By B. McClain Cochran

My mother taught in public schools for over 40 years – one room, 8 grades, in the country; in the city of Coatesville – 3^rd grade; in the borough of West Grove for 29 years – 1^st grade. On the Lord’s Day she was always in Sunday school and church, usually teaching one of the Adult Bible Classes. This seemed impossible to me as a lad. How could you work all week with beginning children, and adults on Sunday? She never seemed to be tired or weary or discouraged.

It was years later in graduate school that I began to understand that Mother was called of God to teach! She loved the Lord, she understood people, she knew the Bible, and when the bell rang she always went back.

The bell is ringing in nearly 11,000 Sunday schools across Pennsylvania. Volunteer teachers are needed in all grades and departments. No chance to go out on strike when the going gets tough. Sure there is much about which to be discouraged. In many areas, enrollment is down; buildings and equipment are not all they should be. But, I don’t know a church that’s growing that doesn’t have a "live wire" Christian education program that is based on and gets it strength from the Sunday school.

Yes, the bells are ringing, and we are grateful to thousands of public and private school teachers who have "gone back" with determination and a sense of dedication. We thank God for at least 125,000 Sunday school teachers who have heard the bell and answered the "call," too.

Will you join them in what John Wanamaker said was the greatest business in the world? Not merchandising, but the teaching ministry of Jesus Christ through the Sunday school. When the President of the United States asked Mr. Wanamaker to be Postmaster General, he said, "I’ll do it if I can teach my Bible class on a Sunday morning."

It’s time to go back. John Wanamaker and my mother have long since been called to their reward, but the bells are still ringing. It’s your turn!

(This article appeared in the "Fall, 1991" issue of "The Herald.")