Children’s Missionary Activities
By Mrs. A. C. Bainbridge
Can Children Be of Any Use in the Missionary Work?
HAVING tried for three years, we say, They can. Now, when the long evenings are at hand, and often cold or rainy days; when there is no school, and out-door play cannot be permitted, the ever-recurring question, "O, mother, what shall I do?" can be answered pleasantly and profitably by a few lessons in this work. Very soon an interest is awakened, and the children feel that they are a part of the society, and united with God's people at least in work. Let them have a box with a cover, that will contain their paper-wrappers, tracts, envelopes, postal cards, report book, etc. The latter may be prepared in a very simple way. The first page like this, and its use explained:— Let the second page be headed, "Letters Written," and put the date at the left of the name of each person to whom a letter or card is sent during the quarter. At the end of each month let the list be added, and the result placed under "Letters Written," on page 1. The third page may be headed "Work," and the manner in which it is kept will appear like this:— On the 7th of Oct., three, five, or more names may be written four spaces apart. By the side of each name should be written the number of the copies of the SIGNS, and name of the tract, etc., that is sent. When this is finished, add the number of periodicals and pages of tracts, and put the results in their proper places on the first page. On the 14th of Oct., other papers and tracts are sent to the same persons, and the results recorded; also on the 21st and 28th. This gives ample time for them to be read. Then follows a letter, short and plain, telling why the papers were sent, asking of the interest aroused, and expressing a willingness to continue sending, if desired. At first, if letter writing is a new exercise, they may be copied from a model written by an older person, perhaps something after this style:— Date .......................
MR. J. A. HATCH—Dear Sir: I am a little boy (or girl) trying to help the missionary cause. I have sent you a few tracts and papers. I hope you have read them, for I think they will help you to understand the Bible. I will gladly send you more, if you do not object. Write soon.
Truly yours, ....................... We ought to teach them that the work is entrusted to us to do, and the results lie with God; and though our letters and papers may not be noticed by those to whom we send them, they are accepted of God if we engage in the work for a love of the truth and an earnest desire to save souls. We should lead them to pray for each individual addressed, and encourage them to use their own means to defray at least a part of the expenses. Above all, parents should seek wisdom and strength from God that they may be able to lead where they wish their children to follow. During the winter, all classes of persons have more leisure to read, and as events are fast fulfilling the prophecies that tell us the end is near, we should encourage all to work with greater diligence.