IUGM & It's Member Missions in the News
March 1998

Juvenile Problems and Children's Work Prisoner Problems and Probation

Business Methods for Rescue Missions Radio Clinic

These could be seminar topics at the 85th Annual Convention in Grand Rapids, but they are from the 37th Annual Convention held in 1950 at the Pantlind Hotel (now part of the Amway Grand Plaza). It's always interesting to look at convention programs and see what has changed and what has not. We have more seminars, but many of the same issues. Testimonies are still an important part of the convention as is music, and a convention outing was always a must. In 1950, the place was Holland, MI, and they made it in time for the Tulip Festival. In those days, that trip on buses cost delegates $1.25. Oh, for the "Good Old Days."

The spoken word was as important in those days, as it is today, and one of the speakers at the convention was Mrs. W.A. Sunday, known to all as "Ma Sunday." Special music presenters included Mrs. Leonard Hunt and Clif Gregory (Trumpet). Song leaders included Dick Marshall and prayer was led by Jim Moellendick, George Akin served as a presider. So if you want to learn more about that convention, those are the ones to talk with.

A Sacred Musical Program called "the crowning feature of this year's convention" was held with IUGMers bringing their voices and their music instruments, with special numbers provided by the delegates' chorus-choir. This year, we are holding a Rescue Mission Praise Gathering, led by Frank Jacobs, in which we will "sing the songs of RESCUE," those written by people touched by rescue work. You will be surprised at the familiar hymns and their stories that relate to us.

The closing message in the official program stated: Pray for a spirit of REVIVAL to be upon this convention; Pray for a crowded auditorium each night; Pray for the SALVATION of many sinners; Pray for a BIG CLOSING NIGHT; Pray for a MIGHTY REVIVAL TO BREAK OUT IN GRAND RAPIDS; CARRY the revival power back to your mission and city.

The theme was "Revival in '50 Convention," and the theme verse was Psalm 85:6, "Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in Thee."

June 2-6, we return to Grand Rapids for our 85th Convention. By now you should have the program and see the strong lineup of speakers and seminars. It is our chance to be "revived again" and to feel the presence of God in a special way, as the rescue family gathers again. Our theme this year is "God is Love" which fits well the theme chorus of the 1950 Convention, which was the official IUGM Chorus: