The Coming Ingathering by I. H. Evans

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 17, 1914

The Coming Ingathering

By I. H. Evans

THE Ingathering campaign opens October 5, and all things are practically ready. The special number of the REVIEW AND HERALD, which is the most artistic number of the Ingathering specials we have yet issued, is being printed as fast as the facilities of the publishing house will permit. Instructions have been sent to all the churches, and orders for supplies will be promptly filled.

It is hoped that the plan of gathering funds for mission work will be made more active than heretofore. Our object should not be merely to scatter a large number of the REVIEW special, but greatly to increase the funds gathered over the amount collected in any previous year.

Many conferences fully expect to raise at least five dollars for each church member. This average would insure the securing of the entire amount to be raised for missions. So far this year, many churches are short on the regular mission fund, but before the close of the year every conference should reach the goal of twenty cents a week for each church member.

If ever there was a time when funds for prosecuting the work were needed, it is now. Conditions imposed by the European war will make heavy drafts on the mission treasury. The fields under the control of the European Division should receive their appropriations; if Europe cannot remit, the mission treasury must.

The people are ready and willing to help, if for no other reason, because of this war; for many believe it is a sign of the end. Never has the world witnessed such a scene as exists at the present time. Never has there been a time like the one through which the nations are now passing. War! war! war! The literature we read, the conversations we hear, the sermons to which we listen, the very air we breathe, all seem to be surcharged with the spirit of war.

The ages since the world began cannot tell of killing on such a gigantic scale as is now going on. And no one knows the cause. Each writer offers his own reason. Each nation lays the blame for starting the war on some other. The war has already spread to the Far East, and many predict a general uprising of the Mohammedans of southern Asia and northern Africa. Although the end is not yet in sight, the people see in the events taking place signs of the approaching end. And if ever conditions were ripe for a large ingathering of funds from the public, those conditions prevail at the present time.

Our own people are not asleep in regard to the needs of the great heathen countries of Asia and Africa. The continued offerings and increased donations, especially since the beginning of the terrible European war, plainly show their loyalty to the work and their willingness to sacrifice.

We may confidently expect to see a large ingathering this year. Each church should aim to secure its full quota of mission funds. We must make a long, steady pull. If each church should earnestly try to make its full twenty cents a week per member by means of this ingathering, it would go a long way toward helping the church and the conference to reach the goal. Let us continually seek God for his rich blessing, that the work may be successful.

I. H. EVANS.