Appealing to the World for Means

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 5, 1908

Appealing to the World for Means

SOME may have questioned the propriety of appealing to the people of the world for means with which to carry forward this message, and others may have been somewhat lukewarm concerning the plan which has been presented for the Thanksgiving ingathering. For the benefit of both classes, and for the encouragement of all our people, we present the following brief extracts from what Sister E. G. White has written concerning this matter:—

Letters of inquiry have come to me regarding the advisability of carrying out the plan outlined above. In answer, I would refer all to the example of Nehemiah. When about to journey to Jerusalem with the hope of restoring the walls about the stricken city of his fathers, he frankly told King Artaxerxes of the work he contemplated doing, and requested help to insure the success of the enterprise. He obtained a letter to the keeper of the king’s forest in the mountains of Lebanon, directing him to furnish such timber as would be needed for the wall of Jerusalem and the buildings that were to be erected. And the means which he lacked he solicited from those who were able to bestow.

The Lord’s work might receive far greater favors than it is now receiving, if we would approach men in wisdom, acquainting them with the work, and giving them an opportunity of doing that which it is our privilege to induce them to do for its advancement. If we, as God’s servants, would take a wise and prudent course, his good hand would prosper us in our efforts.