Eastern Mennonite University - Shenandoah Yearbook (Harrisonburg, VA)

Page 27 text:

E. City EvANGELISM COMMISSION. BACK: Neil Gingerich, Titus Ben- M der, Arthur Byer, Victor Dorsch. : SEATED: John Lehman, Ella Mae Lehman, Elmer Miller, Wesley (ir Ropp. STRUCTURE OF THE “y” Thirty-two committees are responsible for activities varying from planning a stu- dent program to home visitation in a mountain community; from conducting jail services to servicing the “Y” cars. Nearly one hundred students participate in these committees. Many more are used in the actual witness opportunities provided through their planning. The committees are grouped into six commissions according to the type of serv- ice they perform. These commissions are the Extension, Rural Evangelism, City Evangelism, Religious Life, Institutional Work, and Service Promotion. Each com- mission is directed by a commissioner who seeks to co-ordinate the work of the several committees and give guidance and assist- ance in their work. : An executive committee, six commis- sioners, and three members at large make up the “Y” cabinet. With the counsel of several faculty advisers, the cabinet makes the major decisions for the organization. Details of administration and policy plan- ning receive the attention of the executive committee. ) The organization is designed to be a channel of blessing, but it is to God that we look for the supply... . Joun SHENK 1 Assisting in the work of four city churches, reaching youth 9 through Bible clubs, pioneering with a new indigenous church at 5 Mt. Jackson, and presenting pro- grams in public high school are vital activities of the City Evan- 5 gelism Commission.

Page 26 text:

RurAL EvANGELISM COMMISSION. BACK Row: Samuel Hepner, Myron Ebersole, Ron- ald Martin, John Smucker, Elvin Horst. FRONT: David Miller, Norman Yutzy, Ruth Kling, Merlin Swartz, Emanuel Martin. Assisting and directing Sunday-school work, visiting in homes, giving Sunday evening programs, and promoting youth activities keep the eight committees of the Rural Evangelism Commission active.

Page 28 text:

IMPACT ON COMMUNITY Rap, rap, rap! “C’mon in! ... Find cheers and make yerselves at home. . . . No, I aint been so well—rheumatism’s been botherin’ me right smart. . . . No, Pa ain't been good either—won't eat nothin’, can't half sleep and just can't hardly get his breath ‘lessin he sets up all the time. . .. Yes'm, it's been right long since I been up to church; well, Pa just can’t get nowhere and somebody's got to stay here with him ‘cause he can't help himself at all... . Sure, go right ahead, we'd enjoy a little service—singin’ and . Well, don’t hurry off; it aint it sure was nice to have ya; readin . late yet . come back again. Ga’bye!” Bringing cheer and encouragement to the aged and shut-ins, giving a testi- mony, inviting folks to church services, these “Y” visitors render a much-appreci- ReLicious LiFE COMMISSION. LEFT TO RIGHT: Harry Lefever, George Hostetter, Henry Benner, James Gingerich, Edward Gods- hall, Maurice Shenk, Alma Trum- bo. Y.P.CA. ated service for busy pastors. In one com- munity last year a rather spontaneous re- vival occurred largely as a result of the intensive evangelistic efforts in cottage meeting work by faithful Y.P.C.A. work- ers. Another area in which the “Y serves is in Sunday-school work—teaching classes, conducting children’s meetings, and simi- lar services. Folks always enjoy, too, the special programs by Gospel teams, quar- tets, and other “Y” groups. As a final example of the impact of the Y.P.C.A. on the local community, today there stands on the outskirts of the town of Elkton, an attractive little brick church, a sacred spot for a group of believers there. It is the result of “Y” street meetings and Sunday-school work in the past. Praise God for the Y.P.C.A. ... DANIEL B. SUTER Opportunities for student ex- pression, research on a given topic, experience in public speak- ing, encouragements from mis- sionaries and alumni, silent mo- ments before God, prayers of gratitude, and worship in song, are experiences presented by the Religious Life Commission.