p. 21 | Missionary Volunteer Department by C. H. LEWIS

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 24, 1915

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 92, No. 31.

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Missionary Volunteer Department

By C. H. LEWIS

M. E. KERN General and N. Am. Div. Secretary

C. L. BERSON Assistant Secretary

MEADE MACGUIRE N. Am. Div. Field Secretary

Boys' Work at Washington Missionary College

OUR boys' work at the Washington Missionary College began with a Sabbath school class. We began to “do things” as a class. We had a gymnasium class, went for long walks, played “hare and hounds,” etc. Boys began to come to Sabbath school in order to “be in things.” To be sure that was not the best motive to actuate them, but now there are two large classes instead of one small one, and last quarter both classes were perfect in attendance.

During the week of prayer a prayer band was started for all those who desired to come. This band proved to be so helpful that it was the boys' own suggestion that the meetings be continued.

Now we have an organization known as The Sligo Clan, which has a regular membership of sixteen (boys over fourteen years of age), and a trial membership of four (boys under fourteen). Profession of Christianity is not required for membership, but the devotional side of the work is not neglected. Our motto is, “Help the Other Fellow.” A regular meeting is held each Sabbath for religious interests, and we also plan to have a weekly meeting for secular subjects; such as, “Habits,” “Health,” “Temperance,” “Personal Hygiene,” “Sanitation.”

Self-government is the basic principle which controls the club. The constitution provides for two advisers who are permanent. The president and all other officers are elected every six weeks by the boys. Officers and advisers compose the executive committee. No action is taken without the vote of all members. Every boy feels a personal interest and responsibility. They feel that they are doing something; the band is theirs; it belongs to them.

We try to incorporate enough of the “clan spirit” to keep the connection during the week. It is the intention of those in charge that the positive influence for good shall extend throughout the week, and not end with the Sabbath meetings. In order to meet the needs more effectually we are renting two rooms above the Sanitarium garage, one of which is to be used for meetings, and the other for a reading room and general headquarters.

We hope to equip this room with a supply of good books and magazines. This gives the boys a place to go on Sabbath afternoon, and other times when “there's nothing to do.” Boys often get into more mischief on Sabbath afternoon than during all the week days, because there is so often “nothing to do.”

As to the missionary work. At the present time we are spending several hours each week in chopping wood for a needy woman in our neighborhood. This woman is unable to work, and has scarcely any means of providing for herself and three small children. The boys take great delight in helping her, and the benefit is mutual. One boy persuaded his father to give him a bushel of potatoes to take to this poor woman. Another took groceries; another, clothing. Almost every week they carry something besides axes and saws. The Clan is planning to help pay her rent this month. We hope to grow, in time, and add other such cases to our list.

Thus far the work is in its experimental stage; but we sincerely pray that the blessing of God may rest upon this little band of boys, and that it may prove to be a small recruiting station for strong and earnest young men who are so much needed in the Master's service.

C. H. LEWIS.