Important Interests Connected with the $150,000 Fund
By George I. Butler
It is a great satisfaction to know that nearly one third of the $150,000 fund has been raised. The assistance to the Southern work of the $50,000 which was apportioned to it, and most of which has been paid, is exceedingly gratifying. Our sanitariums have all now received their share of this fund, and they are rapidly being fitted up for the performance of their work. The sanitarium in Washington is also rapidly nearing completion. Other interests which are to receive benefit from this fund are the Review and Herald Publishing Association, which receives $10,000 to help it meet the expenses caused by moving, and the losses caused by fire. Then there is $20,000 which goes to the Pacific Press Publishing Association, $10,000 to the Edmonton School in England, $2,000 for the Williamsdale School, $2,000 for the publishing and school work on the west coast of South America, $2,000 for the Skodsborg Sanitarium, and $4,000 for the work in the West Indies. These institutions are all very much in need of the funds apportioned them. No denomination has ever prospered that neglected its institutional work. We well remember when our work in denominational and educational lines began. There were some so narrow in their views that they really thought it was unnecessary; but facts have demonstrated that by means of our educational institutions, the great mass of our ministers have come into the work. Before we had these agencies, we were losing our young people at a terrible rate. The religious influences in connection with our schools have held a vast number of our very best young people, and they have become consecrated, useful workers. We pity the Seventh-day Adventist who fails to see the importance of the educational work. Multitudes of people have become acquainted with us and have become interested in our work, simply as the result of our sanitariums and the work of our schools. We have reached a class of people through these that we could not have reached in any other way. Many have come to our sanitariums, become interested in our principles, and through this means have received the truth. When they had received so much benefit in our sanitariums, it was pretty hard for other people to make them believe that these institutions were not worthy of confidence. A vast amount of unreasonable prejudice has been overcome by the work of these institutions, and no one can reasonably deny that they have accomplished good. The spirit of prophecy has spoken very plainly upon this matter. The Pacific Press has passed through great calamities, by fire and by earthquake, and now it is sadly in need of the $20,000 which has been appropriated to it from this fund. The school at Edmonton, England, according to all reports is very much in need of the money appropriated to it from the fund. Our poor institution in Nova Scotia is in great need of assistance. A brother was sent all the way from there to plead with the brethren of the General Conference that some assistance be given them with reference to this matter. Our work on the west coast of South America is much in need of the facilities which will be provided by the $2,000 appropriated to the work there. Our brethren in the West Indies are in need of the money that will come to them, because of losses by the earthquake and fire. And the assistance that is to be given to the Skodsborg Sanitarium is greatly needed. The reader will notice that here is a large range of most needy enterprises, all of which are struggling as it were for their very existence, and need the help that they will get from this fund. America must be the cherishing mother to help these various enterprises in different parts of the world. We wish to see them prosper. How can we use our money in a way that will bring truer satisfaction as we look back upon our lives, than to take hold of this important fund vigorously and do our part? It is not to establish some great enterprise, but it is to send forth streams of blessing from many different centers, and help to fit young people for the work. The progress of this great cause, sending out rays of light and truth to different parts of the world, ought to be the dearest thing to all our hearts. This is something to live for that is worthy of our life's effort. May the Lord help our people to take hold of this work with new and increased energy and carry it on like people who are waiting for the coming of the Lord, and longing for his appearing. GEO. I. BUTLER.