OF INTEREST TO CHURCH ELDERS and LIBRARIANS
By H. H. Hall
Important recommendations with reference to a great Home Missionary Campaign were passed at the recent General Conference Council at College View, Nebraska. 1. We recommend that a mighty missionary campaign be inaugurated this fall which shall know no cessation until this Gospel of the kingdom is carried to every nation, tongue and people; and that such varied and effective plans be developed in every conference and church as will assign a specific place in this movement to every man, woman and child among us. 2. This campaign to be introduced in the following manner:— (a) By devoting the month of November principally to the circulation of periodicals and tracts, and the month of December to the sale of “Object Lessons,” “Story of Joseph,” and such other literature as may be adapted to the development of interests already created. (b) That Missionary Conventions in all our churches be held on Sabbath, October 29, and Sabbath, November 26. On the first Sabbath, October 29, the following topics be considered:— “A Call to Service.” — Mrs. E. G. White “Continuance in Well-doing” — A. G. Daniells “The Best Ways of Using Tracts and Periodicals” — Various Writers “Our Young People, Their Privileges and Responsibilities” — M. E. Kern In the second convention, Sabbath, November 26, consideration be given to the following topics:— “Dedicated Literature” — W. C. White “The Development of House-to-house Workers” — H. H. Hall “Mission of Our Large Books” — E. R. Palmer “Family Bible Studies and How to Conduct Them,” S. N. Haskell 3. The Readings and a Suggestive Program for these Conventions, together with detailed plans for the campaign, to be published in the “Review;” and in order that this essential information, and the valuable instruction and interesting reports from the world-wide field, which this paper contains, may be studied by all our people, We recommend, That during the month of October, the Librarians, Church Elders and Conference Laborers seek to place it in the home of every Sabbath-keeper. 4. To make this movement most effective and economical, We recommend, That special attention be given to the work of following up every effort made, by securing yearly subscriptions to our periodicals, holding Family Bible Studies, making missionary visits, etc. Missionary Campaign Supplies
5. That the periodicals to be given particular prominence be, The Third Angel’s Message Series of the “Signs of the Times,” the Signs Number of the “Southern Watchman,” and such special issues of “Life and Health” and our foreign papers as may be announced later. 6. Among the tracts the use of which we would suggest, are “The Last Generation Message,” “Heralds of His Coming,” “Waymarks to the Holy City,” “Who Changed the Sabbath?” “Family Bible Teacher,” and the new envelope series of the Religious Liberty Leaflets. 7. We suggest the following books as being particularly appropriate in this movement, as they may be used anywhere and at any time without waiting to consult with the State Agent: “Object Lessons,” “Story of Joseph,” “Education,” “Mount of Blessing,” “Things Foretold,” “Cobblestones,” “Thoughts on Daniel” (paper), “Thoughts on Revelation” (paper), “Great Nations of To-day,” “Little Folks’ Bible Nature,” “Sunshine at Home” in foreign languages, “Steps to Christ,” and “Power for Witnessing.” 8. That the President, Missionary Secretary, State Agent, and Superintendent of Young People’s Work, be recognized as a committee in each Conference to direct this campaign, but in view of the necessity of immediate action, we urge each Church Elder and Librarian to begin work at once. You will at once recognize that while these plans are broad and practical, yet to be made effective, they must have the hearty co-operation of our Church Officers, particularly Elders and Librarians. The first step is to invite each Sabbath-keeping family to become a reader of the good REVIEW. The second includes the laying of careful plans for the Missionary Conventions to be held October 29. In some cases two or more churches may unite in these conventions; in others, distance may forbid. But whether union conventions or separate ones are held, shall we not plan for them at once? And, in our planning, shall we not arrange for each member to have some part? The articles and suggestions to be read are to take but a small portion of the time, and are designed to open the way for the congregation to relate experiences and otherwise express themselves. H. H. HALL, Secretary. General Conference Publishing Committee.