The Missionary Movement by F. G.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 6, 1907

The Missionary Movement

By F. G.

THERE was started at the educational convention at College View, Neb., last summer, a movement which should have permanency. Its purpose was to connect our schools with the great missionary work which we as a people are carrying on. The schools are to be gateways through which our young people pass into the great harvest-field. This movement has reference to both the schools and the young people. The schools are to be so conducted that a strong missionary spirit shall always prevail.

In each subject that is taught, and indeed in each class recitation, the spirit that should be the outgrowth of our motto, viz., “The Advent Message to All the World in This Generation.”

With reference to our young people, this movement is to be so strong that it shall continually urge them from their homes into our schools, and so on into the field.

Now, there is great danger that this movement shall lose its force. That it has had a force during the past year is witnessed by our full schools and the strong missionary spirit prevailing in them. The key-note which was sounded at our educational convention has certainly been carried into a mighty, stirring, marching hymn. Now we must not permit this swelling chorus ever to diminish in volume. On the other hand, the number of singers this coming year must be many more, and if possible, they must sing in more perfect unison. But this can be accomplished only by our constantly keeping before our minds the meaning of this forward movement. It means that every one of our young men and women shall be drafted into service. I use the word “drafted” advisedly. They are not to be forced into an unwilling service, but the pleasure of the work and the joys of the victory are to be so held before all our young men and women that they shall enter upon the preparation for the work and into the work itself with the keenest pleasure.

It is the duty of all our church officers—and in this I include the Sabbath-school and young people workers—so to hold before all our children and young people the importance of the missionary work that they will have no other ambition in life but to enlist in the service of the Lord. It is only by the constant, steady effort that this forward movement can be given permanency.

F. G.