Eastern Mennonite School - Shenandoah Yearbook (Harrisonburg, VA)

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Page Seven James Gross Agriculture, Commercial Arithmetic, Bookkeeping I cannot think of an occupation that offers better opportunities for living the Christian life than that of farming. On the farm one can live in daily and almost hourly contact with nature and is thus repeatedly reminded of God and His goodness to man. In Agriculture we consider helps and hints that will contribute to the success of the farmer, who has the great responsibility of working with God to produce the bulk of the world’s food supply. In the last two subjects named we try to keep in mind the relation of the Chris- tian to the business world, and consider how he can offer his testimony in his business contacts, and how he can and should support the Christian ideals and principles, in all his business relations. By understanding bookkeeping, any one, no matter what his business, is enabled to keep more efficient records of all business transactions, which cannot help but lend an aid to success. Especially do we try to consider the principles of integrity, fair play, the golden rule, and promptness in meeting one’s obligations, and thus have an unhindered testimony to all those contacted. Ruth Stoltzfus Home Economics, Art, Physical Education Art in Christian education? ——: ... because God made beauty; it is an expression of His thought, ... because God made man an intelligent creature of sensitive response, capable of understanding and of following after beauty, .. because the church long has emphasized ethics but has minimized aesthetics, .. because true beauty gives in visible form the principles of that which is good, ... because its principles are those of true life itself, . . because art provides an outlet for man’s creative urge, .. because it helps man to understand the spirit and quality of his material environment and their relationship to life itself, .. because a study of beauty leads to a life of thoughtful, cultured refine- ment, .. because God’s work of order and beauty is an example after which man should thoughtfully follow, .. . because its returns are rich spiritually, Therefore, art in Christian education. “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; . . . to behold the beauty of the Lord...” Menno J. Brunk New Testament Greek, Bible The Divine Revelator said, “Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this: prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein” (Rev. 1:3). While this statement has reference to the book of Revelation, the principle has applica- tion to every portion of Scripture. In order to receive the promised blessing we must read, hear, and keep, and these involve an understanding of Scripture. In order to understand we must diligently study the Word. The Christian worker deals with souls who have an eternal destiny. There is therefore a tremendous responsibility resting upon each one of us and calling for our best efforts to handle aright the Word of Truth. A study of the Scriptures both directly and indirectly is necessary that we may be workmen who need not to be ashamed. Elsie Martin Supervisor in Training School People encountering various situations behave in a variety of ways. They may be prejudiced or open-minded, reach hasty conclusions based on unsound data, or evi- dence a scientific attitude, compete with each other for individual advantage or work co-operatively. As student teachers we try to aid the growth of boys and girls in the right direc- tion. Our concepts of living are interpreted as we contact and make family histories,

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Page Six D. Ralph Hostetter Biology, Physical Science Can you see God as the Designer and Creator of Nature? Are, you able to in- terpret His message in the wild flowers, trees, insects, birds, and rocks? Do you know yourself? The psalmist said, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Are you a stu- dent of nature? God asked Job “Hast thou entered into the treasure of the snow?” Jesus placed the glory of Solomon below the beauty of a lily. Why? Paul says, “Doth not even nature itself teach you?” To this question we would answer “Yes.” Many lessons may be learned by closely observing the various phases of plant, animal, and human life. Jesus was a keen observer of nature, and used many nature truths in His teaching. Should you do otherwise? Ernest G. Gehman German, Philosophy, English English composition is our first-year-college soiled-English laundry-course, per- force. Beyond this, it seeks to prepare young people for the faithful and able defense and promotion of New-Testament standards now held almost exclusively (and too exclusively) by the Mennonite Church. In Oral Expression the instructor got a yearful of good speeches, readings, ora- tions, etc. and learned so much from the thirty-some eager, hard-working students that he believes he might become a public speaker himself if he could take the course a second year. Of particular interest and value to Mennonites is German, in which most of us find ourselves more at home than in other foreign languages, for obvious reasons. Knowing German makes much of our earlier Church-literature available in the orig- inal. Finally, we like it for reasons of sentiment. Harry A. Brunk History and Social Science People are inclined to give all their attention to the present. The present way of living is absolutely the only way to live. Through a study of history we may find it necessary to throw our exalted nation of the present to the “moles and bats.” We may discover that our way of life is not the only way to live; that people of past ages were just as civilized and possibly more so than we are today. Men wax eloquent to accomplish lasting social reform. History would teach us that there is little progress (if any) apart from Christianity. Our modern problems, religious and otherwise, are considered new and vital. A study of history may reveal that similar problems existed before. A knowledge of history may help us to solve life’s most difficult problems. Sadie Hartzler English, Librarian To teach high-school students to have regard for our mother tongue, to use it effectively, and to pass it on unmarred should be the aim of every English teacher. The Christian teacher adds to these the desire that her students use the language effectively in Christian service. As she had visions of the fu ture usefulness of the boys and girls she meets in class, she knows their chief power will be given by the Spirit; but she believes too that the training they get will enable them to be better servants. If something is worth saying or writing, it is worth putting into language that is correct according to present usage. If a conviction is worth voicing, it is worthwhile making forceful by using well-chosen words and carefully constructed sentences. John R. Mumaw English, Bible I want to help my students learn to know God better and to live in daily fellow- ship with Him. I must do all I can to fortify their belief in the Bible as the revealed Word of God. It shall be my chief concern to have each one understand Jesus Christ and to accept Him as Saviour and Lord. I desire to see their lives enriched with ex- perience in the spiritual joys of the Christ-life. What I teach shall help them to become more conscious of their obligations to God and of the nobler ideals of stewardship. It is my hope to make a contribution to their understanding of the Church and its functtons so that they will actively participate in its worship, fellowship, and work. | |

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Page Eight health records, psychological analyses and mental researches. As we attempt to per- petuate, improve, and realize right habits, skills and attitudes in children at school We are joining hands with the home and the Church in giving stability, poise, and release of latent spiritual power to personalities. By this common understanding and these united efforts, we would hope to be better able to help boys and girls “hold the beginning of their confidence stedfast unto the end.” Homer Mumaw : Mathematics Why study mathematics? This question is often asked by students who are planning an educational program above the grades. We are surrounded by material things, in fact, we are in a material world and scarcely do we think of these surroundings without in some way evaluating them numerically. We analyze them as to value, or quantity, or magnitude, and in each case apply mathematics. We even think of such intangible things as time, space, and energy in terms of mathematical units of measure. Our Master has described our position here as “in the world but not of the world.” Inasmuch therefore as we are in the world, and that for a purpose, it is neces- sary that we do not neglect such an important phase of mental training as the study of mathematics, Melvin Ruth Bible “To know the will of God is the greatest knowledge, | To suffer the will of God is the greatest heroism, To do the will of God is the greatest achievement.” I like to ponder the beautiful and perfect life of my Lord. What a life the unhin- | dered will of God produced! Every follower of the lowly Nazarene honors that dem- | onstration of success. Consequently, despite the vehement objections of our adversary, it is no risk to surrender our will. Frankly, to see the will of God blossoming and bearing fruit in a young life is ! the most sacred thrill my regenerated heart can experience. Mrs. M. T. Brackbill English . thy mind Shall be a mansion for all lovely forms, | Thy memory be as a dwelling place ia For all sweet sounds and harmonies.” | — Wordsworth A study of literature introduces us to the beautiful thinking of the past and pres- | ent, and thus furnishes us enrichment for our own thinking. It is therefore worth while for its own sake. Moreover, a study of it acquaints us with the various types of literature and figures of speech; and since many of these forms occur in the Bible, a knowledge of them gives us an appreciation of the Bible as literature. “How sweet are thy words unto my taste! Yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding.” —Psalmist Mary Keener Dean of Women | I love people. God made them in His own image. He made it possible for them to grow like Christ. They unitedly reflect so much of God Himself. I see the love of | Christ constraining them to action. I see them giving their lives for others in true service to Him. I see noble lives living and serving in the power of God, clothed with the humility of our Lord. Their lives reflect His beauty, purity, patience and holiness. I see those who have great faith and vision walk and live calmly even in the presence of trial. They move on confidently because they are walking with the Unseen Friend and because they have a hope which anchors the soul. I love people because as I learn to know those who are His own, I know Him better.