Home Missionary Experiences
By E. M. Graham
From the many reports that have come to us in various ways, we have selected a few which show something of the work being done by our lay members. When reading them, remember that these represent the efforts of only a very few of the many who are working in similar ways. The Lord is wonderfully blessing the efforts of our people. Result of Leaving One Tract
“Brother McKibben left at a home on a certain Friday a tract on which was stamped the name of our church at Sioux City, and its location. The mother in that home induced her daughter to go to our services the next day, and she seemed interested in all that was done. That night she was called to another part of the city to the home of her sister, whose child was dying. Brother McKibben was asked to conduct the funeral service, and the way was opened for Bible readings. Three of the members of that home were soon keeping the Sabbath, and others are interested. The same is true of the mother’s home, three being added from it. Five other women in the neighborhood also united with this church, making eleven brought into the truth through that one tract.” How One Isolated Family Works
“One of our isolated brethren and his wife are determined that those living near them shall have a little of the message to read. They sent us an order for a package of six tracts to be sent to each of one hundred persons living in their vicinity, and five dollars to pay for the tracts and mailing. This is one of the many ways we can utilize to present the truth. Perhaps others of our isolated Sabbath keepers could do this also.” A Live Missionary Society
“From a personal letter from Brother Comer, we quote the following concerning the work in Calcutta:— “A missionary spirit has come in, and our church is working. We have a live missionary society which meets every week, and for several months we have not been able to close our meetings on time because the members have so many good experiences to report. Some are visiting hospitals weekly; some are putting tracts and papers on outgoing boats; others are giving Bible readings. All are scattering tracts and other literature, and there is one regular cottage meeting being conducted by members of the church. As a result of all this work, I am kept busy answering calls to visit interested ones and to lend assistance in various ways. However, I am working as hard as I can to encourage all to depend on themselves as much as possible. I baptized one woman in April, as the direct result of the faithful work of a lay member. Three new Sabbath keepers are getting ready for baptism, and others are weighing the cost. Our Sunday evening meetings continue with about the same interest, although quite a few have gone to the hills. Our tithes and offerings are good, and our Sabbath school is most interesting. At present we have children attending whose parents are not Sabbath keepers.” Worked One Hour a Week With Tracts
“One of our sisters who has been working with tracts, recently counted the number she had put out, and was surprised to find that in about four months by working an hour a week she had placed five hundred tracts in the hands of the people.” “This shows what constant, steady work will do, although while it is being done one scarcely misses the time spent. Not only does the one who receives the tracts get benefit, but the one who does the work receives a blessing from the Lord that can be obtained in no other way. Is not this an inspiration and encouragement to others to work in a similar way? Any one can do this work; it does not require great learning or wonderful talent, but a love for the souls for whom Christ died, a willingness to be used in the service of God, and a determination to stick to the work and not let the enemy of souls keep us from doing it faithfully. A few cents invested in this way will furnish material for a large work, as the tracts are used over and over again as long as they are not soiled.” Will not our sisters who are tied at home by their duties, try this grand plan, and thus have part in finishing the message? E. M. GRAHAM.