Our Most Valuable Asset by W. T. Knox

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 29, 1911

Our Most Valuable Asset

By W. T. Knox

The statistical reports published by the denomination are studied with interest by large numbers of our membership, as it is from these we learn most surely of the standing of our conferences and institutions. Every Seventh-day Adventist is encouraged when these reports indicate progress and stability. Sadness, with many times accompanying discouragement, results when the statements reveal that for any cause the financial standing of any institution has been impaired by the loss of some portion of its assets.

Carefully as these statistical reports are compiled, there is always one class of assets that is omitted; yet they are by far the most valuable of all. The worth of our young men and women can not be computed in dollars and cents, nor yet in precious stones. They have been secured to the cause of God by the precious blood of Christ, and each one is counted by him as a pearl beyond price, to gain which he gave all that he possessed, including his life.

The possession of each particular jewel was desired by Christ, not alone to adorn his diadem and grace his kingdom, but also that each one might actively participate in his great work in the earth of revealing his Father’s glory, and proclaiming to all men his saving grace. For all time it will be true that the young people of the denomination must be recognized as the great factor in this our work. They are needed in every phase of our efforts. From them the ranks of the ministry must be replenished and very greatly strengthened. They must also furnish a strong army of Bible workers and canvassers. The call for recruits for the medical branch of the work is continually increasing, and can only be supplied from the ranks of the youth. Without a consecrated, well-trained body of young people, the army of God’s workers must of necessity continually decrease in numbers and efficiency. They are therefore, when properly trained and vitalized by the Holy Spirit, our greatest asset—of far more value than all our institutions combined.

What is becoming of the scores of young men and women who every year are sent forth from our schools? It seems that far too small a number enter into active connection with the Lord’s work. Some are attracted by the lure of the world. Others become discouraged when they realize that, after all, they have not that practical preparation that enables them to enter some branch of the work with confidence; while others doubtless fail for lack of some one to put them to work. And in the meantime, every conference and mission field is suffering for lack of laborers of all

classes, and the voice of God continues to call to us to hasten his work, and compel men to come to the marriage supper of the Lamb.

The Foreign Mission Seminary has been established to meet the great need of the hour—the speedy training of consecrated young men and women of maturity, for the work of God in such a place as they seem best adapted to fill, and thus to help supply the constantly increasing needs of the fields at home and abroad. Great care has been exercised in securing for the Seminary the strongest and most suitable faculty available, and also in adopting a curriculum that will give to each student that preparation needed for his future work.

It is hoped most earnestly that the young men and women who to-day are debating within themselves as to their future, with the many inviting fields of the world before them, will give earnest attention to God’s call for workers. To all who are inclined to accept the invitation of Christ to follow him, whether into the great cities of America or the dark lands of heathenism, every encouragement should be given to obtain that preparation and training that will best qualify them for their future work. I believe the Foreign Mission Seminary will be a great help to any such, in whatever capacity they may desire to labor in the message.

It has afforded great satisfaction both to the Seminary faculty and the General Conference Committee to see the class of 1911 all leaving the Seminary to engage in the work either at home or abroad. The General Conference Committee believe that in the future this institution will largely solve the problem of supplying recruits for the great mission fields, and at the same time save to the cause the talents of many of our young people.

Those who desire to enter the Seminary, or who would like information concerning it, should correspond with Prof. M. E. Kern, Takoma Park, D. C.

W. T. KNOX.