John Mott grew up in Iowa and early found
His calling was to use his life to foster Christian
Values among the young, that all peoples were bound
To each other. He understood that the early fruition
Of fellowship that emphasized this brotherhood
Would help to eliminate racial divisions and strife.
He began at Cornell with the YMCA, which stood
For the Young Men’s Christian Association. Its life
Became his mission as he travelled internationally
Setting up new associations and preaching an open embrace
Of Christian values, across denominations, literally
Uniting hundreds of thousands of students, their place
As leaders of tomorrow already secured. His call?
“He who would be the greatest among you shall be the servant of all.”
June Edvenson 