The Foreign Mission Seminary by H. R. Salisbury

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 26, 1908

The Foreign Mission Seminary

By H. R. Salisbury

The belief that the gospel of the kingdom must go to all the world in this generation has made Seventh-day Adventists a people of great missionary activity. The rapid development of the foreign mission movement among this people has resulted in sending hundreds of their representatives to the regions beyond. In nearly every country of the globe they have mission stations well-manned and in active operation.

In order to strengthen these outposts, to answer the great number of calls of those who desire a better knowledge of Jesus Christ, and to reach the millions who sit in darkness, it has been found necessary to establish an institution whose aim is to give the special training needed to prepare men and women for this great work. This institution, known as the Washington Foreign Mission Seminary, is located at Takoma Park, Washington, D. C., and is under the supervision of the Mission Board of Seventh-day Adventists. Into the Seminary are gathered young men and women from every part of the United States as well as from other countries, who wish to prepare for mission work. A thorough course is provided for those who are in training to go to foreign fields. This course includes those subjects, both theoretical and practical, which are necessary to give an all-round training, in order that the missionary, when he reaches the field to which he has been sent, may be able to adapt himself more readily to his new environment, and to the manners of a strange people with customs differing so widely from those of his native land, and master the language of the country. Of the subjects taught, the Bible is given the first place, and the student is encouraged to give much time to the study of this Book of books, that he may have a deep, reverent knowledge of the Scriptures as the inspired Word of God. To this subject is added a course in the history of the Christian Church in its conflict in the great controversy between Christ and Satan. The study in history also includes that of the nation to which the student is preparing to go, and the history of the religion that must be displaced in the hearts and minds of the people, in order that the gospel of Christ may reign supreme in its place.

SCHOOLS IN ENGLAND, AFRICA, AMERICA, AND NEW ZEALAND

Appreciating the fact that the fields yet unentered, or those in which the least work has been done, are the most unhealthful of mission fields, and lie mainly in tropical countries, much stress is laid upon the necessity of gaining a knowledge of simple treatments and tropical hygiene, that the health of the missionary may be preserved while living in an unhealthful climate, away from medical aid, and that he may intelligently deal with the diseases with which the natives suffer, that their bodies as well as their souls may be benefited by his ministry.

Aside from these regular courses in the Bible, history, tropical hygiene, and languages, there are also classes in pedagogy, music, public speaking, church organization, etc., that will equip the missionary to meet and overcome the many difficulties which beset him in his battle with superstition, vice, and ignorance, and that will enable him to establish in the hearts of his hearers an intelligent knowledge of the true God.

While pursuing these important studies, the volunteers for foreign missions are breathing a missionary atmosphere. The reports they receive from the mission fields afford an opportunity to study many of the great problems they will have to meet in the field. All this prepares the mind for the realities to be met when they begin actual work.

H. R. SALISBURY; President.