Kuyper College - Echo Yearbook (Grand Rapids, MI)

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Development of Expression The Couple of days before the beginning of the new school year are very lively days at the dorm. One hears many joyous exclamations, hearty greetings and welcomes. These are mostly heard among the upper c-lassmen. Many questions are being asked and answered, everyone is interested in knowing what the next person has done during the summer, and what she has seen. In the midst of this happiness, there is also a group of students who are not quite so noisy and happy. These are the freshmen. They are getting acquainted one with another in a quiet and sweet fashion. They look very timid and almost frightened. They look at the juniors and seniors and wonder whether it will be possible that next year they too will be as eager and happy to meet and greet their classmates. As for now, there are so many things for them to consider. They must live in a dorm with twenty other girls, most likely with four in one room. How will it go? What kind ol room- mates will I get? These and other questions prick their minds. Again, they have heard that they tnust take public speaking and will be called on to oller a prayer at the table or in the chapel. XVhy! l have never spoken in public, they say. I would not dare to say anything while others are looking at me! I have never offered a public prayer. 1 get too excited when l have to do it. l cannot build the sentences correctly in such a hurry. They could offer many more excuses, but there seems to be no mercy. During the first few weeks, the upper classmen take turns in leading table devotions. Finally the freslnnen have their turns also. .Xt hrst they are asked in advance to give them the opportunity to adjust themselves to the idea. Some of them do really tremble the first time. Some of them in their excitement do not have the best grammar, and alter one or two sentences are forced to end the prayer abruptly. They might be a bit frustratecl. and if they have expected someone to snicker or laugh about it, they are mistaken. The air is just as quiet and reverent as if a most beautifully expressed prayer was offered. XVe all realize that God listens to the heart and not to the mouth. Of course, we should use the best language at our disposal when we approach the Holy One, and yet we are so grateful that God also accepts a simple but humble prayer. lVhen their turn comes again, they have gained some confidence and are more collected. It doesn't take long before they do lead at the table or in chapel prayer calmly, and with con- fidence, yet aware of God's greatness and their own smallness. So, my young reader, if you have had trouble with such fear or problems or have been concerned about your public expression or prayer life, have hope and give consideration to at- tending our school for at least a year. Much can be and is being done with CLod's help. The table devotions and chapel prayer are not all. Every day before breakfast, and before retiring at night, half an hour is set aside for private devotions. XVC study Cod's XVord and commune with I-lim through prayer. Some of the freslnnen have never clone this before and do not know how to go about it. Some of them cannot see how a person can pray for hfteen or twenty minutes. But after a short time, one finds out that this is not even enough time. XVhy such a change? Because we grow spiritually, our vision broadens, and we realize the great need for prayer. There are various methods of studying the Bible, such as book by book, by way of subjects, or by use of devotional books. One chooses her own method. If help in this is desired. it can be received from the upper classmen or faculty. Ulhatever way one studies the precious Book, one cannot help but grow and expand spiritually. Some roommates make it a practice to have devotions together once a week, or once in two weeks, or as they choose. This helps in learning' to express one's self, for it is easier to do so just with the roommates than in the presence of the whole group. Through such practice they are drawn together in Christian love, and they are given special grace to deal kindly with one another in spite of various differences. Much more could be written about it, but this gives an insight of how we live. Come and join us here. You will certainly be blessed. lVe love it here and are sure that you will too. May God bless you and show you His will for your life. Naxczv Cliurrii. ff llznior Pflg i sf 'f

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THE 1NFoRMAL 'IUNIORS Organ practice Sec, take this Stl'CCt ln thc first place . . . Now, you kids . . . Page Tlzirtfv-szx After the banquet Looks bad H-tak

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GUARDING OUR HERITAGE Guarding our heritage -just exactly what does this imply? Does this refer to the protecting of and fighting for some property which has been or will be willed to us after the death of a predecessor? Does it mean that we, being heirs, shall receive some desired prize from our loved ones which shall prompt us to do all in our power to keep, check, and control this prize? To the above questions we would immediately answer, Yes . Indeed, guard- ing our heritage means all this and more. It surely means that we will inherit some sort of an estate. It may also mean that the traditions or family rights will be handed down for us to carry on after the death of our elders. Webster also expresses an additional idea regarding it. He says, . . hence the lot, condition or status into which one is born . . This is true in the sense that if the lot of a family is rich, so will be the condition or status of their sons and daughters since the estate will be willed to them and will be faithfully kept. protected, and guarded by them. Yes, this explains briefly the guarding of our heritage - the American's heritage. As Christians, we also have a heritage to guard. It is true that we have a worldly heritage to guard, but let us put one name before each previous point - the name Chirst. Cur Christian heritage has been willed to us by our Father in heaven and partially established for us by Old Testament fathers. Abraham, for instance, laid hold of a heritage of faith in God which in turn was handed down from generation to generation. Our heritage is something we have received from God - a Christian freedom, faith and function. We, being born into a family of Christian saints, are blessed with a rich lot, and a hopeful condition. This inheritance we are protecting, defending and guarding from evil, injury and loss. As a basketball player guards the ball to prevent scoring a point for the opposing team, so we are guarding our heritage from the opposing team - Satan and his hosts. We, being the Sons of God, are joint heirs with Christ. We are heirs of salvation and promise, of righteousness and grace. We are heirs, not IHOSK of all of a worldly estate, but of the Kingdom of God, of the heavenly mansion. Oh! It is with great joy that we protect, defend and guard such a glorious heritage. BETTY M EAD - Freshman Pave Thu ty eight