A Final Word by W. T. Knox

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Oct 2, 1913

A Final Word

By W. T. Knox

MANY of the communications coming to the offices of the General Conference and Review and Herald contain most encouraging reports concerning the Harvest Ingathering campaign. These indicate that in all sections of the country a general and deep interest exists in the work to begin October 6. Every one seems to have accepted the standard set for the campaign,—$100,000 for missions,—and to have determined to have a part in it.

Too much, however, must not be taken for granted. Success will come only as the result of thorough organization, good leadership, persistent effort, and united action by all. The General and North American Division Conferences have sought to leave nothing undone that would promise to contribute to the success of the campaign.

The Review and Herald has printed half a million copies of the special number of the paper, of which more than three hundred thousand copies have already been sent out. Judging by the way the orders are being received, this edition will soon be exhausted. That there may be no disappointment in filling orders, every one should make sure of getting in requests for the paper and supplies at once, as some time will be required in case an extra edition is necessary.

There is an urgent necessity that this campaign be a decided success. In addition to furnishing such an excellent opportunity to place before the public some idea of our work and faith, the Mission Board is in great need of the financial assistance it may supply if all will work faithfully. The mission funds for the first six months of the year fell $80,000 short of the required amount. Beginning with July, we have undertaken to secure a fund for the relief of our training-schools and sanitariums by adding five cents a week per member to our regular mission offerings, making the standard twenty cents a week per member. In the two months of July and August, in which this plan has been in operation, we have come short $37,000. Thus we are confronted with a total deficit of $117,000, with the year two thirds gone. The General Conference is very seriously embarrassed by this shortage, as the very heavily increased demands made upon it, caused by the large number of recruits sent out to mission fields this year, have entirely depleted its treasury, and the present volume of work being carried on by it renders it imperative that the full amount of the standard of our mission offerings shall be realized.

There is no question but that a strong, united effort upon the part of all the members with this fine special number of the REVIEW will bring into the treasury more than enough to make up this deficit.

Remember the date of the campaign, October 6-10, and let every one plan to have a part in it. W. T. KNOX.