The Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollar Fund by Arthur G. Daniells

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 1, 1906

The Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollar Fund

By Arthur G. Daniells

For Special Work at Home and Abroad

How an Apparently Large Task Can be Performed

At first thought, the proposal to raise a fund of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars appears like a tremendous task which it will take years to finish; but a little study and planning will show that there is a way by which this undertaking can be carried out easily and quickly without placing a hardship upon any one.

Our statistical report for 1905 shows that there are 59,260 members of our church in the United States and Canada. If each one of these would contribute $2.53 toward this fund, we should have $150,000. If each member would lay aside ten cents a day for twenty-six days, we should have the whole amount required, and we should have it all raised in the short space of one month.

On the point of membership, it is plain that the raising of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars is not a really serious undertaking.

But how about the resources of these members? Are they able to spare ten cents a day from their incomes for twenty-six days? Are not some of these members aged and penniless? Are not some of them widows with very slender resources to support their children? Are not some of them children who earn little or nothing?

Yes, there are a few of all these classes numbered among our members. Some of these would not be able to contribute anything to speak of; but on the other hand, there are thousands of our members who are enjoying great prosperity. They have excellent health, splendid wages, fine crops, and high prices. To such ten cents a day for twenty-six days would be so small that they would scarcely take time to give it a second thought. Hundreds of these would say, as one brother has said, “Yes, I will pay for twenty-five members who can not pay.” Another has given one hundred dollars, a sum which will pay for forty persons who can give nothing.

Thus it is plain, that, taking our membership and resources into account, the raising of one hundred and fifty thousand dollars is not an unreasonable undertaking. It need not work hardship on any, and it need not take long to raise the sum. Then let us all rally and show what can be quietly, quickly, and fully accomplished.

A. G. DANIELLS.