p. 7 | A Great Concerted Effort by Frank M. Wilcox

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 7, 1915

A Great Concerted Effort

By Frank M. Wilcox

WE are now beginning another great missionary campaign in behalf of our foreign missions. Great blessings have resulted from the campaigns of past years. Those who have taken part in the work have experienced a blessing in their own hearts as they have gone out among their friends and neighbors, great blessing has come to our foreign missions in the contributions which have been received, and blessings have been imparted to the givers of these offerings.

We earnestly hope that this year, as never before, there will be a strong, concerted effort on the part of our entire membership. Particularly in the North American Division should earnest effort be put forth by every member of the church in the circulation of the Harvest Ingathering Signs. We have never had such a beautiful missionary number to carry to the people. How it thrills one's heart to read of the manner in which God is going out before his people, and the blessed experiences which he is giving to the workers. Our Pacific Press brethren have done most commendable work in the mechanical make-up and printing of this number of the Signs. In the past we have got out some beautiful numbers of both the REVIEW and the Signs, but this year's missions number is the best of all. We may carry it to our friends and neighbors with confidence and assurance, and we may believe also that the Lord will go before us and impress the hearts of the people to give us a kindly reception.

Already our churches are responding most heartily for this campaign. It would appear now that a larger number of the Signs will be circulated than was ever circulated either of the Signs or the REVIEW. But it is not enough that this work should be done by even a majority of our church membership. The interest of the minority needs to be enlisted. The faltering ones should be encouraged. Those who have never taken part should be induced to take part in the campaign this year. Those who have gone out in the past, and have felt that they made a failure, should be encouraged to go out this year, trusting God to turn the defeat of the past into victory.

Two years ago the writer engaged in the Harvest Ingathering campaign, but had nothing whatever to show in the way of donations for his effort, although he did obtain rich blessings otherwise. Last year he again took up the work, expecting richer blessings and greater material results. Three days were spent in soliciting, with most encouraging results financially and otherwise.

He speaks of this for the encouragement of others who have had a similar experience. Let every one go out again this year, regardless of what the past has brought. Go out with prayer, with faith, with confidence that God will open the way before you and give you a hearing, that you may reach the hearts of the people through the words which his Spirit gives you to speak. He will not leave you to confusion, but will bring to your soul rich blessings.

F. M. W.