Eastern Mennonite School - Shenandoah Yearbook (Harrisonburg, VA)

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Cabinet e A i] C @ P eo N'G Skating Studious Students e Twenty-nine Pag

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Forward With Christ We the class of 1940 find ourselves in a world where people are groping about in blinding darkness. They are searching for lasting happiness’ and peace of mind, but they are not finding it. We see a pathetic picture of multitudes hampered by ignorance and who are gullibly following a deceiver. They repeatedly grasp a t baubles of pleasure but they find no lasting satisfaction. An unprincipled and enraged enemy is plotting their destruction. He has cast this darkness about them lest they should see the glorious light of the gospel. He is keeping them blinded in ignorance so they cannot find the satisfaction they are seeking. We have found the light that can pierce this darkness and guide souls out of its maze. This light has revealed to us the greatest philosophy of life, the author of which is God Himself. It is a philosophy that will give true and lasting happi- ness. We have been delivered from the clutches of ignorance and sin. This is a day of good tidings. Shall we be blameless if we withhold the good news from, the world? Let us go “Forward with Christ” in this mighty conflict against the forces of evil, proclaiming the gospel to those that are in darkness. It is our duty to expose the subtle deceiver who is blinding the masses of humanity, and to teach the gospel that will loose the shackles of darkness, and lift the depressing chains of bondage. To those who accept its message it will cause to spring up within their hearts a spring of joy that time and eternity cannot de- stroy. Since we have heard the field-cry “Forward with Christ” let us earnestly show the folly of stumbling about in the quagmire of darkness. The true light is now shining; it is utter folly to seek happiness in the mire of sin. Christ has made it possible for us to live above sin and the follies of this world. He gave His life so that we need not die. It is He who has given us the desire to live for the noble things in life. Our love for Him constrains us to bring the message of salvation to others. But Satan and all the hosts of evil are arrayed against us. It is their purpose to keep humanity in ignorance of our message. No tactics are too foul for this enemy, and no stratagem is too horrible. We cannot hope to overcome him in our own strength. But as we go “Forward with Christ” we need not fear. On Calvary our Christ endured fierce blasts of satanic hatred and fury. We follow a captain who has all power in heaven and upon earth. With implicit confidence in him and in the word of God we are going forth conquering and to conquer. We shall not compromise; we can accept no terms of surrender; and we cannot know defeat unless we forsake our invincible leader. Let us boldly and sincerely accept this great challenge to go “Forward with Christ.” —Samuel Nafziger. Page Twenty-eight

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Y. P. C. A. Activities The aim of the Y. P.C. A. is “to enlist the co-operation of all Christian students in order to strengthen the spiritual life of the school; to promote growth in Christian character, fellowship, and aggressive Christian work, especially by and for the students; to train its members for Christian service; and to lead them to devote their lives to Jesus Christ and the extension of His church.” However, without consecrated students who wholeheartedly serve their Master these objectives would have little effect. Various committees are appointed which provide for the different functions of the Association. The cabinet is composed of the chairmen of these committees, the officers of the Association, and three faculty advisers. Each week is begun with the Mission Prayer Meeting held at six o'clock on Sunday morning. The Missions Committee has charge of these inspirational, inter- cessory meetings. This committee provides for the gospel teams which are sent out and the misison study classes which are conducted during the last semester of each year. At two o'clock each Sunday afternoon many students meet in their respective groups to receive “power” before taking the Gospel to the prisoners at the Harrison- burg jail, to the poor in the City Alms House, to the shut-ins at the County Alms House, and to conduct cottage meetings in the homes of needy souls. Once a month “The Way” is distributed to all the homes in Harrisonburg and in the hospital. On Saturday evenings street meetings are held at Grottoes and Elkton, alternately, to those who are loitering on the streets. All this work is carried on by the Prison Workers’ Committee, City Workers’ Committee, Rural Workers’ Committee, and the Tract Committee, respectively. We know that those who receive Christ through the efforts of our organization are made happy and we are just as sure that those who tell the Gospel message receive many blessings in doing so. The Young People’s Bible Meeting held each Sunday evening is devoted to the consideration of Christian topics and especially upon the distinctive doctrines of our Church. The quiet devotional hours are among the things which are most appreciated and the longest remembered of the days spent at E. M.S. The Devotions Committee provides for an hour of devotion every Friday morning. Each day is begun with songs, Scripture reading, and prayer in the dining hall and it is closed with vital discussions and prayer in the prayer circles. Realizing that Christian fellowship is essential to Christian growth, the Y. P. C. A., through the Social Committees, provides for the social functions of the School. Get-acquainted socials, trips to scenic points, and those memorable Thanks- gi ving and Christmas socials all give variety to the steady routine of school life and help us to know each other better. The students appreciate the assistance which the Employment Committee gives them in securing work. The Finance Committee gives valuable service in raising and distributing funds needed to carry on the work of the organization. With work of such constructive and uplifting characteristics the Y. P. C. A. has proven itself a valuable asset to student life in the E. M. S. God has blessed its work in the past and our prayer is that in the future its good work may continue. —Margaret Shenk. Page Thirty