p. 22 | The Second Annual Self-Supporting Missionary Convention

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 19, 1909

The Second Annual Self-Supporting Missionary Convention

From August 27 to 30 at the Nashville Agricultural and Normal Institute at Madison, Tenn., will be held the second annual convention of self-supporting missionaries. The main object of this meeting is to study the great Southern field with its multitude of openings, and to study the principles underlying self-supporting missionary work, and to bring together those who are actively engaged in self-supporting missionary work with those who have a desire to become self-supporting workers.

For years the Lord has been calling upon this people to enter the Southern field as self-supporting missionaries. At the convention last fall many of the leading General Conference brethren showed their interest in this movement by attending the meeting and speaking words of encouragement to those engaged in self-supporting work. At the last General Conference a recommendation, found in the General Conference Bulletin, page 344, was passed which shows that our people recognize the importance of encouraging this movement. One section of the recommendation reads as follows:—

“We further recommend, That our stronger conferences search out and encourage suitable persons to undertake this self-supporting work, and that the workers thus selected be encouraged to pursue a course of instruction at the Nashville Normal and Agricultural Institute.”

Since the last convention Sister E. G. White and Elder W. C. White visited the Madison school and some of the rural schools established by the Madison school. A few words spoken by Sister White will show her interest and attitude toward the self-supporting work. “The Lord would have the influence of this school widely extended by the means of the establishment of small mission schools in the needy settlements in the hills where consecrated teachers may open the Scriptures to hungry souls. We feel interested in these schools. There is a wide field before us in the establishment of family mission schools.”

There are many who do not feel qualified to conduct schools who could conduct a model home and farm. To do this in the proper way is one of the most fruitful methods of placing the third angel’s message before the people in a practical and acceptable manner. There is room for thousands of self-supporting missionaries who can conduct these simple home missionary stations. Such homes can be centers from which may be carried on effectual evangelistic canvassing, medical missionary work, cottage meetings, etc.

A number of those who will attend the convention have had several years of actual experience in this work. Souls have been brought to a knowledge of the third angel’s message by these workers. If you are among those who believe that God has called you to take up this kind of work, we earnestly invite you to attend.

The convention will last four days. We will be glad to correspond with any who are interested in attending. Address E. A. Sutherland, Madison, Tenn.