An Encouraging Prospective
By I. H. Evans
THE readers of the REVIEW AND HERALD will be glad to know of the progress of the cause of God during the year 1913. Brother Edson Rogers, the statistical secretary of the denomination, has completed his statistical report for 1913. From these figures, we learn of the rapid growth of the work, which makes the past fiscal year the banner year of our denominational history in growth and progress. This report shows that the conferences and institutions of the North American Division Conference have gained $156,967 in assets, and have decreased their liabilities $93,203, making a gain of $250,170. During 1912, the North American Division Conference, in its entirety, decreased its liabilities $473,234. Adding to this $93,203, the decrease in liabilities in 1913, marks a change for the better of $566,437. During 1913, the tithes in the North American Division Conference amounted to $1,201,138, an increase over the previous year of $113,714. A fund of $500,902 was raised for foreign mission work, an increase of $54,993 over 1912, and for home missionary work $378,395, or $12,748 more than was raised in 1912. There is an apparent shortage of $46,000 in literature sales during 1913, while, in fact, the sales amounted to $104,000 more than during the previous year. This apparent falling off in sales was due to a change in the basis of reporting. But, best of all, the number of persons baptized during 1913 was 5,690. If we follow the world-wide work represented by the General Conference, the figures are proportionately encouraging, and the outlook is full of promise. Space forbids such a wide perspective at this writing, but a report will soon be in print, which all can read, and truly a report showing such growth has never been sent out during our denominational history. Speaking of the betterment in our finances, Brother Rogers says: “The action of the North American Division Conference Committee, passed at its council Oct. 27, 1913, has an important bearing upon this question; and without doubt the principles set forth have brought the improvement noted, and will continue to bring additional help to our institutions from year to year.” We think that the North American Division Conference financial policy, as adopted by its executive committee at the general fall council in 1913, should be reread by all our people, and strictly adhered to by them. The action is as follows:— Whereas, Investigation shows that our present indebtedness has, to a large extent, been created by the starting of enterprises10and the erection of buildings by individuals, boards, and committees, without due counsel with the people upon whom such obligations fall; and,— Whereas, This indebtedness is steadily growing larger because of the failure of various enterprises and institutions to meet operating expenses; therefore,— We urge, 1. That when any local conference committee proposes to start an important financial enterprise, erect or purchase an institutional building, or make any large addition to either buildings or equipment already provided, it shall first secure the authority of the people who are to furnish the funds; and further, that it shall obtain the approval of the union conference committee having general supervision of said local conference. 2. That when such authority and approval have been obtained, the local conference shall raise the funds required to meet the proposed expense, so that no additional debt shall be created. 3. That any union conference committee desiring to launch any large financial enterprise, erect a building, or take over an institution, shall, before doing so, secure the vote of the union conference in session, or of its several local conferences in session; and also obtain the counsel of the Division Conference Committee and the General Conference Committee. 4. That having been duly authorized to make such expenditure, the committee shall proceed to raise the amount necessary to finance the enterprise, so that no debts shall be incurred. 5. That we earnestly counsel all committees and boards in charge of enterprises and institutions already established and carrying heavy financial obligations to maintain the most rigid economy consistent with the purpose and welfare of said enterprise. 6. That our people be requested to make loans to the institution, without interest as far as they can do so, and that those who need interest make it as low as consistent with their needs. 7. That continuous and earnest efforts be made to secure donations to pay off liabilities. 8. That the financial condition of each institution be kept before its staff of workers, that they may be stimulated to aid in every possible way to remove the financial burden. 9. That an appeal be made to our people everywhere to stand by conference committees and institutional boards in their efforts to carry out these recommendations. 10. That earnest efforts be put forth by every conference to raise its full quota of the Twenty-cent-a-week Fund for the support of our missionary work, and to afford relief to our institutions. This policy is worthy of a fair trial. It means a rapid reduction of our denominational indebtedness, and a stable, conservative working plan for the upbuilding of our schools, sanitariums, publishing houses, and conference associations. The no-debt policy, so long advocated, should be strictly adhered to in all evangelical and institutional work. Where conditions seem to make liquidation impossible, let those in charge of the work call a council, and let plans be laid either to place the institution or association on a substantial working basis or to close the enterprise. Some of our union conferences are planning to raise funds to relieve their institutions and conference associations of all indebtedness. This is what every union conference should do. Let us operate the Lord’s work by faith and on a cash basis. This will beget wise planning, judicious management, and economy. Not one conference nor one institution alone, but every branch of God’s work should keep entirely free from debt. When present conditions are disheartening, plan to better the conditions. Change the policy and place God’s work on vantage ground. The Lord’s blessing may be confidently expected when we follow gospel methods in managing and supporting his work.