PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

White Ribbon, Volume 50, Issue 5, 18 June 1944, Page 2

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

b My dear Whitt Kibbon Friends, — My first message is one of sympathy to all who have lost loved sons, husbands, brothers, during these terrific days of war. There is comfort in remembering that "There is life for a look at tiic Crucified One.” Many have given that upward look and are safe in the Eternal Home. The prayer of the thief on the cross was "Lord, remember me." He knew practically nothing of Jesus, of His sacrificial life and the sacrificial death He was dying, Tmt be knew that he was in the presence of purity, goodness. and truth, and one cry was enough. "To-day thou lie with Me in paradise.” No delay in that remembering our Christian men who ha\e been called away, we tliank God for their faith, for others whom we have prayed for. Christ's love is over them, and one cry, one look at Christ is enough to open the Kingdom of Heaven for them. W e pray for all who mourn, tl at they may he comforted. To those wiio are anxious, and to those who are bereft, our message is God knows. He loves, He cares. He is able to give faith to transcend the turmoil of earth, and to susta n their immortal souls in peace.

Let us pray more. If there is not an interdenominational prayer meeting in your district, commence one. By meeting for prayer we are doing more for onr armed forces than hv any material

Pray for an increase in our membership. It is easier to ask women to join if you are fortified by prayer.

Our thanks to all our workers, presidents. secretaries, treasurers, superintendents, agents —all who have lent a liand to overthrow the drink evil. Convention cannot be held this year as restrictions on travelling are not lifted. Do not let us be too disappointed, but let us prove by our works that we have faith in enir Movement.

We gained 138 new members last year Shall we aim at i,138 for this year? 1 hope the May White Ribbon letter was read at every Union meeting, and that now members are busy in a big sustained effort to gain new recruits. This is an earnest appeal to you to obtain at least one new member. Do you know about our films? They are first-class sound films, and the very thing to use in this membership drive. For educational purpose* they are excellent. Secure a projector—26 millimetres* is the si/e. Someone will lend theirs and lie willing to oj>erate the slides for your meetings. We have a gold*opportunity to do real work through our films. They are procurable from Headquarters. The setfmek at Invercargill should be an incentive to us to press forward Rev. J. C. Walker, Congregational minister in Connecticut says: "The W.C.T.I has given a consistent and courageous witness against both war and liquor over a long period of years." He continues, "The W.C' U. lias done an immense amount of good, has rendered an invaluable service over the years, but the tide of evil has not been stemmed. . . .We are attempting to deal with the liquor problem at a time when it appears that the liquor trade is making larger profits, is more deeply entrenched, and may Ik* expected to make a more determine*! effort to push its wares on the rising generation than ever before. It is in a time like this that we press forward.’ Indeed, my friends, it is our glorious privilege to redouble otir efforts on every front, and continue a< relentless as e\er to break this power of evil. Pray for strength and guidance. "Clear liefore us through the darkness, Gleams and burns the guiding light; Sister clasps the hand of sister. Stepping fearless through the night." "God Himself is with us for L>ir Captain.”—2 Chronicles 13:12.

Yours in willing service, JESSIE HIETT