p. 18 | Our Mission Fields by W. T. Bland

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Sep 1, 1904

Our Mission Fields

By W. T. Bland

WE are again glad to call attention to our great mission fields, to the work that is being done for them, and to their present needs.

Perhaps no other work lies closer to the hearts of our people than does that of our needy mission fields. Those who go to them to carry the gospel to those who know it not, must necessarily make great sacrifices. The expense incurred in sending these consecrated workers to their fields, and in supporting them while they are proclaiming the message, establishing churches, and conducting schools for the children and youth, is no small item.

Before the end shall come, this gospel must go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, and it is certainly a high privilege to have a part in it, yet a privilege extended to every one who believes in the fulfilment of God’s word for this time.

It is a work that must be continually before us. As quickly as one country is able to carry its work without assistance from the general fund, a new field is entered, and so the work is carried forward, and will be until it is finally finished.

What is needed now is a systematic, determined effort on the part of all our people to push this work along to completion. The fields of the world are ready to be entered; earnest calls are coming from many directions for help; young men and women of consecration and ability who have fitted themselves to have a part in carrying this message to distant lands, are now ready and anxious to go. The Mission Board is just as anxious to have them go, and the delay is only because of the lack of sufficient funds. At the beginning of the year, estimates of the amount of help that would be needed from the General Conference by the various mission fields

were sent in, and the appropriations voted by the General Conference were based upon these figures and a belief that our people at home would gladly make up the amount.

Believing all will be interested to learn just what fields are receiving help, we are pleased to give, in connection with this, an itemized statement. The first column of figures represents the amounts voted to the missions in the various countries mentioned. The second column represents the amount sent to these different countries during the first half of the year.

Missions	Appropriations	Amt. paid
Brazil	$ 1,302 00	$ 140 42
Bermuda	359 00
Can. Un. Conf.	4,448 00	2,779 37
Central America	1,155 00	912 13
China	5,654 00	4,934 35
Cuba	250 00	52 44
European General	19,368 00	11,315 33
East Carib. Conf.	5,435 00	500 00
India	7,582 00	4,092 34
Jamaica	1,820 00	976 31
Japan	4,088 00	2,371 65
Mexico	3,604 00	2,371 14
Panama Mission	1,068 00	866 03
Porto Rico	757 00	690 21
Polynesia	8,501 00	6,448 76
River Plate Conf.	3,800 00	1,090 80
Southern Union	7,500 00	3,770 00
Southern Miss. Soc.	2,400 00	1,400 00
South Am. General	894 00	1 87
South African Union	6,214 00	4,907 64
Gold Coast of Africa	578 00	563 96
West Coast So. Amer.	3,717 00	2,460 37
Totals	$90,494 00	$52,645 12

It will be noticed that the appropriation was a little more than half met. Bermuda, instead of drawing upon the appropriation made, has sent in some good donations to the general fund. The Canadian Union Conference is almost self-supporting. With a strong effort to assist the Southern field this year, it is believed it will soon be able to carry its work alone. Our brethren in the great European field write most encouragingly. South Africa is proving one of the most promising fields. The reports from China, Japan, and India are full of courage, and speak of the possibilities now before them.

We most earnestly invite all our people to carefully consider the needs of these countries, to examine the figures shown, and to remember that while our work is being established by our brethren who are giving their lives to it, there is great need of funds. Every contribution will be greatly appreciated.

W. T. BLAND.