China Training Institute
Here at the China Training Institute we are giving special attention to the training of young men for the ministry. This year there were fifty who took our special Ministerial Training Course. This is a three-year course, and we are graduating our first class this year. In order properly to organize the students' field work, we started what we call a Ministerial Project Mission, with a constitution and regular officers, as in a mission organization. We are at present operating fifteen such soul-winning projects. These vary in size and nature from Bible readings given in the homes, to city hall meetings. We believe in practicing the principle, "Learn to do by doing."
In studying how the third-year class, graduating this spring, might gain more experience under supervision, we arrived at the idea of using our New Year's vacation of ten days for that purpose. We made out plans and schedules, and then approached the students concerning it. They all agreed to give up their much anticipated and needed vacation, and entered heartily into our plans. Five efforts were organized in two cities. Four were held in Nanking, the capital of the nation, and one in Chinkiang, and we had a most successful and interesting experience.
The students presented the leading points of our message with power. As a result, more than thirty people are receiving Bible readings, and it is reported that more than twenty will doubtless fully accept the truth. We are very thankful for the consecration of these students and the gratifying results God has given us for their efforts. They testify that they have received a lifelong inspiration for the ministry and that they are anxious soon to begin their lifework for God in full-time service.
P. E. QUIMBY, Department of Theology, China Training Institute.
Atlantic Union College
At the close of the first meeting in one effort, the group was invited to come the following Wednesday evening to the Federated church of the district and present some prophetic subject. Daniel 2 was the subject, given as an illustrated lecture, and the speaker took the opportunity of advertising his meetings before he sat down. At the close of the service, the chairman said, "Surely we have heard something new this evening." In this particular effort much publicity was given by the local paper. The reporter came unsolicited to get details for a write-up on the meetings at the Federated church.
In addition to the three Sunday-night efforts, two other groups held Sabbath services with companies previously interested through similar efforts. One of these groups began a new effort early in March.
An excellent spirit prevailed throughout the college this year, and also an encouraging interest in ministerial training. Twenty-seven were registered in the theological department. We appreciated the support given by the union and local conferences, which made it possible to conduct these efforts, and we hope the results will be seen not only in a more efficient training of new workers, but also in the salvation of many who are attending the efforts.
L. H. Hartin, Dean, School of Theology, Atlantic Union College.
