An Example by Ivar T. Witting

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 22, 1908

An Example

By Ivar T. Witting

IVAR T. WITTING

THERE is a certain church in a small city in Australia, where the Wednesday-night prayer-meeting is well attended. From that little chamber in a private house where the members meet, earnest and powerful prayers ascend to the throne of God. These meetings are a mighty undercurrent that stimulates the church and makes it a church of power and spirit. The church is a missionary church.

One Wednesday night the leader of the meetings produced a map, or plan, of the town, the population of which was about sixty thousand. He also produced a list of all the church-members, both young and old, brethren and sisters. He spread the map on the table, and began to divide up the town map into precisely as many districts as there were members in the church. Across each such district, or block, he wrote the name of one of the members. Then he said: “I have divided up the town into districts, and allotted a district to each one of you. Now you will be held responsible for your district. Every man, woman, and child living within the boundaries of your block must hear the third angel’s message during the year 1908. It is not enough that you throw a tract, periodical, or paper over the fence, or push it under the front door. No, you must get an opportunity to speak face to face with all the people of the house and tell them the message. It may be that the door will be slammed in your face. Never mind; make a note of it, take the name of the people, the number and address of the house, and ask some other church-member to seek an entrance there. If he fares the same way, get some one else. In this way let every member seek to enter the house. Surely there must be some way of presenting the truth to each person. If you can not get in with tracts, periodicals, or books, then try with health reform. It may be that there is some one sick in the house, and in need of help. Volunteer to administer some simple treatment. ‘The right arm of the message’ has opened many a door. Don’t give up. Pray and work.”

The map was hung up in the church, that every member might have a continuous reminder of his duty. Each one came into line, and all became active missionaries. There is no doubt but that that town will be warned this very year. And when this is done, there are other towns.

Why not let us everywhere try this system? Let us now get right down to business. Let us at once cease to simply talk about home missionary work. Let us do it. Don’t postpone it; begin right now. There is a blessing waiting for each one of us. Why not have it?

Bozeman, Mont.