Mears
Light Press. This complete line of evangelistic lessons is widely used in the United States and has been trans lated by missionaries around the world. Recently, when Miss Mears was on her trip around the world, she saw the translated lessons in Bible book stores in Hong Kong, Cal cutta and other cities. When in Formosa, she met Dr. and Mrs. Mc- Kyee of the Canadian Presbyterian church, who had translated the les sons into Chinese. Another project dear to Miss Mears’ heart is Forest Home, a Christian re treat in the San Bernardino Moun tains, where hosts of young people go all year round to have times of fel lowship with each other and with the Lord. It was there that Billy Graham spent several days in quiet ness before his memorial Big Tent campaign in Los Angeles in 1949. It was this series of meetings which catapulted him into national promi nence. It is also where Donn Moo- maw, All-American of ’52, went seek ing the Lord’s guidance for his life, and decided that the Lord wanted him, not in pro-football, but in the ministry. Henrietta Mears, who directs this vast amount of Christian work is a dear, friendly person. She is a preach er’s delight, because when listening to a sermon, her delicious, catchy laugh always comes at the right mo ment. Likewise, when the minister grows serious, her mobile face ex presses the importance of the point he is making. Her own messages always touch the heart. She believes thoroughly, “ Facts convert no one, only love does.” She takes the wisdom of the ages and makes it both plain and warm. She believes, “You can teach a child anything if you use the right language.” She knows the Word of God is like the rules of chemistry. They work. If they do not seem to work, it is because the person has MARCH , 1 9 5 5
Miss Mears' spacious home in Westwood section of Los Angeles is gathering place for Bible study groups. Her young people refer to her simply as "Teacher."
not strictly obeyed the laws. So it is with God’s laws and promises. He is immutable. She carries these convictions from the days when she taught chemistry in Minneapolis. She had graduated from the University of Minnesota and had become Senior Advisor in the great Central High School. She also taught the college-age Sunday school class in the church pastored by the aggressive Dr. W. B. Riley. She felt that the Lord was using her, both in high school and Sunday school. One day she spoke to Dr. Riley about taking a year’s leave of absence for further study. “ Your field is greater than the edu cational field,” Dr. Riley told her. “ Instead of accumulating degrees, take a trip around the world, study God’s creation, visit the Holy Land, see the need of people everywhere for spiritual leaders. Get firsthand in formation.” She followed his advice and made
a tour around the world. When she reached Los Angeles, she visited the First Presbyterian Church of Holly wood. Dr. Stewart P. MacLennan Was pastor and with enthusiastic vigor, he invited her to become Di rector of Christian Education. Sim ilar invitations came from the pas tors of three Baptist churches. She could see the vast possibilities of reaching youth in the glamour capital but she protested, “ I have obligations in Minneapolis.” Dr. MacLennan continued to dis cuss the matter and one day, at lunch, without ever having formally ac cepted the position, she found her self talking to Dr. MacLennan as if it were a foregone conclusion that she had accepted. She moved to Hollywood and has taught the college department and directed the activities of the Sunday school of the First Presbyterian Church ever since. , k About five years ^ 47
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