Eastern Mennonite University - Shenandoah Yearbook (Harrisonburg, VA)

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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

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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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OUTREACH OF THE “Y” The best way to make a stagnant swamp is to allow a lake no outlet. Similarly, nothing is so deadly to student educational experience as constant learning experi- ences without application or expression of The policy of the Y.P.C.A. is to send teams to the small or isolated mission points that are usually by-passed by larger touring groups. This is especially appre- ciated by mission pastors and congrega- tions that otherwise may have few contacts with other consecrated youth of the church. 26 truth that is learned. Gospel teams sent to appointments in West Virginia, Pennsyl- vania, New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, and Alabama during this school year provided significant opportunities for a large number of students. INSTITUTIONAL WorK COMMISSION. LEFT TO RIGHT: Paul Roth, Paul Landis, Ruth Yoder, Lester Bau- man, Stanley Souder. NOT ON PIC- TURE: Ezra Peachey. The primary aim of the Insti- tutional Work Commission is to spiritually help those who are bedridden and those who are be- hind bars, bound by sin and bad habits, not realizing that real liberty and freedom are found only in bondslavery to Jesus Christ. The thrill of being used by the Lord in witnessing, the valuable fellowship with mission workers and congregations, and learning to know and work with fellow students are all invaluable in forming stu- dent convictions for life service. ... EVERETT METZLER EE