Branch Sabbath-Schools
By Flora L. Plummer
THE planning of active missionary work in the home, in the neighborhood, in the town or city where they live, is the first work to be considered by all who desire to become missionaries. The organization of branch Sabbath-schools has often demonstrated the value of the plan as a means of developing workers and carrying the gospel into the homes of many who have not yet heard the advent message. Many very encouraging reports of this work have been received, but we have space for but a few. The following is from a young lady, and tells of her first experience in this kind of work:— “Our branch school was organized last May, and is held at the home of one of our sisters. The interest among the children has grown steadily. For quite a while we were obliged to go out and gather them in each week, but gradually we have made them feel that we trusted them to come alone, and on time. The children are from five to twelve years of age. We have found it more satisfactory to have them all in one kindergarten class, as some of them have had no Bible instruction whatever. Otherwise our school is conducted in much the same way as our regular Sabbath-school. The interest shown in the simple lessons is remarkable. One little Indian girl, twelve years old, borrowed a Bible, and looked up the lessons. When she met one of the helpers in our school, she said to her, ‘O, those stories she tells at Sabbath-school are all true; for we borrowed a Bible and found out!’ As her grandparents had helped her in the search, we feel sure that they learned some truths also. The mother and sister of one little boy attended our church services one Sabbath, to find out what kind of people we were. Afterward they sent the child to our branch school regularly. This lady has asked for Bible readings to be held at her home. She has never before felt any interest in religious things. A Catholic lady who sends two children is particularly faithful in sending them on time, and in teaching them the lesson and the memory verse. The children are all given The Little Friend, and the mothers are supplied with The Signs of the Times. Though we do not see fruits in every case, we know that seeds are being sown, and that the Lord will care for the results; so we are full of courage.” Another interesting report is from a young colored sister in one of our large cities:— “For two months I have been holding a branch Sabbath-school at a private house, with an average attendance of eighteen. We call for nearly all the children each time, as in that way we get more of them out. I have talked some to the children about the children in foreign lands, and compared their condition with ours. For the past month I have been taking up a collection, and each Sabbath get a fair donation. I have also talked to them about the home missionary work which they could do among their playmates. We call our school the Bee Hive, and the children are the bees. This idea has pleased them, and created quite an interest. I illustrate our Bible lesson with simple objects, and they seem to be really interested. My children are all colored, as I am working among my own people. I find this work opens the homes of the people to me. I am at present helping to nurse two of my pupils. By so doing, I have won the confidence of the mother. This work opens up many opportunities. I send the Signs to the parents by the children.” The workers in some of the mission fields are using the branch-school plan as an entering wedge into the homes of the people. Sister Hoffman, of Finland, writes of successful work in Borga. A branch school has also been started in Honolulu in the Portuguese district. It is well attended, and the workers are planning for another in a different part of the city. This branch work is ideal for young people. Some who have never had experience in teaching in our regular Sabbath-schools have met with the best of success in this work. One of our ministers who had opportunity to observe the results of such work writes: “Nearly all the members of our regular school have something to do in branch Sabbath-school work. Even the children seem to feel a responsibility in bringing others to the schools. I do not know of anything that we have taken hold of yet that has in it the possibility of developing workers that this has.” What a wonderful factor in spreading a knowledge of the truth this branch Sabbath-school work might be, if it were taken up by every church, and as far as possible in every home. These little schools would become centers of light, reflecting truth to all who come within reach of their influence. The lights from such schools would form no small part of that great light which will fill the whole earth with its glory.