Eastern Mennonite University - Shenandoah Yearbook (Harrisonburg, VA)

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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.

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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.

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SERVICE PROMOTION COMMISSION. LEFT TO RIGHT: Kenneth Brunk, Joan Nissley, Richard Showalter, Luke Drescher, Wilbur Maust, Lowell Hackman, Glen Steffen. IMPACT ON STUDENTS Nearly thirty-five years have passed since “the original shot was fired” by the Y.P.C.A., and the reverberating influence of this student organization continues year by year. Visitation in sin-ridden, poverty- stricken homes of Harrisonburg has helped to impress indelibly upon the conscience of students, who come from sheltered rural communities, the needs of the world—and so near home. From such experiences plus Missionary Fellowship and prayer meetings sponsored by the “Y” on the campus, missionary con- victions have been born which have im- pelled students to go to “the uttermost parts of the earth.” As the Y.P.C.A. helps to “form” convic-, tion for Christian service, it also helps to VGA Cray Soliciting new members, ar- ranging quartets, seeing that all property of the “Y” is running smoothly, and helping those stu- dents who are low in “shekels” to find work opportunities is, in brief, the work which the Serv- ice Promotion Commission does in its effort to make Christ known. “warm conviction—and to keep it warm through the long grind of a four- or six- year curriculum. One such student testi- fies as follows: “The Y.P.C.A. was a great factor in keeping my heart warm for souls while preparing for more effective wit- nessing. Through the “Y” program students get opportunity to develop ialents for singing, speaking, personal work, teaching, and visiting. Every student needs these oppor- tunities in order to grow spiritually. Ex- perience must keep pace with knowledge lest the latter become a liability. Along with such expression the student is con- stantly improving his skills for more effec- tive service in the future under God's blessing. Pa ISAAG. Glick