Our Great Soul-Winning Campaign
By F. W. Paap
ABOUT ten weeks ago I was invited to take the responsibility of the Home Missionary Department of the North American Division Conference. Almost immediately plans were laid by the brethren for me to attend a number of camp meetings in different parts of the field. Today I desire to say to our people everywhere that the possibilities of this home missionary work, which is God's plan of personal service and labor for perishing souls on the part of every member, is taking possession of and arousing this whole denomination. Although I have been in the field most of the time, yet I have been enabled to get in touch by correspondence with every part of the field. The response has been most gratifying; and from the leaders everywhere we have the assurance that the fullest cooperation will be given. I wish that space would permit my passing on the good things that have thus come to us. Through the columns of our good old denominational voice, the REVIEW AND HERALD, we desire to issue a world-wide proclamation for service. “Let the gospel message ring through our churches, summoning them to universal action. Let the members of the church have increased faith, gaining zeal from their unseen heavenly allies, from a knowledge of their exhaustless resources, from the greatness of the enterprise in which they are engaged, and from the power of their leader. . . . Putting on the armor of heaven, they will go forth to warfare, willing to do and dare for God, knowing that his omnipotence will supply their need.” — “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VII, page 14. “God is waiting for men and women to awake to their responsibilities. He is waiting for them to link themselves with him. Let them mark the signal of advance, and no longer be laggards in working out the will of the Lord.” — Id., page 13. “God expects us to impart to others the knowledge that he has given us. It is his purpose that divine and human instrumentalities shall unite in the proclamation of the warning message.” — Id., Vol. IX, page 19. These stirring words should arouse every heart. The writer's purpose in quoting them here is that every believer in this great message might rally to this call to “universal action.” We feel confident that God's call will be respected by all his children. The same intensity of desire to save sinners that marked the life of the Saviour marks the life of his true followers. The Christian has no desire to live for self. He delights to consecrate all that he has and is to the Master's service. He is moved by an inexpressible desire to win souls to Christ. See Volume VII, page 10. Now is the time to enlist. Now is the time to put on the armor. We call upon every believer in this great closing message to take up the work right where he is. Keep in touch with this world-wide advance movement. Seek God for wisdom and the spirit of service. Pray for a burden of soul for the lost. The department stands ready to render every possible assistance. Be sure to get plenty of ammunition for the warfare. The Signs weekly will prove a great help. Tracts in packages have been arranged, and the question of definite territory for a continuous work is important. We shall be glad to learn of your work, and be sure to pass along every item of special interest.