Where Are These Funds Used?
By W. T. Bland
Shall We Make It $50,000?
The annual offering which is made at the close of the week of prayer is always the largest single offering made during the year. To a certain extent it is an index to our interest in the great mission fields of the world. It in a way regulates the appropriations made to carry forward the work in the regions beyond. If the offering is large, it is a sure indication that our people are anxious to see this work vigorously pushed forward. It means that they will follow it up throughout the year, not only with their regular weekly offerings and donations to special fields that they are interested in, but with their earnest prayers as well. Fifty thousand dollars to most of us looks like a large amount, and it would be a larger offering than has yet been made at any one time, but it is easily within the reach of this denomination. It can easily be made. For example: If every church-member in the United States alone will contribute just one dollar to this fund, and if every member of our Sabbath-schools who is not yet a church-member will contribute fifty cents each, it will be done—in fact, it will be DOUBLED. Now does not that look easy? Does there appear any reasonable excuse why it should not be done? Let each one consider this matter as one in which he is personally and earnestly interested, and it will be done. Where Are These Funds Used?
They are used in those fields where we have sent laborers, opened up work, or established missions; and already these missionaries are in every continent and in almost every country, while others are being hurried to their aid as rapidly as our funds will permit. Never in the history of the world were there such opportunities for this work as right now. Great nations that for centuries have been locked in the tyranny of heathenism have suddenly thrown open the gates of their countries and the doors of their homes, and to-day beckon, even plead, for the light and power and truth of Christianity. Shall we who make so high a profession, and who believe in the literal fulfilment of prophecy, not be most active in these things? of every denomination is now, The gospel to all the world in this generation. Does not this have a keenly significant meaning to every Seventh-day Adventist? And shall we not more than double our efforts and energies during the year 1904? A new spirit and power has already come into our churches. From every direction and on every mail letters come pouring into our offices indicating better courage and hope than have been manifested for many years. This is as it should be; for trying times are just ahead. Fierce battles are to be waged, and great victories to be won, all of which will require all the courage and strength that can be mustered during these days of preparation. Just now we should establish our work, and make it strong, in all parts of the world. Certainly there is no time for delay. But it means activity on the part of every individual member of the church. Activity brings strength. An individual Christian experience is continued only by helping others; this is the Christian’s vantage ground, his great opportunity. In raising this great fund for our missions? Of course every minister and laborer in whatever capacity will do all within his power. But they can not do all. Every church elder and every Sabbath-school superintendent will be especially active. But the greatest of all, every individual will make the question this year a personal matter, and the offering in every church will be a large one. Every church should make a special effort to raise a fund equal to at least one dollar a member for the entire membership. Of course there are always those who are liberal in their donations, and who are able to make large gifts. Then there are many isolated ones who do not have the privilege of giving with the church, but who desire to send in their largest contribution at this time: their gifts and letters are always a source of courage to those who receive them. Brethren, there will not be many more privileges and opportunities for occasions of this kind, and shall we not enter into them earnestly, and count it a great joy? And may it not only be the beginning of better days, and a great work in our vast mission fields, but in our churches, our homes, and our individual experiences as well? If we can start the new year off with a round $50,000, it will give a new impetus to our foreign mission work, and every one who contributes to this fund will have a part in it, whether he goes to those fields or remains at home engaged in his own quiet work. W. T. BLAND,
Asst. Treasurer.