For Aggressive Missionary Work

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 19, 1907

For Aggressive Missionary Work

On returning to America after an absence of considerable length we find that our people are generally responsive to the calls made upon them to supply the means needed to carry this message to the peoples of the world. It seems to be necessary only to state the conditions just as they are, without any attempt to exaggerate or to color the facts, and the believers in this message show a commendable readiness to contribute according to their ability to the mission funds. We are glad to record one concrete instance. At the Western New York camp-meeting, which the editor attended by special invitation, he was requested to speak on the peoples and missionary work in the far East, and at the close of the talk, without any suggestion on his part, it was proposed that a collection be taken for our mission work. The result was a liberal donation, considering the number in attendance.

We believe that our people feel the same concerning the work in any mission field, when they know the real situation. The field is the world, and the work is the same in all lands. It makes no difference whether the workers who need the help are on the other side of the world or in this land, if the need is the same. Just now our attention is being called to the work among the colored people of the South, in view of the fact that Sabbath, October 5, has been appointed as the time for a general collection among the churches of this country in behalf of that work. It is conceded on all hands that this is missionary effort which has the same claims for our support as has missionary effort in behalf of the native peoples of Africa or India. Much instruction has been given, and many appeals have been made through the spirit of prophecy in the interest of this field; and the importance of reaching the colored people with this truth, while there is a good degree of liberty to labor for them, has been urged by those who are best acquainted with the situation in the South. Every consideration urges that this call should be heeded. The funds which have recently been supplied to the Southern Union Conference have been specifically appropriated to the purpose of placing the institutional work in that field upon a better basis, but the funds realized from the collection October 5 will be used directly in field efforts in behalf of the colored people, and the brethren are depending upon this help to enable them to do this aggressive work.

It is only necessary that all shall co-operate in order that a liberal sum may come into the treasury for this purpose. It is one great practical benefit of our thorough organization that the whole people can thus turn their attention to special needs from time to time, and by united effort can repeatedly furnish large amounts for this work without distressing any one. Let this matter receive intelligent attention. Let the church officers give notice of it on the last two Sabbaths previous to the time for the collection, and be sure that the people understand fully about it. Let the people plan for it, just as they would plan for any matter in which they are personally interested. Let the giving be done cheerfully and heartily, and with the prayer that the Lord will greatly bless the means thus provided for the furtherance of the gospel message, that the people who sit in darkness may see a great light.

We urge our people throughout this country to remember the time and the purpose of this collection, and to donate liberally. The needs are great.