Messages from the Missions

'S HJALWOUK Efficiency Reports Conditions still remain unfavorable to the opening of our Mutual Improvement organizations throughout the Church. We have received reports from a number of the stakes, including Kanab, Boise, Tintic, Moapa and Pocatello. Kanab has 10 on the Era, which means the full quota, and other stakes have done well in soliciting subscriptions by telephone, by letter and in other ways. It is suggested that this means also be employed in the matter of obtaining the Fund, so that we may have sufficient means when the associations do open, and public gatherings are permitted, to prosecute our work successfully.

M. I. A. Activities Attention officers! Owing to the shortening of the season, because of the influenza quarantine, the Joint Activities Committee of the General Boards, makes the following new ruling: That in stakes where meetings begin in January, recognition be given by stake boards to wards when the wards have earned the required points in activities for two of the remaining months; that where health conditions prevent the beginning of the work until February, recognition be given for necessary points scored during one month. This recognition may be made by the awarding of the pennant, or in any other form the stake desires. All points scored in any event, including reading course, and War Savings Stamps, prior to date of opening, may be credited on the report of the opening month. For rule on scoring of points, see convention circulars, 1918.

"Our Kind of Vocational Guidance" The Mutual Improvement Associations have had a department of vocation and industry, organized by the General Board in the summer of 1912. We have some two hundred vocation counselors, but should have at least eight hundred, one in each ward of the Church. This work is new, not only among the organizations of our Church, but in our country. During the past six years considerable effort has been put forth by the vocational committee, and while the headway has not been as satisfactory as one might expect, it is still quite encouraging to the workers. The importance of vocational guidance none will deny, but some are skeptical and therefore do not engage in the work earnestly. Melvin Wilson, superintendent of the Nebo stake, who took a summer course in vocational guidance in connection with his educational labors at the University of Chicago, the past summer, was asked by his professor to give a thesis on what was being done by the Y. M. M. I. A. in this line, and how it was being done, the whole to be a contribution to the general work in this growing field. Professor Wilson was asked to write a term paper on the subject, and hence sought what information he could obtain from the vocational guidance committee of the Y. M. M. I. A. This was gladly furnished, and in acknowledging the receipt of this literature he wrote: "I am preparing my paper on The Church as a Factor in Vocational Guidance. The more I get into the work of what we are doing in this field

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and what has been done in the United States, I do not think that our work was equaled elsewhere. Nowhere outside of Boston has anything been attempted on as large a scale as we were doing it, and in numbers reached, of course, not even there. In the light of the course I am taking with Dr. Leavitt of Pittsburg, one of the pioneers in the field, I am much more in sympathy with our kind of vocational guidance than I have been before. In fact, I have been skeptical of it before, but now that I see the theory of it, I can go at it with much more earnestness. I shall present the subject to the best of my ability, and with pleasure to the doctor as a contribution to this growing field."

Seven Suggestions on What Y. M. M. I. A. Officers Can Do Now 1. By telephone or letter, officers and members may be encouraged to buy and read the books of the reading course. The Voice of Warning especially should be read by all. It is interesting, and very profitable, reading during these days of sickness and sorrow. 2. Our manuals, both junior and senior, and also the advanced senior lessons in the Improvement Era, could be read and studied by members of the association. A complete reading of the manuals will not only assist the members in making a good record, but will also strengthen the class work. 3. Leading officers should check on organization. Where any vacancies have occurred, they should be filled, so that our work will not receive any further delay. 4. Have interesting programs prepared and class teachers ready. When health conditions permit, take up the work at once where you left it. With united, energetic effort we will accomplish much before the season of our summer work begins. 5. Write us and let the General Office know how we may best serve you. It appears now that we may be able to resume our work during January, February and March. Let us go at our duties with spirit, and a determination to accomplish the greatest amount of work during this remaining part of the season. 6. Salt Lake stake is nearly "over the top" on canvass for the Improvement Era. Are you? They have had sickness, but with careful, persistent following up, the work has been accomplished, and many homes are now enjoying this Church magazine with its inspiration and blessing. 7. Definite, up-to-the-minute plans should be perfected for the obtaining of 100 per cent General Fund. Is your ward ready? Is your stake ready? Will your contributions be among the first to reach the general office? We must not fail to give our oign.nization the necessary financial support. The help each ward gives makes possible the great work of the Y. M. M. I. A. We are depending upon you to perform your part. During the long period of quarantine, members of the General Board have been perfecting plans for a bigger and better Y. M. M. I. A. There is a great mission before us. This is the Lord's work, but let each man do his part well, and the Lord will then bless and help us. Oscar A. Kirkham, Field Secretary.

A Special Time of Fasting and Prayer By the Latter-day Saints, as families in their respective homes, was designated by the First Presidency for Sunday afternoon, Dec. 22, 1918, "for the arrest and speedy suppression bv Divine power of the desolating scourge that is passing over the earth." During the month many were afflicted, and death claimed an unusual number of the people.