The Midsummer Offering by I. H. EVANS

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 30, 1907

The Midsummer Offering

By I. H. EVANS

For several years a midsummer offering for the support of missions and other enterprises fostered by the General Conference has been made by our people. This offering has always been a great help, and has come as a Godsend to those who are managing the work. This offering has varied from year to year, from $4,500 to $20,000. The last two years it has averaged about $9,400. This midsummer offering has often been the only source of supply that has kept our missionaries from suffering until other funds could be secured. It need not be said that this fund has been greatly appreciated by the officers of the General Conference and those in charge of the work, and has been sent on its mission of soul winning to all parts of the wide harvest-field. We have no doubt that stars will shine in many crowns throughout the eternal ages as the result of these offerings.

The midsummer offering, however, has not always been used solely for the extension of our evangelistic work. In 1897 and 1898 the receipts from this donation were given to help the General Conference Association in its financial needs. Again, when the Christiania Publishing House was in its financial embarrassment, this offering was appropriated to the relief of this institution. Nearly $20,000 was thus raised to help that institution. Wherever it has gone, and for whatever purpose it has been appropriated, it has proved a sort of emergency relief fund that has shed comfort and light on its way.

Our brethren are well aware that during the last few months strong efforts have been put forth to raise what is known as the $150,000 fund. At this writing, May 14, nearly $50,000 has already been raised. Several of our conference workers who have been actively engaged in raising this fund have requested that the midsummer offering this year be applied on the $150,000 fund. Most of the enterprises to be benefited by this money are really missionary enterprises. The South is to have $50,000; the British school is to have $10,000; while the Skodsborg Sanitarium, the publishing house in Chile, South America, the publishing house and the school in the West Indies, and the school in the Maritime Provinces are all real missionary undertakings. A portion of this fund is to go to the Washington Sanitarium, for the erection of suitable buildings at the national capital to represent our denominational health work; also the Review and Herald and the Pacific Press publishing companies are both to be helped by a part of this fund. It will be readily recalled by our people that both of these institutions have suffered such severe losses by fire that the working capital has been nearly consumed. These institutions to be helped by this fund are not money-making corporations, but are enterprises established by the denomination, and constitute a very substantial part of the working and training forces for promulgating the third angel's message in all parts of the world.

The council in session here in Gland, Switzerland, which is composed of members of the General Conference Committee, together with a large representation from the European workers, has taken this petition under consideration, and unanimously adopted the following:—

“Whereas, It has been suggested by some of our conference presidents and other leading brethren, that the midsummer offering for 1907 be applied on the $150,000 fund; and,—

“Whereas, Our conference officers and laborers have been making earnest efforts to raise this fund at an early date; therefore, we recommend,—

“1. That the midsummer offering for this year be taken in behalf of the missionary enterprises to be helped by the $150,000 fund, and applied on this fund.

“2. That the date for taking this offering be Sabbath, June 29, 1907.

“3. That we invite our people everywhere in the States and Canada to make a general rally on this occasion, and raise as large a donation as possible.”

It would be an effort worth while if this midsummer offering could only wipe out the remaining portion of this large fund. Perhaps this is more than can be hoped for. One thing, however, is certain: we can do our best, and come as near to lifting the fund as possible. Why should not all our people, those who have already paid, and those who have not done their share, come forward and make a liberal offering on this occasion? If some give more than their pro rata share, it will help to make up what others can not or will not give.

It will be asked how the Mission Board can get along without this donation. In answer we would say that several of the State and union conferences have already promised to contribute from their tithes to carry the Mission Board through its shortage, if this donation can be turned into the $150,000 fund. While there may be some other way preferred by some, is it not wise for us all to take hold of this offering and do our best to make it a large and liberal one? Plans should be laid at an early date, that each member of the family may have an offering to bring on this occasion. A united effort means a strong effort. Sixty thousand people all pledged for the accomplishment of a specific work, with God as their leader, are sure of success.

The walls of Jericho could keep back the heathen enemies of Israel; but the shout of victory from the people of God, without a blow from battering rams or engines, brought the walls to the ground. Nothing is more sure than that when God is with his people, they will succeed. Only when we forsake our Leader, and fail to do his bidding, do we need to expect failure. Again and again has the Lord commanded his people to go forward and do the work which they have undertaken. Many of these institutions have had specific Testimonies from the Lord, commanding that they be erected, and that the work be started at once.

We hope our people will rally on this occasion, and make this midsummer offering the largest in the history of our work.

I. H. EVANS.

Gland, Switzerland.