Doctrines and Missions by M. E. Kern

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 18, 1915

Doctrines and Missions

By M. E. Kern

To know the truth and to make it known,—these are surely the two matters of supreme importance for the Adventist youth.

Brother Guy Dail, secretary of the European Division Conference, when he learned what our Missionary Volunteer studies were to be this year, wrote: “I am glad that you continue to give special attention to the Bible doctrines and to missions, for 1915. Yes, my brother, these are the two subjects that must absorb the attention of the coming young men among us. I say coming young men in the real, true meaning of that word,—the young men who are going to be looked upon with approval by the only One whose approval is worth much—by the Founder of our missionary operations.” Brother Dail sees the terrible inroads this great war is making in our ranks, and is looking toward America for strong young people to fill up the ranks of the workers. And he sees clearly that our youth, to become workers, must understand the great truths of the Bible, and know the story of our missionary movement.

How important, then, that our Missionary Volunteer Societies everywhere should be encouraged to improve this opportunity for studying these fundamentals. The fact that these studies contain food for serious thought does not make them less interesting. What a pity if this should be true anywhere. A conference Missionary Volunteer secretary writes: “All our societies are very enthusiastic over the mission studies. One young woman expressed the sentiment of all, I feel sure, when she said, ‘I never felt so interested in the programs for the Volunteers as I do this quarter.’”

The following letter from Prof. Otto John, leader of the society at the Washington Missionary College, is of interest as showing how our college students appreciate the studies outlined in the Church Officers’ Gazette. This society makes use of the “Topics for Advanced Study” furnished for such societies:—

PHYSICIANS AND NURSES OF THE WASHINGTON (D. C.) SANITARIUM

“You will doubtless be interested in learning something about the success that the Sligo Missionary Volunteer Society has had in using the studies prepared by the department. The society has been using these studies for several months, with excellent results. Especially is this true of the series on Bible doctrines. The attendance at our meetings has been excellent, and a large number have personally expressed their appreciation of the programs.”

“I truly believe that a series of related subjects is more helpful to our young people than promiscuous topics; also, that by having a general outline and helpful references already prepared it gives those rendering the program more time for thorough preparation and planning for its presentation.” M. E. KERN.