For All the Mission Fields
By W. A. Spicer
IT is not for Christiania alone that we are lifting when the midsummer offering of July 5 is taken up. That, in itself—the redemption of the publishing house and the splendid work to follow in Northern Europe—might well be sufficient to rally every soul to the rescue. But, in addition to this incentive, we may know that there is not a great mission field in the world but that will feel the stirring of fresh hope and courage if the word goes out that by one grand lift, all together, the Christiania matter has been completed. Every mission field will then know that all our mission resources will henceforward be released for the definite forward movement that is to add vast territories to our field of operation, and add many new tongues to the list of languages in which the truth is sounding. The day of quick moves and great things is come. “There is a world to be saved,” and, thank God! we are to be the heralds of the good news. Every one knows with what zest one can take hold of a light task that prepares the way for a greater work on which the heart is set. All the enthusiasm for the greater purpose drives the energies forward to make quick work of the preparatory task. By all our love for the cause of missions, by the constraining love of Jesus for the perishing millions for whom we have a message, we are to make short work of this Christiania obligation. God has fulfilled his promise of blessing in the matter. Many hands and loving hearts have made light work of lifting the major part of the burden. Now the whole task may be completed by one strong pull. This conviction forces itself upon brethren here at home. The same conviction is felt by our brethren now assembled in the European General Conference, in London. Surely the conviction is of God, and the Spirit of God must be preparing in the hearts of all the people such a response as will send a thrill of joy through all the needy mission fields abroad. The envelopes for taking up the offering will be sent to all the churches about the middle of June, so that all may be in readiness for the collection, July 5. Encourage all the children to have something to give. Let not one miss the blessing. This question of giving is not a depressing subject to talk about in these times. The truth is to be carried through every land within a few years. It is the one aim of all who understand God’s truth. To go and to give are the ways in which we may show our faith and be a part of this work. The one called of God to give may do it as enthusiastically as the one called to go. Thank God for a cause in which we may not fear to invest all we have and are. For his dear sake let us do our duty. W. A. SPICER,
Secretary Mission Board.