The General Conference and the Mission Field by J. W. Westphal

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Jun 10, 1909

The General Conference and the Mission Field

By J. W. Westphal

FROM the standpoint of the mission field the most important occurrence, that which is most far-reaching in its results and brings the greatest joy to the hearts of the missionaries, is the quadrennial session of the General Conference. It is a great family reunion, where from all parts of the world children of a common Father and workers in a common cause meet, not to gossip or visit, but to consult and plan with reference to its welfare. Some can not attend, but they feel that their labors and trials and desires and needs are considered, that they are sympathized with and plans are laid to strengthen their hands. By them every

kindness is noted, and every help, however small, gratefully received.

More, perhaps, than any other one thing, the General Conference makes and keeps the work one. Every field is represented. The interests of one become the interests of all. The needs of other fields appeal with equal force as those of one's own. Common trials and experiences draw out sympathies and unite hearts as nothing else can. China, India, Africa, South America, etc., are not strangers, but brothers.

While the mission fields have their trials and difficulties, the home field has those peculiar to itself. The missionary does not always see the struggles and burdens which those at home are carrying. Overwhelmed with calls and needs at every step, he does not always see why his own modest requests can not be granted. With the world's needs and the world-wide calls opened up at the General Conference, he is brought into touch with, and made to realize the perplexities and burdens of, those upon whom he must so heavily lean. The home-field laborer is made acquainted with the needs of distant lands, and the appeals inspire him to greater efforts in behalf of the mission fields, and the missionary is more considerate toward, and his prayers are more fervent in behalf of, and his heart is more closely united to, the man who is gathering the means and preparing the recruits for the mission field. The heart-beats of the present General Conference will be felt everywhere, and will bring life and health and power into every part of this great world-wide work. The message could not be carried on strongly and steadily without it.

J. W. WESTPHAL, President South American Union Conference.