1982-1983 Yearbook

majors, but anyone who desired to know more about preaching and evangelism was welcome into the group. The purpose of the club was "to supplement what we get in our Bible classes, " according to student coordinator Allen Mann. "It is designed to show us a practical side of our book learning," he added. Meeting under the sponsorship of James Walters and Tom Ed· dins, lectures focused on the practicalities of preaching and ministering to a congregation. ~ . . . . . \ - :: • Because of a limited departmental budget, a great deal of local talent was used in the meetings. One program consisted of a panel discussion made up of three local evangelists and their wives . Teachers from Harding Graduate School of Religion in Memphis also spoke to the students. In an effort to get to know each other and the Bible faculty better, the members were divided into small groups under the direction of Eddins, Jimmy Allen and Ed Sanders. ~ Sharing Christ Around the World Jesus' instructions in Mark 16:15 to "go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation" were taken serious ly by Harding students and faculty alike. It was not difficult to fi nd people on campus who had taken advantage of a spr ing break, Christmas recess or summer vacation to participate in a gospel campaign. Preparations were under way throughout each school year for , . . . .. . . m iss ion-oriented trips to foreign countries such as England, Italy, Australi a, Germany, Russia and Venezue l a. Within the United States groups went to places as near as Jacksonville, Ark ., and as far as Seattle, Wash. Most groups met at least once a week to study conversion methods, practice singing, and hear missionari es impart knowledge gained throu gh exper i ence. These sessions also allowed group members to get to know each other better before they began their weeks of work together. The anxieties of novice campaigners were relieved conside rabl y as they learned how to react in diMerent situations. The biggest challenge among some groups was overcom ing the foreign language barrier. The groups learned a broad repertoire of songs in the foreign tongue along with some key phrases . Some campaign groups, such as French and Venezuelan, required students to have had at least two years of French or Spanish so 2 that they could conduct Bible studies in homes. Although each campaign was as unique as the individuals involved, their goals remained the same: to strengthen existing congregations and to reach out and teach the lost about the risen Lord. These goals were accomplished in various ways. In addit ion to enrol ling students in Bible correspondence courses, handing out tracts, and inviting people to the services of the church, many campaigns included singing as an integral part of the outreach effort. The groups sang in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, parks , downtown plazas and worship services. Sally Krumrei, who lived in Holland for 20 years and participated in several overseas campaigns, said, "Outs ide the U.S. people are really impressed by our singing because they aren't used to hearing four-part harmony." Unexpected opportunities often came up while students were campaigning. Kevin Martin, a senior from Bloomington, Ind ., was ,spending his second consecutive summer in Germany when he had a unique experience. " I was invited to stay after the campaign work was completed to help deliver truckloads of food to the Christians in Poland," he said. Kevin added that he was very encouraged by the favorable attitude that the Polish officia s acquired toward the church. One's personal taith was also increased through campaigns. It was amazing to some to watch God at work as campaign funds were raised and as the faith of other Christians was displayed. Many campaigners went to distant places expecting the church to be weak and were pleasant ly surprised to see how much the Christians were doing and sacrificing for the lord. Perhaps Sally Krumrei best summed up the positive influence of campaigns when she said, "Campaigns make it a part of your lifestlye to share Christ wherever you are and in wha tever you do. " ~ Campaignsj113

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