Re: The Student Christian Movement

Bruderhof wrote:

> So it was that in the summer term of 1905, Eberhard found himself at 
> Breslau University as a theology student. Although he met a fair
> number of his fellow students who shared his love of Jesus and his
> thirst for uncompromising discipleship, he still was not happy. The
> meeting place for young professing Christians at the university was
> the Breslau chapter of the Student Christian Movement (SCM). There,
> students met several times a week to study the Bible, talk about their
> daily experiences, and share their ups and downs. Eberhard felt at
> home in this circle. But he did not approach it with the same fiery
> dedication that he had brought to his first bible study group or to
> the Salvation Army. He felt inwardly empty, dissatisfied with himself,
> irritated by unimportant discussions and trivialities, and almost
> desperate in his impatience to go minister to the poor and destitute.
> 

A letter from the founder of the Salvation Army, General William Booth, 
seemed to confirm Eberhard’s feelings. Between June 1902 and November
1904, 
Booth made five evangelistic missions (“campaigns” in Salvation Army 
language) to various German towns. It is no longer possible to establish 
who first called his attention to the young enthusiast with missionary and

pastoral gifts, nor when and where this occurred. Be that as it may, in
the 
letter in question Booth invited Eberhard to serve in the Salvation Army.

This letter played a part in a talk Eberhard had with his parents, but it 
did not make the same impression on Carl Franklin and Elisabeth Arnold as 
it had on their son. His parents showed understanding for his inner
turmoil 
and self-doubt, and they urged him not to rush to a decision. They 
encouraged him first to attend an upcoming SCM conference where he could 
discuss his situation with friends.