Work of the Foreign Mission Seminary
By M. E. Kern
THIS autumn, for the first time in the history of the third angel's message, there assembled together for special training a group of individuals under appointment as foreign missionaries. The new plans for the special training of missionaries, adopted after much prayer and careful consideration, have, we believe, marked a new era in our foreign missionary enterprise. This denomination, young and old, has taken for its motto, “The advent message to all the world in this generation,”—and the truth of the message itself depends upon the accomplishment of this thing. With what untiring zeal, then, should every believer in the soon coming of Christ work and pray for the finishing of the gospel work! Every individual a devoted missionary, every church a center of missionary activity and a base of supplies, and every school a recruiting and missionary-training station,—this is the ideal toward which we strive. Value of the Foreign Mission Seminary
Being directly responsible for this work, and constantly under the necessity of selecting and sending out missionaries to answer the calls and push forward the work in new fields, the General Conference has done well to found this Seminary in connection with the denominational headquarters, where a body of missionaries may be constantly in training. Coming to this institution from many schools and different localities, from fields of activity and from the common walks of life, students can here “be tested and proved, that it may be seen what their adaptability is, and whether they have the right hold from above.” Every day is demonstrating the wisdom of the establishment of this school, and of the plans adopted by the General Conference with reference to its work. Students are received under provisional appointment only after the same thorough investigation that would be made if they were going directly to the field. Then they are asked to spend a short time at the Seminary in final preparation. All these appointees need missionary information, and an acquaintance with the practical missionary problems to be met in their fields. Much depends on a good beginning, and nothing is more helpful in starting right than a thorough acquaintance with the field to be worked, a knowledge of what has been done and what remains to be accomplished, and the problems to be met. The constant contact with members of the Mission Board, men whose experience at home and abroad has fitted them for leadership, is a great blessing to these missionaries, and a valuable aid to the board in knowing where to place them. Our enrolment is about eighty-five, including academic students. Yet there is room. The number of missionaries that will be required soon in the future, if urgent calls are to be filled, is not made up. Are there not others whose hearts respond to the needs of those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, and can enter training this winter? Doubtless there are many mature persons with some education and considerable practical experience who could be fitted for good service by one or two years of special training. The Seminary is open to such. Are there not scores of graduate nurses who will respond to the call of the Great Physician to come over and help in less favored lands? The nurses who are with us are finding just what they need to make them all-round workers. We have made special arrangements to meet the increasing demand for Bible workers in the large cities. An experienced Bible worker has been engaged to instruct the young women who wish to engage in this work. This class is just now beginning practical work, and a more interested and enthusiastic class would be hard to find. Students could easily enter this work yet. Another class will be started in a few weeks, if there is a sufficient number of new students to warrant it. A very helpful class is the one in pastoral training. The work in public speaking and sermon building, the study of all that pertains to a minister's duties, and the practical experience gained, are just the things needed by young men who are called to this sacred work. Many young ministers and others who hope to enter this work ought to be taking such a class this winter. The Seminary is organized this year with special reference to giving the students practical missionary experience, Sunday and Monday being given to field work. The series of lectures on “Denominational Organization and Work” and “The Bible Versus Human Philosophy” are proving very helpful. The series on “Comparative Religions” is now being given, and Elder A. G. Daniells’s lectures on “General Organization” will probably begin soon after the General Conference Council. Expenses, and Opportunity to Work
The regular expenses at the Seminary are about $17.50 a month, and one hour's work each day. Just now the school is prepared to offer several young men a good opportunity to earn a part or all of their expenses. We have clearing, farm and dairy work, firing, electrical and plumbing repair work, and general work about the premises to offer. We have also some sewing, laundry, and general housework for young women. Some may work for half their expenses in school, and others may spend their entire time in work this winter and next summer, placing the amount above necessary expenses to their credit for next year's schooling. Academic students, who can not get this opportunity elsewhere, will be received here. We carry regular academic work, aside from the special course for missionaries. No one should come expecting work without first making arrangements. Our schools exist for the one purpose of helping our youth and training workers for the cause. Let all who read this article pause, and ask, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” Let all who think of taking work in the Foreign Mission Seminary address the undersigned at Takoma Park, Washington, D. C., care of Seminary.