South America.—From the office of the Ministerial Association of the South American Division there has just been received a copy of a mimeograph document, in Spanish, headed, "Interchange of Ideas—Advance Methods of Labor, No. 13," covering the first trimester period of 1930. This bulletin is a six-page reprint of material which has appeared in The Ministry, pertaining to the conservation of the youth. In addition to this, the South American Division is issuing the monthly. Evangelista for the benefit of Spanish-speaking workers. All this represents an immense amount of work kept in operation by Elder J. W. Westphal, while at the same time he travels over large areas to meet appointments for workers' meetings and ministerial institutes. The development of Ministerial Association work in the South American Division is very encouraging.
For five months, from November, 1929, to March, 1930, Elder A. G. Daniells joined Elder Westphal for a series of ministerial institutes throughout the division. Concerning these meetings, Elder Westphal reports: "From my own viewpoint, and, as I know, from the viewpoint of many of our workers, these institutes have been a great blessing and help. Elder Daniells' instruction has been greatly appreciated; it has breathed a spirit of courage, faith, and hope. Our roundtable experiences and discussions have been interesting and profitable." In a personal letter from Elder Daniells, reference is made to the institute in the Austral Union, which had just closed at the time of writing. He states:
"This institute was a most encouraging one indeed. One hundred and twenty workers were in attendance, and I have never seen our ministers and workers anywhere manifest a deeper interest than these fine people did. They were hungry for the things we had to present, and received them with all their hearts. I feel much encouraged regarding the development of the native workers in this field. If proper attention is given to the young people here, we shall not need to send missionaries down from the States much longer for the evangelistic work. I am surprised at the long list of workers who have been developed down here. Of course it will be necessary to supply qualified leadership, but these people who have spoken the Spanish and Portuguese languages from childhood, are far better prepared for public work than are Americans who must learn the languages. Two things are necessary: one is to instruct these young men and women thoroughly in the message, and the other is to lead them into a deep spiritual experience. I am truly glad that I decided to come to this field at this time, and did not postpone the trip another year."
Central European Division.—"The Bible Searcher" is the title of a pamphlet of forty-eight pages, printed in the German language, prepared by Elder L. R. Conradi in the interests of the German Ministerial Reading Course promoted in the Central European Division. In this form, Elder Conradi presents to his workers a set of lessons on the subject of "The Everlasting Gospel." The note of explanation on the inside front cover, reads: "It is expected that all participants will peruse these lessons with Bible in hand, and wherever the Bible references are missing, these are to be supplied. For this purpose, each participant receives two copies of the pamphlet. He fills in both, and one he keeps and the other he sends in to the president of his conference. The first copy of 'The Bible Searcher' should be finished by June 30. For the second half of the year, all readers will receive pamphlet No. 2, in which the same subject will be continued, with the addition of church history in connection with the Bible study. If the examination [on lessons and other Reading Course books selected] at the end of the year is satisfactory, every participant will receive a certificate for the Reading Course." It is thus apparent that in the Central European Division, Reading Course study is made a true educational factor in the life and work of the conference laborer.
Northern European Division.—The latest word from the division office affords cause for encouragement by the report that the latter part of January shows 263 enrollments in the Ministerial Reading Courses operating in eleven languages in that division, with Great Britain, Norway, and Denmark yet to report. There has also come to hand a complimentary copy of a fiftyeight-page mimeograph document, in German, prepared by Elder Schilling, bearing the title, "The Preacher's Guide," which comprises "Studies for Preachers and Other Evangelical Workers" on the following subjects:
(1) The Preacher's First Need,
(2) Importance of the High and Holy Calling of the Evangelical Worker,
(3) Who Is a Successful Preacher?
(4) The Preacher's Rule of Conduct,
(5) Who Is a Real Preacher?
(6) How Can We Permanently Hold Our Membership?
(7) The Preacher as an Educator of the Church,
(8) The Great Active and Passive Value of Missionary Work,
(9) St. Paul—a Character
Study. Elder Schilling writes that the object in preparing these studies in the German language, is to increase the ability and efficiency of the evangelical workers in the Baltic and Polish Unions, where educational advantages have been limited, and adds: "I have heard from some of the workers to the effect that they appreciate these lessons very much. We have a large number of, fine young men in that field, who will make valuable workers if we help them get the right start."
Glimpses of Ministerial Training
Pacific Union College.—We have a very earnest company of young men and women studying homiletics, not in the usual manner, but from the standpoint of the student's own spiritual experience, and in doing personal work for those about him, and then applying these same principles in wider spheres, —the giving of Bible readings or preaching to the public. Elder Emmerson is teaching the course this year, and we hear many grateful expressions from the students taking the work. There are very few centers of population within access of the school, and therefore it is difficult to plan much in the way of public efforts during the school year; but our ministerial students, and those who are preparing for the Bible work, are getting a good experience in meeting with churches at a distance on the Sabbath. We also arrange, as far as practicable, for these students to be with the churches over week-ends, in order to assist in the Missionary Volunteer activities of the church, and also the regular missionary meeting. The enrollment in all our Bible classes this year is very encouraging, and a larger number than usual are planning to complete the ministerial or Bible major courses.
B. P. Hoffman
Dept. Bible and Missions.
Atlantic Union College.—The ministerial students are divided into academic and college organizations. These two groups give greater opportunity for experience in leadership. The youthful academic band is very active. and is fostering interest in the gospel ministry among the younger students. The college ministerial seminar subdivides, after the opening exercises, into two ministerial companies and a Bible workers' group, so that there are more opportunities for speaking and giving studies. There is an excellent interest in the work of the seminar, and I think we shall see results from these activities in a larger number entering upon definite theological training next year. Evangelistic efforts have been launched in three places, and in each place a good interest has developed. The students are gaining practical experience in speaking and in giving Bible readings, and in rendering music for ,gospel meetings.
T. M. FRENCH,
Dean of Theology.
Washington Missionary College.—Our present enrollment in the theological department and Bible workers' course is forty-five. The ministerial seminar is very well attended, and a lively interest is manifested in all the religious endeavors of the college. In the spring, seven will graduate from the junior theological and Bible workers' course. Each week there are being conducted four field efforts, with a regular schedule of about twenty Bible readings. At Gaithersburg, Md., five students of the theological course are conducting a theater effort, having an average weekly attendance of one hundred. Another effort is carried on at Capitol Heights, Md., with four theological students in charge. Part of the services are conducted in the theater and part in the Seventh-day Adventist country church. The third effort is at Alexandria, Va., which requires the attention of four other students. The Fagg
other is the effort which I am conducting in the city of Washington, assisted by the students in various ways. There is a good attendance at this city effort, and three people have already accepted the truth and been baptized.
B.G. Wilkinson, Dean of Theology.
An additional word from R. N. Montgomery, seminar member, is as follows: "Our position here at W. M. C. is perhaps somewhat different from that in other colleges, inasmuch as the students are conducting three efforts, besides the city effort by Dr. Wilkinson, each of which requires a staff of five to eight students on Sundays and for field work during the week, to say nothing of the many Bible readings during the week with interested persons who attend the Sunday night lectures by Prof. Wilkinson, where we seldom have less than 250 present, and usually requests for fifteen to twenty-five visits with literature. We are of good courage, and our seminar meetings are well attended. Often we do not have enough seats to accommodate all. The Ministerial Reading Course books are now in the library, and I am sending you the names of those who have enrolled for this course."
Emmanuel Missionary College.—Our work is progressing nicely, and larger opportunities are coming to our ministerial department because of the solid way in which our student effort committee is building. Just recently additional churches have been turned over to us for Sabbath care, and we now have thirteen churches on our list, which afford quite a sweep of territory for evangelism. The reputation of the good work done by the students conducting the symposium on "The Mountains of the Bible" in the two churches at Battle Creek and in other centers, has brought us an invitation from the president of the Chicago Conference to visit three of his churches in the near future. Such calls bring great encouragement to the hearts of these prospective preachers. We are about to launch two more symposiums for the second semester, and we earnestly pray that God may continue to use these fine up-standing young men.
H.S. Prenier, Dean of Theology.
Oshawa Missionary College.— We have a promising class of ministerial students at Oshawa. Elder Hartin has brought in a strong influence, not only in that department, but in the whole school, and just now we are conducting a hall effort in Oshawa, for the double purpose of winning souls and training the young people in actual field work. The young people are very enthusiastic in helping in this public effort, and prospects for results are good.
W. C. Moffett, Pres.,
Eastern Canadian Union.
Canadian Junior College.—Our ministerial association was organized six weeks ago, and we are doing our best to take part in active service both here at the college and in the field. The services, other than our regular meetings at the college, have been held in local schoolhouses. The best prospect at present is in the Popular Ridge school, where a number of interested people attend. This school is about twenty miles away. Another schoolhouse, about twenty-three miles away, is open for services on Sunday evenings. Some of these meetings have been well attended. Bad weather and heavy roads have prevented some from coming. We are working and praying that all these people may accept the message. The regular meetings at the college have been well attended, and we are endeavoring to make them as interesting, instructive, and spiritual as we possibly can. Every one who has taken part thus far has thoroughly enjoyed this practical experience. In other words, every one seems to recognize that the only way to learn to swim is to get into the water. Elder Newbold is our faculty adviser and critic. He has given us valuable assistance and instruction. We wish to convey our heartiest greetings and best wishes to all seminarians.
D. C. McFeters
Oakwood Junior College.—After long delay, the Oakwood Junior College seminar is now a reality. Elder A. B. Russell, president of the Alabama Conference, was with us for the first regular meeting, and gave us excellent help, dealing with practical suggestions for success in the ministry. At the next meeting, two of the young men presented thoughts from "Gospel Workers," after which opportunity was given for discussion. Last week, one of the members conducted a Bible study on "The Purpose and Manner of Christ's Coming," and then opportunity was given for criticism, which brought out many helpful points. Another young man gave a short sermon on "The Signs of Christ's Coming." All did their part in a very creditable manner. We are looking forward to the time when the students can go out in the field of actual experience. The leader of the seminar, Reuben Simons, has had experience in holding meetings near the school, and is very enthusiastic concerning the organization and its possibilities.
I.V. Counsel, Bible Teacher.
West Indian Training College (Jamaica).— I am personally supervising a seminar for young men and women, composed of twenty-two of our most capable young people. We have our meetings on Friday evenings, after vespers. We plan on securing practical experience by assisting in near-by churches.
O.W. Tucker, Principal.
Lima Training School (Peru, South America).— One of the last things which Prof. C. P. Crager did before leaving here was to help us organize the ministerial seminar, and the plan is working surprisingly well. Meetings are held weekly, on Sabbath night. Officers are elected every eight weeks. Once each month a public meeting is held, and everybody is invited to attend. For field work, we hold meetings for the public every Sunday night, in our church in Lima. We are also conducting an effort in the rural section, in order to reach the farmers. A number of people are now awaiting baptism. We are distributing packages of literature, which are called for and exchanged each week.
D. E. Lust, Principal.
