The Ingathering Campaign by I. H. Evans

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 14, 1915

The Ingathering Campaign

By I. H. Evans

It was my privilege to meet with the Lake Union Conference Committee, September 29, in Chicago. One of the principal questions under consideration was the Harvest Ingathering campaign. All present felt that it was necessary to do more definite work than heretofore, that there might be an increase in the amount collected for missions. The entire committee seemed to be determined to make the campaign a success. The president, the secretary and treasurer, and even the union conference stenographer, had been out several days soliciting. Some of the local conference presidents also had been to the front to get an experience, that they might be prepared to lead their forces more efficiently.

The committee felt that each should have a goal toward which to work. Some strongly urged that the presidents take $100 each for their goal. The union conference president had already set his goal at $75, but agreed that $100 should be the goal for all the leaders. However, it was finally decided that the goal for presidents of union and local conferences, for physicians and business managers of the sanitariums, the president and the business manager of Emmanuel Missionary College, and all union department secretaries, should be $50; that conference secretaries and treasurers and ordained ministers should make their goal $15 each; and that the churches make their goal an amount that would average $2 for each member.

The Lake Union Conference Committee is determined to win out in this undertaking. At one time it seemed certain that they would decide on a goal of $100 each. I felt that that was too much to ask, but some got more than $100 last year. The union conference president had worked five days and collected $30, but said he would continue from time to time until he had raised his full quota.

When a band of men is as determined to reach a goal as these men are, there is no doubt that they will succeed. God meets such men on the firing line and leads them on to victory. A goal of $2 a member means light work if each person does his share. The task could be finished in two or three days if all would take hold with prayer and faith. There should be organization, and each one should have definite territory assigned to him. In rural districts this is less essential than in cities and villages.

The Lake Union Conference is rapidly coming to the front in supporting the cause of God. It is making splendid progress in all departments of work. Its leaders are determined to roll off the reproach of debt, so that it may take its place among other union conferences in supporting the great mission work abroad. They confidently expect to raise

the full twenty cents a week for 1915.

My heart was filled with joy and praise as I saw this united, God-fearing band of men studying and praying and planning to lift their conference out of debt, and to help the work in distant lands. I believe such men deserve and should have the united prayers of all their constituency. Few can appreciate the arduous task before these men. Their own service is equal and even beyond what they expect of others. Let us pray for them, putting our shoulders to the wheel, and lift with all our strength, trusting in God for help. I. H. EVANS.