Center for the Evangelical United Brethren Heritage TELESCOPE-MESSENGER United Theological Seminary, Dayton, Ohio I Vol. 15 No.2 Summer2005 The Youth Missions to Youth by Robert L. Frey The year 2005 marks the 50th anniversary of the Drs. Hartman and Holdeman also considered beginning of a youth program of the Evangelical the pilot program a success, and plans for taking the United Brethren Church called Youth Missions to program on the road in the summer of 1956 were Youth (YMTY). This issue of the Telescope made. Over 100 EUB youth leaders from across the Messenger recalls the program by publishing nation were recruited to be traveling missioners. The recollections from three categories of participants in initial Mission took place in the Harrisburg, the YMTY- a denominational leader, youth Pennsylvania, area from June 12-18, 1956. Based on missioners, and host pastors. In the following article copies of articles from area newspapers sent to me by Dr. Warren Hartman, one of the major authors of the some of the following authors, it received an unusual program, explains its origins. In the planning stages amount of publicity. One newspaper had the for several years, the summer of 1955 was picked as following introduction: "One hundred young people the time to test elements of the program on the from most of the 48 states will make Harrisburg their campus of United Theological Seminary. I was one first stop next week in a nationwide summer program of the local youth recruited to supplement the "41 of Youth Missions to Youth." The article went on to carefully selected" youth leaders from all over the say, "The Rev. Lawrence W. Althouse of Charlton United States and Canada. Two of these youth EUB Church, chairman of the program, said the leaders, Jim Lehr of North Dakota and Wally mission is designed to accomplish three objectives Vermillion of Washington, stayed at our horne. finding youth prospects between the ages of 12 and During the week of the pilot program we 24 for the churches, involving them in some phase of attended seminars and worship services led by the the local church's program, and winning them for youth leaders as well as by denominational leaders Christ and the church." Dr. Hartman, Dr. Ralph Holdeman, and Dr. John Thus began the two summers of the national Knecht. In particular I remember a powerful sermon YMTY program. Missions took place from coast to preached by Dr. Knecht encouraging us to serve coast involving 127 missioners, but after the summer Christ in a church-related vocation. The call was not of 1957 the decision was made to move the program only to enter fields such as the pastorate, but also to from the national to the conference level. The major carry our Christian beliefs into whatever vocation we reason for this shift was a lack of resources. The chose. This sermon had a significant influence in my development and management of the program took a own life, and I reflected on it frequently in deciding tremendous amount of the time of people like Dr. on a career. Hartman, Dr. Knecht, and Dr. Holdeman. They did In addition to the seminars and worship not have time to manage the YMTY program and services we also had ample times for recreation and meet the other needs of their division. Second, the fun. It was during these softball games and chats over cost of recruiting and transporting more than a lunch and dinner that we learned many valuable hundred youth leaders each year was a significant lessons. Music, led by Aaron Sheaffer, was also an drain on a denomination without large financial important part of the experience. I was impressed by resources. the quality of the 41 young leaders from all over the In preparation for the shift of the program to denomination who led this week-long experience. All the conference level, Dr. Hartman prepared a of them were people I wanted to get to know better, handbook for conference leaders. Bruce Buller and in some cases that is exactly what happened. donated his copy of the Guide for Youth Missions to From my perspective the pilot program was a Youth to the Center for the EUB Heritage. In the success. Forward Dr. Hartman says, "As in all human efforts, there are still phases of this program which need influenced by the program. But the framework for the improvement, but the program as it was carried on demonstration of this enthusiasm and commitment this past year has met with a very fine response on was provided by denominational leaders like Ralph the part of pastors, adult workers with youth, and Holdeman and Warren Hartman who were able to young people themselves. The actual results in "think outside the box." I believe most missioners transformed lives and revitalized local Youth will agree with my observation that Warren Hartman, Fellowships have been thrilling evidences that God Ralph Holdeman, and John Knecht were enthusiastic has surely used this program as one means of evangelists in the best sense of the word. Their love extending the Kingdom through the lives of for young people and their belief in the value of our thousands of young people." contributions to the church were evident to all of us. The guide explains the specific process of For many participants of the YMTY contact with organizing and delivering conference-based YMTY. these men had a lifelong impact. With this program It deals with mundane issues such as insurance for these three men were taking a risk because the missioners and how to record mission expenses. YMTY program was not universally accepted among More important, the guide provides detailed activities EUB churches, as Rev. Althouse notes in his for every minute of a week long mission as well as for recollections. While it led to revitalized youth a shortened weekend mission. The Get-Acquainted programs in many local churches it is clear the Session, the Community-Wide Party, the Jalopy motivation supplied by the missions did not last over Raid, Why Groups, Commitment Calling, and the an extended period of time, even in the most final Rally are all explained. It is a compilation of successful programs. But I think the YMTY program lessons the Department of Evangelism and the did prove that sensitive denominational leaders who General Youth Fellowship learned in the process of listen openly to young people, who believe in their the Pilot Program and the 1956 and 1957 Missions. It power to communicate the love of Christ to their is an interesting document. peers, and who develop programs meeting the In the early 1970s Donna Gaines Nehring, concerns and questions of youth can be successful. who as a missioner in 1956 was influenced heavily Do we believe those assumptions today? by the YMTY, attempted to evaluate the program by Could a YMTY approach be successful contacting as many of the missioners as she could. today-fifty years later? Certainly one has to Sixty-two of the 104 responded, and recently Donna acknowledge the difference a half-century makes. sent me copies of their responses. Based on these, The society of the 1950s was more heavily Donna wrote an article titled "A 1956 Investment influenced by religious organizations (e.g., "church" Still Pays Dividends" that appeared in The colleges were actually church colleges) than is the Interpreter (February 1976, p. 6ft). In reviewing the case today. Furthermore, young people were responses, Donna commented: "[When] asked what bombarded with fewer secular distractions (Jack they felt were the most long lasting ingredients of the Kerouac's On the Road and James Dean's The Rebel Youth Mission to Youth experience, most felt that Without a Cause were mild compared to today's fellowship with other Christians was the most popular culture) and there was less cynicism in the important-youth to youth sharing their lives as society than is the case today. Can young people in Christians. They felt it strengthened each individual the first decade of the 2151 Century develop the to see and know other young people with problems enthusiasm and commitment of fifty years ago? Are and pleasures just like their own who were making an they still idealistic? Based on working with college effort to put it all together in Christ. There are age people for forty years, I believe they are just as rewards from living with and working beside people idealistic today as they were in the 1950s. They are from all across the denomination, young and old concerned by many of the same issues as youth of the alike." The comments of individuals in this issue, 1950s. But for a YMTY approach to work today, it some of whom responded to Donna's survey many will require flexible, innovative, and empathetic years ago and several who did not, echo many of the denominational leadership. It is at this level I fear same "lasting ingredients" of the YMTY. such an approach would fall on barren ground. But how successful were the YMTY? Much It would be encouraging to see a of the success of the program was based on the "modernized" version of the Youth Missions To enthusiasm and commitment of the missioners, and Youth resurrected in the United Methodist family of they were the ones who were probably most heavily today. 2 Youth Missioners at Lake Koronis, July 1956 Photo from Warren Hartman Roster of Youth Missioners for 1956 Team A Allbee, Lew Harr, Barbara Moyer, Dale St. Clair, Janice Bohn, Marlene Kahl, Kay Opdyke, Larry Trost, Evelyn Brenneman, Dave Kaatz, Bud Platz, Charles Ulrich, Gene Cassel, Richard Lang, Ehrhardt Pietsch, Don Vassallo, Howard Dutenhaver, Larry Lucas, Carolyn Price, Jay Walton, Mary Exman, Mary Lutz, Bill Pugh, Delores Wenz, Paul Furman, Beverly Matz, Bud Rex, Linda Sue Wctf, Bill Gockley, Carl Mitchell, Marilyn Rinker, Jacquelyn Wolf, Mary Jo Graby, James Morton, Dave L. Rogers, Lynn Yeago,Jeanne Grass, Viola Mourer, Dave Schafer, Ann TeamB Bailey, Paul Hitt, Terry Roberts, Janice Tauber, Pat Bommershine, Tom James, Jetta Schildt, JOhn Thompson, Mary Lee Brice, David Kenney, Dwight Shearer, Dan Trapp, Sheldon Brown, Amy Miller, Jack Paul Stillwaggon, Carol Watkins, Mary Busler, Ellen Moore, Carroll Stoffer, Dean Young, David Edwards, Phil Mueller, Howard Strahan, John Zimmerman, Larry Gaines, Donna Rader, Blaine Strahan, Mary Gettle, Karl Reese, Ronnie Studer, Dave TeamC Adams, Joey Carey, Don Koth, Bob Slusher, Sharri Allen, Kay Carpenter, Earl Lunde, Dick Smalley, Larry Allen, Susan Durrett, Donna Maisel, Rita Streyffeler, Laurice Arends, Darlene Eyres, Leland Martin, Marshall Thompson, Lois Bieberdorf, Elene Faust, Sandra Michaels, Ron TrujUio, Alonzo Bobb, Edna May Faust, Susan Nantz, Ted Vogel, Dwight Bower, Dale Feind, Gay Roepke, Joyce Wagner, Clair Brandenburg, Calvin Frahm, Gary Scheel, Vernon Wichelt, Joyce Buller, Bruce Frahm, Carleen Schindler, Marilyn Weinert, Virginia 3 Background of the Youth Missions to Youth by 0 Warren D. Hartman The Youth Missions to Youth program had its Dayton, Ohio. Forty-one carefully selected youth roots in the minds of some of our most insightful from the United States and Canada worked with the and visionary ecclesiastical forefathers who drafted pastors and youth from 15 churches in the Dayton the legislation for the Evangelical United Brethren area. They attended seminars, worshipped, prayed, Church. Two of the primary architects were Rueben played, and celebrated their faith. The excitement H. Mueller, General Secretary of Christian generated and the positive results accrued gave birth Education, and 0. T. Deever, General Secretary of to the Youth Missions to Youth program. Evangelism, of the merged Evangelical United I recall some comments from youth team Brethren Church. Both of these men saw Christian members and others who were involved. "After being education and evangelism as two sides of the same home, I have come to realize that the Youth Mission coin. Each served as the Assistant General Secretary was not just a mountaintop, but really another ofthe other's board. After union they met most of the plateau, and a very high one for me and I intend to time as one staff. live on it from now on." "When that scruffY looking Even before the merger, Mueller and Deever guy, who had been running with a street gang before were concerned about evangelism among young we came, stood up and told us he had decided to people. Joining them in this concern was the Director follow Christ, I knew this was for real." "What a of Young People's Work-J. Allan Ranck. An early thrilling realization it was for me to think that God component of the program of the Evangelical United could use me in His divine plan just as I am." "The Brethren Youth Fellowship was the designation of only difference in me now and before I went on the January as Youth Evangelism Month. This program Mission is that now I want to progress up the ladder never seemed to "get off the ground," despite strong to Christ. And it's a wonderful feeling; I only hope it publicity and excellent resources. never leaves." Finally, as one of the host pastors Shortly after I was named to serve as the looked over the crowded sanctuary and saw the large Youth Director (in 1953), I asked Ralph M. number of youth who were streaming forward in Holdeman, the General Secretary of Evangelism, to response to a challenge from one of the youth help us with the Youth Evangelism Month plans. We leaders, he said, "If I never see another miracle, this agreed that we may need to think in new ways about one will be enough." The results of the YMTY for the evangelism of our young people and began to both 1956 and 1957 appear on page 6. explore a variety of possibilities. After a number of With regard to the last number (Church conversations we agreed on several principles that we Vocation Recruits), in the midst of the Youth thought were basic to an effective youth evangelism Missions during the summer of 1957, a conference effort. Among them were: (1) the conviction that director called our office and asked that we stop young people could and would reach their peers for issuing the challenge to serve Christ in a church Christ and the Church; (2) that the total Youth related vocation. He said they did not know what Fellowship program was an effective model for they would do with the large number of youth from training and nurturing youth for a responsible role in their conference who were offering themselves to the life of their local church and beyond; (3) that the serve in one of the church vocations. participation of pastors and other adult leaders was The Youth Missions to Youth was a one-of essential; and (4) that the youth who became a-kind-program. I was invited to give an extended involved in an exciting youth evangelism effort report to the annual meeting of the denominational would grow and mature in their own faith and youth directors. Several (including the Methodists) commitment to Christ and the Church. attempted to develop their own version of it, but none Ralph Holdeman and I concluded that we seemed to have the same kind of response. I have needed to test those ideas with youth in a controlled often wondered if we should have continued the "real life" situation. We enlisted John R. Knecht to program on a national basis for several years. It was a help develop resources and involved others in very intense effort and required more staff time and planning for a test event. From August 26 to financial resources than we could give to it. Some September 1 of 1955 a daring pilot project was held conferences conducted Youth Missions for several on the campus of United Theological Seminary in years with excellent results, but it gradually lost momentum. 4 Reflections of Youth Missioners The Youth Missions to Youth in the summers of witness. In Nebraska the leader of a human scavenger 1956 and 1957 were significant in my life hunt called for a "love letter." Gretta, was working as because they offered those who were young an a nurse at Red Bird Mission in Kentucky. It needed opportunity to grow in witness to their Christian to be opened to prove it to be a love letter. The leader faith. One pastor from Pennsylvania reported to me: read: "Love, Gretta. P.S. We have had our baby and "Not many were participants from our church, but we he is doing fine." Laugher erupted. But Gretta had had the best Youth Fellowship for years after the been reporting on an expectant mother who came to Youth Mission." the mission clinic repeatedly to deliver a baby, and The plan for the Youth Missions was this was Gretta's announcement of a successful birth. simple-do what youth do best. Each local mission The laughter was explosive-parties and game began with an invitation to the youth of the sessions were always fun. participating EUB churches to attend a party. A Another of the seminar activities to get ready closing youth rally offered an opportunity for for the closing service was to spend time in quiet commitment to every one who came. Each day a prayer with the opportunity for persons to share the seminar planned events, spoke to youth issues, significant insights or activities for the week. Again, engaged persons in good fellowship, and enjoyed a it was the honest witness that made a difference for noon lunch. others. Sometimes emotional, sometimes funny, In the local church the first night was a get sometimes joyous, these expressions of experience acquainted party and the third night was a discussion followed by quiet time to contemplate what God was of personal faith with time for renewal of that doing in one's own life was witness to an honest faith relationship. Visitation evangelism followed the next decision. We also wrote the commitment on the evening. In order to get ready for the visitation blackboard. Thus, persons could share with friends really a youth witness with two persons calling on just what might be offered for a new step in Christian friends-we utilized role-playing. Often this role faith. Some of these commitments included renewal playing became more than that. It became an honest of a relationship with Jesus Christ, a first-time witness for Christian faith and everyday living. I commitment to this faith, sensing calls to the remember one of these role-playing sessions in pastorate and to the mission field, Bible reading and southern California especially. A young woman from daily prayer, living life in a way that witness to one's Indiana with a long pony tail expressed her faith so faith in appropriate ways happened all the time, and clearly and effectively that those of us listening were developing meaningful church relationships. all ready to buy into that faith because it was surely At the closing rally we took roll call church the way in which she lived. These witnesses were by church with cheering for the churches that powerful models that others could use. achieved their attendance goals. In addition to the roll Sunday came sometime during the week with call, singing, scripture, effective preaching, and a Sunday school, youth leading in worship services, short invitation to commit one's life to Christ moved and a Youth Fellowship night with a Jalopy Raid to many of the young people attending to a moment of bring persons and to take them home again. Signs commitment. They responded by the hundreds and decorated the cars as they roamed throughout the the thousands. community providing transportation to the event for The YMTY program endeavored to build youth. the church together. This was not just a youth The initial party was planned for 200-1,000 experience, it was the young church in action. We persons with each church suggesting the number it sang, we played, we laughed, we prayed, but always would bring. Songs were planned including the in the context of the congregations and pastors of the designation of a leader, and games were planned host churches. Many of the individuals on the three including equipment. Persons were invited to lead teams each summer were those who gave leadership skits at the party. Food was simple-coke, chips, and to the denominational Youth Fellowship. Persons ice cream bars. A short worship moment included who served as missioners continued in those scripture, a camp frre, and singing of "The Lord's leadership roles in the future. The church knew the Prayer." blessings of youth whose spirits were brought to new In California I remember when I finished faith meaning in this venture. leading a "Lion Hunt," Gil Dodds, the Olympic pole vault champion, came from the gym to give a short 5 The YMTY also helped us to understand that was 24-25 years old and was the Youth Associate in we were not alone in this program. God was at work. Christian Education and Youth Fellowship during In Nebraska, Dr. Warren Hartman joined us for team those two summers. Most of the missioners were coordination and the assignment of youth to specific younger than I was. Some were barely 16. We were churches. We always included two new youth expected to be our best, and we were trusted to members to the assignment committee, and two represent Jesus Christ effectively to other young youth continued with this responsibility for the sake people. Our experiences over these three summers of continuity. I remember that a specific church was (including the pilot program summer) indicate that named. I reached over to point to the name of a youth the church was blessed by the YMTY and so were missioner I thought would be good for this church on those who were part of the programs. the sheet Joyce Wichelt (now Joyce Sohl, recently retired Deputy General Secretary of the UM General Bruce Buller Board of Global Ministries) was holding. She nodded in agreement. Then we waited. After careful thought Dr. Hartman suggested the name on which Joyce and I had silently agreed. One of the new youth members Results of the Youth Missions to Youth who saw my actions was surprised that Dr. Hartman 1956 and 1967 picked the same person. "How do you do it?'' We said, "Know the missioners, listen to the church (Submitted by Warren Hartman) situation, and expect the Holy Spirit to help with the decision." Number ofMissions held 42 YMTY taught us to learn together. Seminar Number of local churches served 465 sessions were interactive experiences. We needed to Number of Youth Missioners 127 be our creative best and we learned from each other. Party Attendance 13,434 We had fun; and we spent time in prayer and in Rally Attendance 20,281 intensive planning. Each of us was responsible to Number of 181 time Commitments 1,834 share our Christian faith with others, and we were all Number ofRededications 4,196 expected to communicate it clearly and honestly. Church Vocation Recruits 1,681 When I reflect on the YMTY, it is clear to me that the EUB Church was willing to take the risks of giving significant responsibility to young people. I Photo from Warren Hartman Clair Wagner, leading a group at Des Moines. 6 ''This week I've found Christ." "Christ is now Dakota), Viola (Wisconsin), and Johnstown real to me." "This is what really makes it real (Pennsylvania). Following the summers of I 956 and when one can see lives of youth changed before your I 957 variations of YMTY programs were held in very eyes." These comments from evaluation sheets Iowa as weekend events, in Toledo (Ohio) during the point to why Youth Missions to Youth (YMTY) was Christmas break, and elsewhere. In July, 1958, while one of the most exciting and successful programs of serving as the Board of Christian Education's Youth the former EUB Church. As a joint venture of the Associate, I was privileged to direct a team of Kansas youth in four YMTY programs in the Kansas Conference. denominational Boards of Christian Education and The impact of the YMTY on a denomination Evangelism, YMTY was launched fifty years ago in the size of the EUB Church was considerable. About 1955 with a pilot mission in Dayton, Ohio. one-fifth of our churches participated in a YMTY. The following summer about I 00 youth Perhaps as many as 300 of our high school and missioners (senior high and college young people) college youth served as missioners over the period converged on Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, for the first investing themselves in Christian service, learning mission week before dividing into three teams which and growing in educational and evangelistic skills. then fanned out across the denomination to conduct Youth from across the church met, lived and worked youth missions for the remainder of the summer. The with each other making strong friendships and teams were directed by Warren J. Hartman, Director catching a glimpse of the larger church. Literally of Young People's Work, and by Ralph M. thousands of Christian commitments were made in a Holdeman and John R. Knecht, Executive and YMTY. A significant number of future ministerial Assistant Secretaries ofthe Board of Evangelism. recruits resulted. About thirty-five years after one A typical YMTY involved a five-day period YMTY I received a call half-way across the country in which a half-dozen to twenty or more EUB from a woman who wanted me to know she was to be churches in a geographical area opened their homes ordained the following evening. She had received the and hearts to the youth missioners who spent time call to become a pastor in her YMTY in which I with the local youth in a busy and exciting week. shared. She had resisted the call as life led her in Four daily seminars were held at a central other directions, but now it was coming to church and attended by the local youth and youth fulfillment. God used the enthusiasm of youth to workers. The seminars became creative sessions that provide a powerful and lasting impact on the church ranged from Youth Fellowship workshops, to many years after her involvement in a YMTY. That learning how to make commitment calling, to impact is still remembered fondly and felt today. planning for the week's events. There were two evening activities in which all the youth came Clair Wagner together. A "Come-As-You-Are" party at a local stadium or large church parking lot occurred early in the week. Attendance at these parties ranged from 100-1,000. Near the conclusion of the week a Mass Telescope-Messenger Youth Rally was held that included spirited singing, is published twice yearly by the Center personal testimonies, a message, and a call to for the Evangelical United Brethren Heritage commitment. Once again attendance numbered in the United Theological Seminary hundreds at each rally. Other evening events centered 1810 Harvard Blvd. in each local church included "Why?" groups (in Dayton, OH 45406-4599 depth discussions of personal faith), youth-to-youth home visitations, Jalopy Raids, and Youth Editor: Robert L. Frey Compositor: Patricia Frey Fellowship meetings. Sundays included missioner Printer: Peterson Litho Graphics participation in church school classes and in worship .services. Correspondence should be sent to the editor at Three denominational teams traveled 1356 Hidden Creek Drive throughout the church in the summers of 1956 and Miamisburg, OH 45342 1957 conducting YMTY programs in places like Wichita (Kansas), Terre Haute (Indiana),· Kansas rlfrey@myexcel. com City, DesMoines, Decatur (Illinois), Muncie (Indiana), Denver (Colorado), Milbank (South 7 M emories of people and events of fifty years important people ofthat summer. As is often the ago are often as fuzzy and faded as are the case in the church, I kept running into these same photos and articles of the Youth Missions to Youth people during the next fifty years at General Program of the EUB Youth Fellowship. But some Conferences, various meetings around the memories remain clear. These include: (1) the large country, and United Methodist Women number of youth who participated in and Assemblies and events. The skills we learned as affirmed/reaffirmed their commitment to Christ college students in Youth Missions to Youth during the youth evangelism events at each location; leadership roles have been used by many of us (2) Jalopy Raids (decorated cars) that cruised neighborhoods inviting the unchurched youth to through the years in our various roles within the parties, worship services, and rallies; (3) the intense United Methodist Church. work done by the Youth Missioners and each local The concept of youth evangelism is no youth committee to assure leadership training as well longer a major focus of the denomination, but as spiritual enrichment during the events; and ( 4) some of the techniques/concepts were used by conversations held among the youth about Christian the General Board of Global Ministries and the faith and the Women's challenges youth Division in our gave to each other programs for about the faith. young people in There are the past several other specific memories of the years. Two events in which I Youth Mission participated. I Chorales were remember the conducted by the suburban church in General Board of the Harrisburg Global (Pennsylvania) Ministries--one area where Rev. in 1998 to Lawrence Europe and the Althouse served as other in 2001 to pastor and the Asia. Each enthusiasm of the youth in that chorale involved community. I remember the small rural churches that college students who witnessed to their faith came together in the Sterling (Colorado) area with as through song; those who gave testimony to their much or more enthusiasm as those of the larger own faith at concerts and services; and those communities. I worked with the young people in the whose lives were changed by the people they LeRoy and Mead churches. I remember an met during their six weeks on the road. Young automobile accident involving several Youth people working with other young people and Missioners in the middle of Kansas and the kindness assuming leadership and faith-mentoring roles and help of the members of the local church. I are still needed today. The teen women and remember the gathering at Lake Koronis (Minnesota) college/university units of United Methodist ·for the General Convention in the midst of the Women are trying this type of leadership as the summer for renewal/enrichment for many of the young women fmd their place in God's mission Youth Missioners. in the world today. May we learn from the past As is the case in many such experiences, and be open to the future. it is primarily the people that you remember. Warren Hartman, Bruce Buller, Dwight Voge~ Joyce D. (Wichelt) Soh/ Tom Boomershine, Bill Wolf, Paul Bailey, Lois Miller, Sandy Faust, Marilyn Grauberger, Dale Bower, Clair Wagner are just a few of those 8 It is difficult to believe that almost fifty years have As a final note, in recent years I have gotten passed since I was selected to participate in the over my embarrassment of what seemed to be the first Youth Missions to Youth program. I felt greatly emotional excesses of the Youth Missions to Youth honored to be selected, and my participation changed program. I have pride in a religious heritage that my life in unforeseen ways. I will return to that theme emphasizes the priority of a first-hand encounter with later. First, let me recall a couple of things that the Eternal over creed and doctrine. This relatively remain in my mind after fifty years. "un-creedal" approach sets our tradition apart from One of the remarkable aspects of the program various types of religious fundamentalism that are was the idealism of its young participants. We tearing so much of the world apart. This is a priceless thought we could change the world for the better. gift from the past-a past that extends back beyond We set about our task with a degree of enthusiasm the Protestant reformation to the Anabaptist roots of that has seldom, if ever, been matched in my own the Evangelical and United Brethren churches. subsequent experience. A particular incident comes Today, this heritage, reinforced by Methodism, to mind. One evening in a Midwestern city, several of continues to combine an emphasis upon direct us decided to enter a tavern and deliver our message experience with religious tolerance and a concern for of redemption to those inside who were seeking a the welfare of others. rather different kind of solace. The bartender and his patrons were dumbfounded. Fortunately, we left Dave Young before the bouncer had an opportunity to forcibly reject the good news we delivered. Another recollection that impresses me as an Doors swing on hinges and so do the events of our anthropologist is how quickly the group as a whole lives. During the spring of 1956 Rev. Roger established its own little subculture, complete with Keech, Youth Director of the Pennsylvania rituals and specialized jargon. I don't remember how Conference, talked to me about the Youth Missions it started, but before long, every time we passed other to Youth program. It sounded interesting and I agreed members of the group, we would say "Turkey to take part. Thus in June I found myself with other Gobbler" as a form of greeting. We found that youth missioners from across the country in changing the inflection of this phrase could convey a Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. A memory that remains to variety of different nuances. This, and other such this day is the big smile, the kind voice, and the rituals, served to unify the group and provide a touch fatherly approach of Rev. John Knecht. He once said, of humor to an otherwise serious task. "God often works in spite of us." To me, he was the To return to the matter of how this model of an ideal Christian. experience changed my life, there are the obvious From Harrisburg it was on to Williamsport, things such as making lifelong friends. An Pennsylvania, and an assignment to Ball's Mill and unexpected ramification was that I came to look back Cogan Station, located in lovely country between the upon the experience with mixed gratitude and mountains. There I made friends with families by the embarrassment. This embarrassment was due to the name of Mutchler and Heim, and we remained in emotional extremes that we often experienced and contact for many years. The second assignment for promoted in the special services we held for young our team was Philipsburg, Pennsylvania. Then it was people. In my own life, I moved on to a form of off to Lake Koronis, Minnesota, for the General religious practice which emphasizes meditation and Youth. Fellowship Convention. On a Saturday listening quietly for the still small voice of the evening in the chapel, my call to ministry was Universe. I am afraid that this still small voice is validated. easily overlooked in a "noisy" setting that encourages After the Youth Fellowship Convention I emotional and behavioral intensity. was involved in missions in Muncie (Indiana), I do not mean to imply that the experience of Decatur (Illinois), and the greater Indianapolis area. the young people who participated in our services At each of these stops I recall the song times, the was superficial because it was emotionally induced. instructional and training sessions, the Jalopy raids, The long-term results have differed, I am sure, for the big parties and Shaggy dog events with Bud Katz, each person involved. For some, the results probably and the nights of commitment with Paul Bailey were quite ephemeral, whereas for others,·t heir Jives speaking from Jeremiah, "The summer is over. were undoubtedly changed for the better. The harvest is past and you ar,~ not yet saved." 9 In the autumn of 1956 I was assigned to a From my perspective the Youth Missions to four-point rural circuit. I was as "green as grass," but Youth had good results. I believe they were could not even have tried this assignment had it not divinely inspired, and have often wondered why been for my experience on the Youth Missions to they have not been repeated. Throughout the Youth in the summer of 1956. In fact the experience years there has remained in me that spirit from was so vital for me that I signed up for the 1957 those days of long ago. "Our impossibilities are program. God's opportunities." Thus, I am eternally The Youth Missions to Youth not only introduced me to denominational leaders, but to grateful for the hinges that opened the door for Christian youth from across the nation and led to my me to become part of a great adventure-going only westward trip. In 1957 our team went to Salina, across the United States in the name of Christ Kansas. I was in a little community named Jewel. It in the company of many tremendous people. was out in the heartland. My host family lived on a 600-acre wheat farm. They also gave me directions to John W Schildt the storm cellar, gave me a flashlight, and explained how to listen for the sound of a runaway train-the indication of a coming tornado. The folks in Kansas, as in Pennsylvania, were warm and friendly. Authors of This Issue On the way to our next mission assignment in Sacramento, California, we had some wonderful Warren Hartman (Franklin, Tennessee), Bruce opportunities to explore America the Beautiful. We Buller (Rochester, Minnesota), Clair Wagner stopped in Colorado Springs and toured the Garden (Lancaster, Pennsylvania), John Schildt (Chewsville, of the Gods and ascended Pikes Peak. Then it was on Maryland), Lawrence Althouse (Dallas, Texas), and to Taos and Santa Fe, New Mexico, and a visit to Robert P. Longenecker (Philadelphia, our McCurdy Mission. Enroute to California we Pennsylvania) are all retired United Methodist (and passed through the Painted Desert and had a brief EUB) pastors. John Schildt is a well-known author of visit to the Grand Canyon. Just before entering the books on the American Civil War. desert we stopped for gas. I was driving a 1950 Chevrolet. The station attendant reminded me to Joyce Wichelt Sohl (White Plains, New York) "check under the hood." Right on top was the fan belt retired recently from her position as Deputy General with a fourth of an inch of belt remaining-ready to Secretary of the United Methodist General Board of break. Once again the Lord was watching over a Global Ministries. group of young people. For some reason I recall little of the mission David Young (Valemont, B. C., Canada) is a retired in Sacramento. Then it was on to Everett, Professor of Anthropology from the University of Washington. One morning we arose about 4:00a.m. Alberta. After retirement he taught for several years and went fishing in the Skagit River. in Japan. From the experiences in the summers of 1956 and 1957 I gained lessons about people and places Doris Gaines Rapp (Huntington, Indiana) is a that could not be learned in the classroom. I was able professional psychologist in private practice and an to see how folks in other places "live and move and author. Her husband, Bill, is a retired United have their being." Some lifelong friends were made. Methodist minister. And often when I hear the name of a town or place I think of folks like Carroll Moore, Sheldon Trapp, Although Donna Gaines Nehring (Clayton, Ohio) Karl Gettel, Dwight Kenney, Paul Bailey, Janet Fix, wrote no article for this issue, she supplied a great Pat Tauber, Tom Bommershine (the youngest deal ofvaluable information for it. She is a nurse. member of our team), and others. We met briefly, but their friendship, smiles, and humor became building Robert L. Frey (Miamisburg, Ohio) is the editor of blocks in my own life. Four years later, through the Telescope-Messenger and a retired Professor of Sylvia Weber, I was able to go with her father's History and academic dean at several colleges and [Rev. James Weber, Professor of Religion at Indiana universities. Central College] college group to the Holy Land. 10