The Home Missionary Membership Card by F. W. Paap

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 9, 1916

The Home Missionary Membership Card

By F. W. Paap

“Let the gospel message ring through our churches, summoning them to universal action.” This is the command of our great Leader, who “demands that every soul who knows the truth shall seek to win others to the love of the truth.”

We have reached the time when a new order of things is due, a time when every latent power in this movement is to become mightily possessed with the Spirit of God, and pressed into service as an instrument of divine power. We have great cause for gratitude, for we are finding it is as our God has said it would be: “Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power.” Ps. 110: 3.

This membership card shows the Saviour pointing to the work he has given us to do — soul winning. Our aim is printed on a globe that represents the world which must receive this message. The world stands on a base, on which is the underlying motive of our work — the love of Christ. Work for souls calls for self-denial and self-sacrifice, so the cross appears in the center of the pledge; all who would wear the crown must share in the cross. This card will serve to remind us that we may and should show our love for Christ by leading souls to him.

We want definitely to enlist every believer in this work of saving souls. We believe this membership card will be a great help to the leaders in securing the fullest cooperation of our people in this work. In some instances where the cards have been presented to the missionary society, every member present has signed them. We want all to know that whether they are rich or poor, great or humble, God calls them into active service for him. “But though you may be weak, erring, frail, sinful, and imperfect, the Lord holds out to you the offer of partnership with himself, inviting you to come under divine instruction. Uniting with Christ, you may work the works of God.” —“Appeal,” p. 21.

These membership cards are to be signed by the church members and the local home missionary secretary, who will keep a record of the names of those who have signed, after which the cards

are to be returned to the members to be kept as a constant reminder of their obligations.

With a steadily growing conception of the importance of this home missionary work, we confidently hope to learn of thousands thus definitely enlisting for life in the service of soul saving. Who will voluntarily put on the armor and go forth to the warfare, willing to do and dare for God, knowing that his omnipotence will supply their every need?

F. W. PAAP.