Words of Council to Those Laboring in Mission Fields
By T. E. BOWEN
In looking through some files recently, I ran across a few paragraphs addressed to laborers in foreign fields, published in a special Testimony, which seemed so full of helpful suggestions that I give them below. And these good words should, as well, be taken home to our own hearts as workers in the home fields:— “When laborers are associated together who decidedly vary, both in natural disposition and character and in their manner of labor, each will need to keep a careful watch over his own strong traits of character, and to exercise the meekness of Christ, or he will be in danger of drawing apart from the others. Such a separation would retard the work and dishonor God. Brethren, you should make no move independently or in opposition to one another. Pray together; counsel together in humility, willing to be instructed. This will bring you where God will be your counselor. By indulging a stubborn, self-confident spirit, workers can easily place themselves where divine wisdom and power cannot aid them in their labors, where they cannot have help in counsel, in difficulties and trials. “As laborers together with God, you should come close to one another. Precious lessons of love, confidence, respect for one another, must be given, both in and out of the desk. You must live that which you teach. Remember that the new converts look to you for an example.13 “Some for whom you labor will wish to have the work done in their own way, thinking that their way is best; but if you have the spirit, the meekness of Christ, if you show respect and love for one another, God will enable you to perfect the work in a manner that will please him. Work for your own souls until self is subdued, until Christ recognizes his image in you. The most impressive lesson that you can give to those whom you educate, will be that of a Christlike character. “In foreign fields especially, the work cannot be accomplished, except by well-considered plans. While you should endeavor to labor in harmony with the instructions of those at the head of the work, many unforeseen circumstances will arise for which they could make no provision. There must be something ventured; some risks run, by those on the field of battle. There will be crises in which prompt action is necessary. The workers should not in every movement feel that they should wait to receive directions from headquarters, but after counseling together, with earnest prayer, they should do the best they can under the circumstances. “The laborers should counsel together. No one is to strike out on his independent judgment, and work according to his own mind, regardless of the counsel of those connected with him. If we think ourselves sufficient to manage the work of God, and depend for success on our own wisdom to plan and execute, we may expect defeats and losses; for they will surely come. It has been shown me that the planning of the work must not be trusted to inexperienced men. Those who have not had full breadth of experience are not the ones to take large responsibilities, although they may think themselves qualified to do so. Their brethren may see defects where they see only perfection. . . . Our younger laborers must be content to work their way among the people slowly and surely, under the advice of those who have had more experience.” As the trials of the end thicken about us, how necessary it is for us to press together, to counsel together, and then follow the plans matured as the result of the combined best judgment of all. God always blesses the workers and church members who thus love and respect one another by being willing to listen to and follow the counsel given. On the other hand, those who feel no need of advice, and follow their own wills rather than profit by the experience of those who have been longer in the field, will find sooner or later that it is best to take counsel with their brethren. Those who persist in their own ways God leaves to themselves, to follow their own devisings, the greatest calamity that can befall any one. And, too, believers who love the Lord and his truth, fathers and mothers of experience in the different fields where our laborers are called to go, are eminently qualified many times to give valuable counsel. Let us press together, pray for heavenly guidance, and God will surely lead us into safe paths, even though troubles may be all about us. He who is the “Way,” is also called “Wonderful Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace;” and the government is upon “his shoulder.” All we “are brethren.” Our unerring Guide, Christ’s representative, the Holy Spirit, will be with us to the end.