DEVOTIONAL AND PRAYER LIFE Of utmost importance in the midst of a program of study is the development of the spiritual life of the individual. Each school week begins with a Prayer Hour, at which time the students meet by classes. Students in the dormitories meet for evening “ family” devotions, and each organization in the school has its time of prayer, for its particular interests and problems. Other informal prayer groups meet as occasion arises. ' At least once each semester the school observes a Day of Prayer when, instead of recitations, groups meet for definite prayer. During the Torrey Memorial Bible Conference and the Missionary Rally, students attend the conference sessions in lieu of classes, gaining full benefit of the inspira tional, devotional, and instructional force of the conference speakers who are aware Of the spiritual needs of youth. STUDENT MISSIONARY UNION Undoubtedly the point of highest interest in the week for many of the students is the regular Wednesday evening meeting of the Student Missionary Union, an organiza tion which stimulates interest in the many fields of home and foreign missions. The primary purpose of the organization is that, through a knowledge of the world’s need, the challenge of the Great Commission, and definite prayer, each student may respond with a willingness to serve the Lord as He directs, in some part of His harvest field which is the whole world. The meetings of the Union are open to the entire student body, and hearts are deeply stirred as returned missionaries and missionary candidates vividly portray conditions in many regions where millions have never yet heard the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the victories that follow the telling of the gospel story. Immediately preceding the message, the students meet in groups, according to their interest in different fields, to pray for the lost of the world and to uphold the missionaries who are laboring on the field. Frequent reports by letters and missionary publications enable the students to pray effectively. To many, the prayer bands have been a source of blessing, as well as a means that God has used to reveal His will. In May, 1942, the Student Missionary Union became an active chapter of the Student Foreign Missions Fellowship, a national organization of students who are looking forward to foreign missionary service. The purpose of the F.M.F. is to stir the student world, and through it the Church, to meet the urgent need of making Christ known in all the world in our generation. The S.M.U. sends deputation teams, upon request, to churches and young people’s groups in Los Angeles for the purpose of presenting missionary information and the challenge of Christian service to others, through song and testimony. ASSOCIATED STUDENT BODY The Associated Student Body, of which all students are automatically members, exists for a threefold purpose: to foster the spirit of fellowship, to promote the interests and welfare of the students, and to direct student affairs. The Student Council is composed of the President and Vice-Presidents of the Student Body, the representative of the School of Missionary Medicine, the President of each class, the editor and associate editor of each student publication, and the President and Vice-President of each student organization. The Student Council meets each year before the opening of school to plan the calendar of activities for the year, and to discuss the major current issues of student life. During the school year regular meetings are held. 25
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