The Lake Charles echo. [volume] (Lake Charles, Parish of Calcasieu, La.) 1876-1898, 1886-10-16
Y. WI. G, A.

FR1pAY. Oct. 4, 1856.

| hlbAl SSte - ASSN'
On May 5th, 1885, seven young
men met here and organized Young
Mems Prayer Meeting; they met week
ly and continued steadily in an unbro
ken tenor, without a faultering one
each bearing his burden in turn.
After four months effort and labor
seeing our work was not as broad mol
accomplishing as much as we hoped
for in the bringing in of our fellow
young men, although in the meantime
a few had Joined us, and we were be.
ing Individually blessed and prepared
for future work.
On August 25, 1885, Young
Mems Christian Association was
spoken of. Accordingly, after public
announcement, advertisement and in
vitation, on Sept. s, 1885, a Y. M. Q.
A. was temporarily organized with
seven members, when re-announce-
ments were made, meeting called and
a pertinent organization effected on
October I'd, 1886, with thirteen mem
bers-eleven active and two associate.
During the year we have not only
met and increased our membership,
but our intercourse has been most
pleasant and profitable, as a number
have testified. We have received 25
members during the year, IA active
and IL associate, making 38 in all; but
we have lost two, one by death and
one by withdrawal, leaving US now 36
strong. We have held Sc meetings,
with a total attendance of 1l46 per-
sons, average 20. Twenty-eight young
mems prayer meetings were held, at
tended by 3l6, average IL. There
was also held several cottage prayer
meetings, the effects of which are ben
efclal and visibly manifested.
The Jail work was recently inaugu-
rated and has not yet become thorough
ly organized. Six visits have been
made to the jail; one Bible, 39 papers,
and four tracts left.
Brethren, we are encouraged, and
have cause to thank God ; and now,
forgetting those things which are be-
hind" and here with love mark full
period, land reaching forth unto those
things which are before, let us press
toward the mark for the prize Of the
high calling Of God in Christ Jesus"
and in the sweet embrace of faith and
holy zeal write the initial ola stronger
life.
One of the needs Of the Lords King
dom to-day is consecrated young men;
men whose lives are hid with God in
Christ. Organization is indispensable.
BY the union of effort much blessed
work has been accomplished in win
ming souls. Especially is it true in
association work, and concentration is
necessary for the accomplishment of
the greatest good. Our best workers
are those who, rain or shine, political
meeting or what not, are always
present, Don't miss the young mems
meeting, we have in John 20:24, "But
thousands ** was not with them" He
was absent ~ not because he did not
love the Savior, for he did; (2) not
because he did not love the brethren,
for he did; (3) he was not kept away
by any place of amusement; (4) bust
ness did not prevent his being present;
he was discouraged. He was in a
doubling, despairing state of mind,
and thought it useless to be present.
In consequence of his absence he
missed a whole week of magnificent
enjoyment, glorious sight of the
Lord, and obtained damaged reputa-
tion that will reach to the end of time;
but at the next meeting he was on
hand, for he had heard the glad tidings,
and then he saw and recognized his
Lord and God.
We cordially invite you, yonug man,
to the meetings held alternately in the
Baptist and Methodist churches on
every Friday evening, and the ladies
and friends are always welcome at our
meetings.
"Revive Thy work, O, Lord,
Thy mighty arm make bare;
Speak with the voice that wakes the dead,
And make thy people hear"
Respectfully submitted,
A. M. MAYO, Sec'y.