- quired to meet their obligations. Sometimes we assume certain obligations in a more indirect way. We choose "to belong" or be- come a member of an organization and to be a part of it. We expect to support it and abide by its rules and requests. The Brethren Church is an organization of faithful believers in the Lord Jesus Christ. Not only believing the Word but exercising by works what we believe. (James 2:26). To administer to all the needs of all the Breth- ren, various auxiliary organizations are needed within the main body — the church. We should, as Brethren, be acquainted with these organized units and their functions. We should also be eager to support them. The Benevolent Board is one of these units. Its function is two-fold, to administer funds for the maintenance of the Brethren's Home, at Flora, Indiana, and to dis- tribute the Superannuated Minister's fund. (Romans 12:13). The Brethren who serve on this Board are representing you — a member of the Brethren Church. The funds which are needed and used for these purposes are received from your contributions. In other words, your contributions are pay- ment for an obligation you assumed when you became a member of the Brethren Church. How will you meet this obligation as a Brethren? Will you shirk your responsibility and try to "get by?" We trust there will be no one who can be labeled a "dead-beat" Brethren. Ludlow Falls, Ohio. Brethren's Home, Flora, Indiana. KAGE FOURTEEN THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST fim I Wly Brothers Keeper ? B UT DEFINITELY ! We are taught this truth early in the book of Genesis. Do we have any "brothers" to keep? Most truly we do! There is a lovely Home for our brethren, the servants of the church, and it is called The Brethren's Home, located just outside the little city of Flora, Indiana, where folk are friendly and labor earnestly to enter into the rest of the Lord. It is true that Jesus has gone to prepare a place for them — and us too — but until He has that place prepared, and gives the call, our retired brothers need someone to care for them in a material way. Understand, now, that God has already supplied the need, but He is depending upon us to distribute it ! BY-THE-WAY 1 am just the treasurer of the board, and I find it impossible to pay the material bills if the money isn't in the bank under the account of THE BRETHREN'S HOME AND BENEVO- LENT BOARD. Holding it back won't help when bills come, for they MUST be paid, else we are failing our obligation and wearing the patience thin of a (former) friend when we don't pay promptly. DO WE NEED HELP? Don't Read This If You Don't Want To Know : The Facts: Needed budget on or before February 1, 1958 $3,000.00 Balance on hand, January 15, 1958 .... 89.00 We do have about $5,000 worth of savings bonds, and $2,300 worth of bonds now in the mail, negotiating for cash. THIS, BRETHREN, IS IT! Our monthly budget, without any emer- gencies— and I have (holding back) $800 in bills now; an emergency is about $2,000 per month. This does not account for any added needs that are sure to confront us through the year of 1958. OUR "HOME" IS WORTHY Each time I visit the "Home " I get a feeling of warmth inside because I feel that in this way we are being practical in our faith and helping someone in a visible way. The Home is comfort- able, clean and full of the Spirit of Christ. Friends there greet you and invite you to come again soon, and to greet their friends elsewhere for them. We have the finest superintendents in Brother Russell Runs and Mrs. Runs. They have a son in Ashland studying for the ministry of the Gospel. These folk are of the finest Chris- tian spirit, and have our retired friends at heart. They work hard, and worry a lot, to keep the home in the best order under strict laws. They don't just "pass" — they excel. It wouldn't be fair for 20,000 Brethren to fail to keep up the won- derful work begun in Christ at the Flora Home. Several of our churches are sending in sizeable quarterly offerings which take the pressure off] the treasury. We are most grateful to these i Brethren, and to individuals and organizations!; who keep us in mind. We are asking you this { year to increase your help to the Brethren's j i Home and the Superannuated Ministers in Feb-,1 ruary. TO HELP YOU FIGURE Our needed help through the year is equivalent ; • to $1.75 for every member of the Brethren ]■' Church. P. S. Here is the "breakdown" of our MONTH-; LY budget — without extra bills: Salaries & Car expense $ 382.00 Ministers' Appropriations 445.00 Reimbursing the "Home" 1,000.00 $1,827.00 And there is a multitude of other regular bills, such as insurance, etc. REV. C. A. STOGSDILL, Treasurer, Brethren's Home and Benevolent Board B R E T H R E N H 0 M E WHAT THE BRETHREN'S HOME MEANS TO THE CHURCH B stands for Brethren. Matthew says: "all ye are Brethren." John speaks about "Loving the Brethren." One of the aspects of Brethren is to support the needy of our own faith. So the Brethren are supplying a Home for the aged. R stands for Ruth. The name "Ruth" means " a Friend." Ruth clung to her new-found faith. We are glad when our aged, who must seek a home, find their refuge in a Brethren institution. E stands for Esther. Esther came to the support of her people in their need. So Brethren must come to the faithful support of her aged mem- bers in their need. We too may be Esthers today as we support the work of the Benevolent Board. T stands for Timothy. Timothy was a helper of the aged Paul. We too as Brethren must be helpers. We must be helpers of those who need help. H stands for Hannah. Hannah means "grace." Grace means favour, kindness, mercy. It means "benevolence." The Benevolent Board desires through the Church to extend this Benevolent spirit to all who are in need among the Brethren. R stands for Reuben, the eldest son of Jacob and Leah. At his birth Leah said, "Surely the Lord hath looked upon my affliction ; now, therefore my husband will love me." We too must love these who through necessity have had to seek the protection of the Church in old age. E stands for Elijah. It was Elijah who was fed by the ravens at the Brook Cherith. We too must be ready as a Church to feed and care for all who must be fed with food as well as with the Bread of Life. N Stands for Noah. Noah built the ark. The ark was a place of safety for himself and his family. The Brethren Church has erected an Ark, a home of safety for those who need such a place of safety. H stands for HOME. There is no more sacred word apart from the words of Deity than the word HOME. We love our homes. But some are forced to leave their "Home Sweet Home." The Brethren's Home must always be made, as near as possible, a "Home Sweet Home" for those who are forced to leave their own homes. 0 stands for Onesimus. The name means "profitable." We know how profitable he was to Paul. We too must be profitable. There are OTHERS who need our help. Will we be obedient to our responsibility? M stands for Mary and Martha, and what a home they gave to Jesus dur- ing Passion Week, the last week of His life. We too must be Marys and Marthas in the last years of the lives of our aged Brethren. What com- fort we can give them when we assure them that they will be cared for properly and in a Christian Brethren way. E stands for Eli, Elizabeth, Elisha. All these characters gave their help- ing hand to those who needed help. Earnestly, may we support the cause of Benevolence during this month of February. Let us make the terms, "Brethren's Home" and "Benevolence" have real meaning in this Anni- versary Year of the Church. REV. L V. KING, Member of the Brethren's Home and Benevolent Board PAGE SIXTEEN Prayer Wleeting J A Studies < hy Q. T. Qxhm >,.~ — - wmm&x THE MEASURE OF A MAN HOW HIGH ARE YOU ? Where is your thinking done- Close to the earth or upward near the sun? Do petty things absorb your ev'ry thought — The game, the latest crime, what's sold and bought? Do noble deeds and lives inspire your zeal, Or are you more concerned about a meal ? How high, or low, is your cherished plan ? The answer marks your stature as a man. HOW BROAD ARE YOU? Where does your good will end — Does race or creed determine who's your friend ? To your snap judgments do you cling with pride. Or do you listen to the other side? Quick to condemn are you — prompt with the rod, Or do you leave the chastening to God ? How loyal is your heart to all mankind? The answer marks the broadness of your mind. HOW DEEP ARE YOU ? Where does your honor start- Is it embedded in your inmost heart? Do you count virtue a convenient thing To practice, or, sore tried, aside to fling? Have you the courage by your code to bide And fight for right, though on the losing side? Tis thus God beckons, through life's little span, The veritable measure of a man ! — Council Fires. THE SIZE OF A MAN is determined by the content of his heart (Prov, 23:7). A big man is teachable (Prov. 10:8). He is wise without conceit (v. 33). He is given to wholesome conversation (15:28). But pride in the heart is sin (21:4). Among the sins that make a pygmy out of a man are deceit (12:20), envy (14:30), backsliding (14:14), and strife (28:25). One of the meanest sins to belittle a man is the burn- ing sin of malice, that is, bearing ill will toward an- other (Titus 3:3). Malice is a leaven (1 Cor. 5:8) with a vicious spread (Gal. 5:9). It is not only found in the unregenerated but invades the professed people of God (Eph. 4:31, 32), But God be praised for a salvation which will deliver a man from the devouring acid of malice (Col. 3:8). Salvation puts off malice and puts on love (vs. 9-13). Salvation means a change of diet for the human heart (1 Peter 2:1-3). In understanding we are to be as men, but in malice we are to be as children who cannot hold spite (1 Cor. 14:20). To be Christ-like is to he forgiving (Col. 3:12, 13). It is returning good for evil that gives size to a man (Rom. 12:14). Overcoming (Rom. 12:21) gives stature to a Christian (Eph. 4:13). When you feel like saying something That you know you will regret, THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST Or keenly feel an insult Not so easy to forget, That's the time to curb resentment And maintain a mental peace; For when your mind is tranquil All your ill thoughts simply cease. It is easy to get angry When defrauded or defiled, To be peeved and disappointed If your wishes are denied. But to win a worthwhile battle Over selfishness and spite, You must learn to keep strict silence Though you know you're in the right. Keep your mental balance When confronted by a foe. Be it enemy in ambush - Or some danger that you know. Be self -controlled and tranquil When all around is strife, And know, my friend, you've mastered The most .vital thing in life. Darrell L. Ridgeway. Lesson for February 9, 1958 THE CHURCH TEACHES THE WORD Lesson: I Tim. 4:6-16, II Tim. 2:1-2 "GO YE therefore, and teach all nations . . . Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matt. 28:19-20). Jesus intended His Church to be the agency for teaching His Word! What shall His dis ciples teach? "To practice all the commands that I havf| given you" (Wins.). Teaching should have a prominenlj place in the work of the Church, and in the lives of thostj engaged in Christian service. And, remember, all who are, true Christians are called to do the work of witnessing; and teaching! Paul desired that Timothy, his spiritual son, shoulc| be a "good minister of Jesus Christ." For this reasor the Apostle's letters unto Timothy are full of spiritua admonition and instruction, and are appropriate to every one who desires to be a servant of Christ. THE TEACHER HAS A MESSAGE TO TEACH The Church has but one message to proclaim — the newi| of "the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, espe cially of those that believe." God help those who attemp to teach in the Church without an experimental knowl edge of God as Saviour! The Christian, having been born again by the Spirit is convinced of the power of God to save from sin. Hav ing been taught, he is now ready to teach. Perhaps Tim othy wondered what he was to teach. "And the thing EBRUARY 1, 1958 PAGE SEVENTEEN lat thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the lime commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to |:ach others also." Why should there be such a dearth of Teachers and jreachers of the Word in our Brethren Churches? You iere taught in order that you might teach! Have you no nowledge about God, the Bible, or spiritual things? /hat do you do when others ask about your religious liith? Peter said the Christian has a solemn responsi- bility to "Be ready always to give an answer to every lan that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you ith meekness and fear" (I Peter 3:15). THE TEACHER HAS A LIFE TO LIVE As a teacher of the "truth of God, Timothy was ad- monished to lead the kind of life which would bring no liproach upon the cause of Christ. ! 1. "Refuse profane and old wives' fables" (vs. 7). ihillips says this means he was not to be deceived by (all these stupid Godless fictions." 2. "Continue training yourself for the religious life" Wms. — vs. 7). I 3. "Be thou an example of the believers, in word ispeech), in conversation (conduct), in charity (love), ii spirit, in faith, and purity" (vs. 12). [ 4. "Continue cultivating these things, be devoted to lem, so that everybody will see your progress" (Wms.— s. 15). 5. "Make it your habit to pay close attention to your- lf and your teaching. Persevere in these things, for if ou do you will serve both yourself and those who listen > you" (Wms. — vs. 16). Hear again the words of Jesus to His disciples before iaving this world to return unto the Father: "Go ye lierefore, and teach all nations . . . Teaching them to ibserve all things whatsoever I have commanded you." jhese words were spoken to those who believed in Chrisi nd professed to be His followers. Do we number our- blves among His disciples? Then "go . . . and teach!" i » » »'.'»v»1«r*'«'«'«l«'*'*l»'«'*l*'»nff *» ^ »'»■«■»■» ■ Sunday School Suggestions The Sunday School Board of The Brethren Church by Jerry Flora 1 «i» * * KJ^M>— ****»*« TEACH MISSIONS i yTISSION-MINDED churches begin in the children's VI department of the Sunday school. If we want our tiurch members to be fired by a vision for missions, we mst start with them in the Nursery department of the unday school. Yes, even the two and three-year-olds can be taught imething about missions and missionaries. There are iree basic characteristics of all missionaries which lould be inculcated in the Nursery child. The mission- ry ideal should be presented to the children in these iree areas: learning to love each other, learning to iare with others, and learning to obey. The same ideas can be carried over into the Beginner apartment and should be channeled into some kind of active expression. Children of four and five love to bring things and should be encouraged to bring items of missionary interest to the Sunday school. If possible let a missionary or missionary couple speak to the Primaries, telling them about the boys and girls in other lands. Primaries can give to missions too; for example, one group used its birthday money (eight dol- lars) to buy 100 New Testaments for children in Korea. Only eight dollars, but think of what it did — for the American children as well as the Korean children. Juniors like projects and should be encouraged to make things, save things, and bring things that can be used by missionaries. The years from nine to eleven are "the golden age of memory." What a priceless opportunity to place in young minds and hearts the seeds that will blossom into full-grown missionary activity! Juniors love stories of adventure, so tell them the tales of Peter, John, and Paul; of Carey, Moffatt, and Martyn; of Liv- ingstone, Judson. and the many other heroes of the gos- pel. By the time Sunday school pupils reach junior high school age, they should be definitely challenged to give their lives in the service of Christ and His church. The memory of such a solemn promise to God will help tie the young person to Him during the high school years of "storm and stress." Every Sunday school should have its Missionary Super- intendent, who will present a ten-minute talk once a month during the opening assembly period. This person should see that there are missionary materials available for class use: Maps, pictures, curios, letters. It might be a good idea to have a missionary bulletin board featuring a map of the world with the Brethren mission stations specially marked. You may want to cut the Brethren mis- sionaries' pictures out of the "Missionary Blue Book" and put them around the border of the map with lines or strings from their picture to their field of work. If the supreme task of the church is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ, we must start in the Sunday school or we will not start at all. l^WXWl»4^^VW8W^ THE BLANK COMPLAINT BOOK A Pastor had on his desk a notebook labeled, "Complaints of members against Members." When one of his members called to tell him the faults of another, he would say: "Well, here's my complaint book. I'll write down what you say, and you can sign it. Then when I have to take up the matter officially, I shall know what I may expect you to testify to." The sight of the open book and the ready pen had its effect. "Oh, no, I couldn't sign anything like that." And so no entry was made. The minister said he kept the book for forty years, opened it probably a thousand times, and never wrote a line in it. — Exchange. PAGE EIGHTEEN NEWS FROM BRETHREN YOUTH Phil Lersch, Youth Director $4,000— WHAT'S THE USE?? YES, WHAT IS THE USE of raising FOUR THOU- SAND DOLLARS this year for a National Project of Brethren Youth? "Why, to expand Summer Crusad- ing." you say. And you're right, but just what does "ex- panding Summer Crusading" mean to Brethren Youth and the Brethren Church? Well, as I have said often before, SUMMER CRU- SADING helps fill the needs in the local churches by supplying teachers for their Bible Schools, and it also gives those doing the Crusading valuable experience through teaching others the Word of God. BUT THERE IS MORE! The Brethren Church needs more leaders, both men and women, to fill the present and future vacancies that exist and will continue to ex- ist. Where will these leaders come from ? I believe we will find them among those Brethren Youth who are now willing to devote some of their time to special pro- jects of Christian importance — those who know the value of dedication and service to God's work. This is a pic- ture of Summer Crusading. THIS YEAR two young men will be traveling to Cal- ifornia as Summer Crusaders, contacting many churches on the way. They will assist in the California camp pro- gram and attempt to strengthen Brethren Youth activi- ties wherever they go. The two men selected for this task will be receiving special training for their work this summer, which in turn will better prepare them for ser- vice to the Church in the future. We hope to have more than 15 Crusaders out teaching in Bible Schools, as they have been doing for several years. SEMINARY "WHIZ KIDS" THE ASHLAND SEMINARY intramural basketball team may not be "whiz kids" on the court, but it is sporting a 3-1 record as of January 27. Those represent- ing the Seminary in the college roundball league are Charles Lowmaster, John Terrell, Gene Hollinger, Jim Rowsey, Dick Kuns, Glenn Grumbling, and P. L. If the team continues to win more than half of their games, we'll keep you posted. If not, you'll not hear another word. CANTON ENTERTAINS US Time Schedule 2:30 135 Northeastern Ohio Brethren Youth registered for a youth rally at the Canton Church. — also paid $1.00 for banquet. This was the 31st rally for this district. 3:00 Kay Scritchfield, Canton BYC President, led song service. Miss Julia Savitch, a blind lady, led devotions and read from her Braille Bible. THE BRETHREN EVANGELIST 3:30 District President Jim Sluss conducted business meeting. Following officers elected: President Jim Sluss, Louisville Vice-President Charles Craig, Canton Secretary Ann Miller, Smithville Assistant Biddy Conway, Ashland Treasurer Judy Sainer, Louisville Assistant John Clapper, Canton Advisors Rev. Robert Hoffman, Smithville Rev. John Terrell, Mansfield National Youth Director spoke briefly concerning the Subscription Drive, Summer Crusaders, and the $4,000 National Project. 5:15 BANQUET and PROGRAM Supper: Served by W.M.S.s of Canton — (real good eatin') Specials: Double Octet, Timken Vocational High School. Charles Craig, David Watkins — comedy skit. Linda Goodwill, humorous reading. 7:00 EVENING SERVICE Scripture — Bill Hammen, Canton Clarinet Duet — Watkins and Craig, Canton Speaker — Rev. Kenneth Hulit, pastor E.U.B. Church in Canton Subject— "Worth While Life" The whole rally was well planned and executed. How long has it been since you've gone to a district youtl rally? You're missing something you would really en- joy. BRETHREN COLLEGE DAYS IN NEARING Letters concerning B.C.D. have been keeping the post men between Ashland and your pastor busy. A lettei has also been mailed to all the juniors and seniors foi whom we have names, fully describing this event. Here's the information once again. The dates are Feb ruary 28 to March 1 on the Ashland College Campus. Th< purpose is (1) to acquaint Brethren Youth with whalj our College has to offer, and (2) to bring our young people together for a denomination-wide Brethren Youtl! Rally. If you desire information your pastor cannot supply just write to Reverends Virgil Meyer or Phil Lersch aj Ashland College and we'll be glad to answer your re quests and take your reservations. Your only cost will be transportation and meals. Housing and breakfasts wil be furnished. On Friday students are invited to visit classes in ses' sion. Friday night is a youth rally on campus. Saturda;! the more technical details of college requirements am costs will be discussed. Saturday night is a banquet am! basketball game. Sunday morning are services at th Park Street Brethren Church. Talk to your pastor foj more knowledge about B. C. D. IT'S NEW NOW! The "BRETHREN YOUTH MAGAZINE" this issu< has so many new features that I don't have room to lis them all. The best way for you to learn about it all i to subscribe for $1.00. FEBRUARY 1, 1958 PAGE NINETEEN <7"he YU r omens fdorner *&&* "^QC0 "30* ■ by Helen Jordan THE WONDERFUL PROVIDENCE OF GOD N OUR BEGINNER'S CLASS in Sunday School we have been stressing the idea that God made every- Ihing. It was our aim to help the children become aware pf the things of nature and to want to thank God for fchese things. As we stressed these things to our little pts I began to realize how much we, as adults, take for granted the wonderful providence of God. i In the magazine section of our local paper there ap beared recently a short article entitled, "God Made Phis." It read — "Isn't it funny ? A painter signs his name at the bottom of his canvas, a writer at the end j)f his verse, an architect on his building, a musician and kis concerts become identified, all the modern conven- ences we use today had an inventor. Everything is labeled and signed. Yet it is strange, isn't it, that the wind, sea, clouds, he seasons, our senses are often taken for granted or lot even appreciated? It seems the greatest Inventor of ill neglected to attach a sign