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The “Signs” Weekly and the Takoma Park Church

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 30, 1914

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 91, No. 31.

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The “Signs” Weekly and the Takoma Park Church

By F. W. Paap

It was the writer’s privilege to take the regular Sabbath service July 18, at the Takoma Park church, Washington, D. C. It was a bright, beautiful morning, and the pews of this neat, well-ventilated monument to God’s name were well filled by the busy workers and families of this important center.
After singing some of the beautiful songs of Zion, we were led in prayer by Elder B. G. Wilkinson. All felt that Israel’s God was attentive, and blessings awaited us.
The writer presented some thoughts regarding God’s plan and purpose, taking for his text Isa. 43:9-13, emphasizing particularly the thought found in verse 13: God “shall work, and who shall let it ‘turn it back,’ margin?”
The messengers of God in these days, who are intrusted with the greatest message ever committed to mortals, must be possessed with courage and faith. They are to stand related to God as did John and Elijah. The message is to be in the spirit and power of Elijah. Luke 1:17. Before this can be, we must feel and know our utter helplessness and inability, but never for one moment doubt God’s great and mighty power.

In the Power and Spirit of Elijah

It was said of John, “he confessed, and denied not.” John 1:20. This must be our attitude. Simply a profession will not do. We must pray. Elijah prayed. He asked great things of God; but if we study carefully, we shall see that his asking was in the direction of the salvation of souls. He not only prayed, but he obeyed. Nothing short of this will do in our individual cases if we would be successful.
The result of Elijah’s prayers and obedience was that all Israel turned to God. Read 1 Kings 18:36-39. The providential workings of the Lord of hosts were marvelously displayed as Elijah sought carefully to follow all the counsels of God.
What God did back there, he purposes to do today, and so sends the Elijah message. It is preeminently a message of heart religion. Its acceptance means victory. It means that the recipient shall be a transformed being—that he shall possess the glory of Immanuel. All who know this experience must communicate it. When the love of God fills our hearts, there comes such a joy that we long to impart it to others.
In this great movement, God has made it possible for us, in whatever station of life we are, to work for others. We cannot be counted on the Lord’s side unless we are active in his service.
The writer then introduced the following resolution, asking all who would support it to rise to their feet:—
“Whereas, In our great missionary campaign beginning Oct. 1, 1914, the Signs of the Times weekly is to play an important part; and,— “Whereas, The North American Division Conference at its spring council set the goal for this mighty soul-winning agency at at least two copies a member; and,— “Whereas, The Takoma Park church wishes to lend its support to this great missionary movement; be it,— “Resolved, That we place our order for a regular weekly supply of six hundred copies of this campaign series of the Signs of the Times weekly.”
Virtually the whole congregation voted in the affirmative, with the understanding that they would each be responsible for their share of the expense, as well as put forth every effort to win souls.
God’s blessing will surely rest upon such an effort, and we feel confident that many souls will be won to a knowledge of the Elijah message, God’s own setting of the gospel of the kingdom, his last call and effort for the lost.
As far as we have learned, the Takoma Park church is the first to place an order equal to the goal set by the North American Division Conference at the spring council, “At least two copies a member.”
We wish that all our churches would attend to this important matter at once. The campaign begins October 1, but we must place our orders early so as to be sure to get the first issue of this special six months’ series. Let every church take hold. We advise that the paper be sold as far as it is possible. If we plan to mail part of our club, would it not be a good idea to get a list of names in some section where the conference plans to send a tent later, and supply these persons with the Signs for a period of six months? I would suggest that we concentrate our efforts in this way.
Be sure to take one copy home and carefully read it yourself. Keep it clean, and then pass it on to your neighbor.
Now is the time to secure clubs. Let every church member take hold with real earnestness, praying God to guide and bless, and we shall see just such a harvest of souls as our 1914 goal sets before us, “At least one soul each for Christ.”
All will be pleased to know that the Pacific Press Publishing Association has devoted all the profits arising from the publishing of the Signs weekly to the mission fields. The same will pass through the hands of the different conferences according to the number of papers handled in each field. We surely shall be glad to hear of advancement from all parts of the division.
F. W. Paap.