The Nation Behind Prison BarsHerr, George L. (George Lewis)
Religion
The Nation Behind Prison Bars
Herr, George L. (George Lewis)
Church work with criminals; Evangelists
Quite recently I assisted Bro. Severance in re-organizing a Bible class,
of which I am Secretary. We are studying Moninger's "Training for
Service," and have 52 members. Splendid progress is being made. So you
see my hands are pretty full, and when Sunday night comes I am about
ready to drop in my tracks. Of course, it is all voluntary, and I do not
have to turn my hand over if I do not want to.
I am going to add a "Soul-winners Department" to our C. E. Society for
the purpose of assisting Bro. Severance in the conversion of the men,
but I am in some doubt as to how to proceed as there is no chance to get
at the men in the winter time. However, I am determined to find
opportunity somehow.
We have a new Superintendent of Prison C. E. work, in the person of
Miss Georgia Dunn, of Marksbury, Ky. She is the most energetic little
Christian lady I have seen in a long time, and our society will surely
hum this winter under her guidance, as we are all very proud of our good
little sister.
January 1st, I commenced to read my Bible through, at the rate of three
chapters each week night, and five each Sunday night, in order to get
through by December 31st, but I read more than that and finished up
three months ahead of time. Although I have read the good book
constantly during the last eight years, this is the first continuous
reading to completion that I ever did.
I have enjoyed Bro. Severance's sermons very much and I believe there is
nothing that thrills and inspires me with enthusiasm like fine
preaching, and right here I am going to tell you something which you
must keep under your hat; one Sunday Bro. Severance was unexpectedly
called away, and asked for a volunteer to fill his place, and I was
delighted at the opportunity, and although I could not fill it I
"rattled about in it," for about 30 minutes, and one dear fellow
accepted the gospel invitation and joined the church. As soon as my
sermonette was over quite a number of friends crowded around me and
showered congratulations on me. This was a temptation to try again, and
the next time three brothers joined the church, and that pleased me
immensely, you know.
I have many good friends in Louisville, including Dr. Powell, of the
Christian Church; Dr. T. M. Hawes, of the Highland Presbyterian Church,
whose C. E. Society sent us $7.50, and, say, there is a pastor after
God's own heart. Give them all my love when you see them, and say to
them that while I am ashamed of the sins that brought me here I am
trying to leave foot-prints that I will be proud of in the great day of
judgment.
The Christian Endeavor Societies of Newport, Paris, Winchester and
Lexington have helped us wonderfully. Lexington is the principal center
of Christian Endeavor activity, from my point of view, and I have an
especially warm place in my heart for those societies.
How is Mr. John R. Pflanz getting along? He is another whom I love, and
I hope that he will get every office that he goes after.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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