The Religious Outlook

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 9 June 1945, Page 8

The Religious Outlook

AMERICAN YOUTH FOR CHRIST

By COL. F. J. MILES, D.D. There are many movements seeking to minister to the young people and children of the United States in the interest of Christ. One of the greatest has been Child Evangelism. A number of brilliant young Bible Institute trained men and women are giving their whole time to travelling from town to town and gathering the children in the day schools with the definite purpose'of leading them to a decision for Christ. There are what are called Miracles Bible Clubs for high school students. There are the two great movements in the interest of Christian students, in the universities not only to support their Christian life, but to aid them in presenting their testimony to their fellow students. Percy Crawford operates the Young People’s Church of the Air from Philadelphia as a centre, though his radio network covers several eastern States. It is a daily broadcast and has linked up with a number of Christian and evangelistic enterprises. But I write now concerning the latest, the greatest and by far the most arresting and inspiring of the Youth Movements on the North American Continent.

Jack Wrytzen was probably the pioneer, though the movement seems to have blazed forth sporadically at about the kame time in several centres of population. Wrytzen’s work in New York city has certainly not been a flash in the pan, for it has continued steadily for over four years, nor has it been subject to decline. In a recent rally held in the great Madison Square Gardens in New York City, 20,000 enthusiasts gathered for a gospel meeting. On a smaller scale this great Youth for Christ movement has caught on in other cities. I write more particularly of what may be called the capital city of the middle west and concerning Chicagoland Youth for Christ. This movement was initiated by the Rev. Torrey Johnson, one of Chicago’s most successful evangelistic pastors—a man characterized by enterprise, enthusiasm and energy. He had the vision and was fortunate in collecting a number of other young men, who also caught the vision, to carry into actuality their dream. Six months ago they tried to get a hall that would seat a thousand young people on a Saturday night. They failed. It was, however, the beginning of the summer season, when because of the heat no concerts are held in Orchestra Hall. It seats approximately 3,000, and is the finest downtown hall on | the shores of Lake Michigan. Greatly daring, they rented it, and every SatI urday night for 21 weeks the hall has I been packed, chiefly with young people. There has never been a week without decisions, and scores of young people have been soundly saved for a life of service for Christ. When the cooler weather approached the managers of the Orchestra Hall, planning to resume their vocal and orchestral concerts, would no longer entertain this great gospel movement. A meeting was held to celebrate the close of the series. It was called the Victory Youth Rally, and was held in the Chicago Stadium on Saturday. October, 21. The huge auditorium, in which every seated person had an unobstructed view, as there are no pillars, was crowded from floor to ceiling with an enthusiastic gathering of 26,000. The attendance was larger than when the same building had been the seat of the Democratic and Republican Conventions for the election of their nominees for the Presidency and Vice-Presidency of U.S.A. Loud speakers and amplifiers were used so that the message could be heard by the crowds outside the building on its four sides. A great programme was carried through by representative young people. Chaplain William Conley, a Paratrooper Padre, and Lt.-Colonel Stoll, from the invasion of New Guinea, and Sergt. Dave Seaholm, Chief Instructor, Military Tactics, gave their testimonies as true soldiers of Christ. Gil Dodds, holder of the world’s record for the indoor mile, spoke of running the greater race described in the Epistle to the Hebrews. Robert Finley, the President, student body, University of Virginia, captain' of its boxing team, eastern-intercollegiate boxing champion for the current year, spoke of the fact that bodily exercise with godliness brings great gain. Clarence Jones represented Radio Station HCJB (heralding Christ Jesus blessing) represented that global-wide ministry but also gave evidence that he was a trombonest extra-ordinary, and could give a testimony with a terrific punch. The business world was specially represented by Robert F. Nelson, of New York City, Vicepresident of the Arma Corporation of Brooklyn and Herbert J. Taylor, President of Club Aluminium Corporation of America, and director of Christian Workers’ Foundation. Peter Stam, 111, member of the famous missionary family, who is going to Africa next spring, represented the mission field. While the evangelistic address of the evening was delivered by Merv Rosell, probably the most popular youth evangelist on this continent, who is also an author and a musician, and is certainly a soul winner extra-ordinary. No one knows exactly how many decisions for Christ were registered before the gathering wes brought to a triumphant close, but scores of young people were actually dealt with personally.

For the winter season Moody Memorial Church has been secured Its seating capacity is 4,000. If this can be filled every Saturday night for the next 21 weeks—and the leaders are confident of doing it—the issues for the good of young people and the glory of God are incalculable.