THE FORWARD MOVE

White Ribbon, Volume 21, Issue 8, 1 September 1949, Page 6

THE FORWARD MOVE

“LENGTHEN YOUR ROPES AND STRENGTHEN YOUR STAKES”

A cheery fire blazed in Mrs. Duff’s parlour as the Executive met to discuss “this Five-Year Plan.” It was a bitterly cold night, but very soon frozen hands and feet thawed in the warm genial glow, and tongues were loosened. “ That article in the 4 White Ribbon ’ was an eye-opener. Somebody has brains. 1 had never thought of working it out” 1 (.marked Mrs. O'Brien, A period to earnest prayer was held, after which, Mrs. Godby, Evangelistic Superintendent, read Malachi, 3:16-18. “ Well, friends, I don’t know how you feel, but I view this Five-Year Plan quite differenilv now. thanks to Mi ss Harris,’’ said Mrs. Wilson. "I am red hot on it, and it is something to work for. Now, let each put something into it. Who’ll begin?” 44 M ay I begin, Madam President, as my Department is the basis of our work,” said Mrs. Godby. “1 am glad the challenge to prayer has gone forth. The foundation is sure. Our B.C. Movement has sounded forth the same challenge to its members. What a help that will be to us. Now, my home is open for a W.C.T.U. Prayer Circle, of two or three or more, every Wednesday evening at 7 o’clock, anyone will be welcome. We read tonight in Malachi 4 They that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His Name ’ We women must again, a** in the early days of our Union, seek to bring the people back to God through prayer.” After a brief silence, four members said 44 I’ll be with you on Wednesday.” 44 Years ago,” began Mrs. Childers, Cradle Roll Superintendent, 44 1 heard the President, then our Dominion Organiser, speak on ‘The world inarches forward on the feet of little children,’ and made the Cradle Roll work live for me. It’s doing well in the Dominion, and I’m out *to get our quota and more. One new Superintendent I heard of used to cycle frequently out on the country roads, and where she saw a baby’s washing hung out, she called, and rarely failed to get one or more names, and literature into the home. Quite soon she gained one of the Dominion banners for Cradle Roll members. I followed her example. Now, I want you all to help me. Let’s watch the birth notices and I will call at the Annex anti Plutiket Rooms ” 44 Good idea! Wc could all help.” 44 I’m concerned we have no L.T.L. or Band of Hope,” said Mrs. Tryor. 44 The children surely need the Tem--4 perance teaching when they are young. 1 tried to get the Churches to join in forming a Rand of Hope, but the Min ters and Superintendents talked about Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades, home

lessons, and so on, and we did nothing. However, 1 find all the children don’t belong to these, and 1 feel we women have to go ahead on our own. I’ll ask a few’ children to my place on Saturday afternoon, give them a talk, and start a group, no matter how small. It will grow.” 44 I’ll send my two along,” said Mrs. O’Brien. 44 It will be better for them than pictures, and they do need something to interest them. Mrs. Spencer in Belmont began like that. Isn’t she an inspiration!” “ My three grandchildren could come,” said Mrs. Old. 44 What about a 4 Y ’ Girls’ Group for older ones?” asked the President. 44 1 was in the 4 Y’s’ in Scotland.” said Mrs. McPhetridge, “and we had great times. I haven’t contacted 4 Y’s’ out here, but if you will help me to get a few girls of 15 and upwards, I’ll start a small group. There’s a good Y ’ Handbook and the 4 Beacon ’ is a very helpful paper. Our Minister will give a talk. We can meet in my room to begin.” 44 Rehold how great a matter a little fire kindleth,” thought the President with glowing heart. 44 It sounds too good to be true,” the Secretary laughed, 44 reading about the Plan in the 4 Ribbon,’ it seemed a bit formidable, but once you get together and pray about it, it’s wonderful how the way opens tip.” The welcome rattle of tea cups sounded at the door, and in came Mr. Duff with a loaded traV and ready banter. “The tables are turned tonight, it’s the men’s hour to serve.” Two more husbands appeared with scones and cakes, and a merrv twenty minutes followed. 44 Carried prohibition yet?” asked Mr. Baxter. “No, but we’re a doin’ of it,” laughed Mrs. Old 44 Now, lastly, a drive for new r members,” said Mrs. Baxter. “I always regret I didn’t join up in England. When the notice of the B.W.T.A.U. meetings was read out in Church, I felt I’d like to go, but was too shy, and no one ever asked me. I’d have joined gladly, and might have been receiving a twenty years’ Service Badge now. The first Sunday I was at Church in New Zealand the President of the Union invited me to the meeting and I joined. I’m glad I did. I suggest we form a 4 New Members Committee ’ with a representative from each Church. It will be their job to gain new members or ‘W.R.’ subscribers in their own Church and end of town, and sec that every Christian woman is asked to become one.” The men remained while the President summed un the work of the evening. Mr. McPhetridge, a local preacher, rose and said “It’s a great Crusade you are engaged in. ladies, and we are with you up to the hilt. I am glad to hear you are out for ‘lengthening the ropes and strengthening the

stakes.’ We should all remember that a Crusade ceases to be a Crusade when it becomes a picnic! Cam on, and God be with you.” The Temperance Doxology rang out with a new note, and each returned home feeling the uplift that comes from fellowship and praise.