Some Reasons for a $50,000 Offering
By W. A. Spicer
THE fact that the whole world lies open before us, and that the angels of God are waiting to speed with us through every land with the message, is sufficient to inspire an effort that might produce twice $50,000. But there is evidence in the things we have not done, in the specific calls that we have this year refused, that ought to lead every soul to pray and work for the $50,000 offering during the week of prayer. By the ordinary sources of income we must come short of supplying what Europe asked for on account of current work by eight or ten thousand dollars. Europe sadly needs the full amount; the very progress of their splendid work demands it. The lack of it means a cutting down of effort, and the withdrawal of the helping hand from hands outstretched toward us. The mission fields generally — abroad and in the South — have received less than the estimates called for. The estimates were based on the actual demands. The shortage comes out of the workers, who loyally push on with the facilities provided; but the annual offering is looked to from all the ends of the earth as bringing the word either of advancement or retrenchment. Which shall it be? Africa has called for new stations in Barotseland and Khama’s country. Early in the year workers were ready to respond. But it was seen that the finances would not permit the effort. A schoolhouse has long been called for in the Basuto Mission. Still the plea comes. Ministerial and other workers are called for in the South African colonies, but we must wait for funds to pay transportation. India has been left to itself since early in the year. At least one additional ministerial worker was earnestly called for to enter cities ripe for public effort, but it was impossible to send. A teacher was called for, and one was ready to go, but we have had to let the year pass by without response. Polynesia asked for a teacher for Fiji, where there is splendid progress. It was impossible to authorize it. To provide Utila, Bay Islands, with a teacher, one worker was transferred from the needy land of Spanish Honduras, where we had two laborers. British Honduras asked in vain to be allowed to employ a native laborer in house-to-house effort in up-country districts. The territory now composing the new republic of Panama has called for one more worker all the year — and is still waiting in hope. The whole west coast of South America is left with one American worker. A brother who spent years there in successful book work is now ready to return from California as soon as funds are available. Other workers are praying for the way to open for them to go to that region, for which their hearts are burdened. Our little force there feel that surely we do not understand the need of reinforcements. The brother who has stood alone in the truth long years in the republic of Hayti is still hoping some worker may come to that island. Porto Rico is earnestly desiring a worker qualified in Spanish, to push the literature. We could send one there with money. Several have volunteered for Cuba, which still lies at our door — unentered. Spanish books are needed, something small and illustrated, and sounding the message of the Lord’s coming and the preparation to meet him. The vast Spanish Catholic field is waiting for this literature. The work should ere this have been done, but it requires considerable outlay before returns can be expected. Our Mission Board letter-files would show many another request. The spreading forth of our work has touched the crying need of earth’s vast millions. Last year several conferences gave largely of surplus funds for missions. Not so many have been able to do it this year. More attention has been given to home enterprises this year, also. As a result the regular income for missions has been less than last year, and with the new work undertaken already, it has been impossible to respond to many a call that is so reasonable and so pitifully urgent. But it has been a year of most cheering progress. We have never received better reports. The truth has taken root in many a new center, and will grow and increase. But a $50,000 annual offering to close up the account for 1903 and open that for 1904 is surely a thing to work for and pray for. In such a work there should be none of this giving “without feeling it.” Let us give till we feel it, and then give till we don’t feel it. For the cause of Christ and the carrying of this message to the world, the only hard thing is to have nothing to give. For such is the blessed privilege of prayer to the Lord of the harvest. The field is large and white unto harvest, but we can cover it before the night comes, and the storm breaks. There is grace sufficient. Let us rise up and do the work.