Missionary Opportunities by Clarence E. Moon

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 14, 1911

Missionary Opportunities

By Clarence E. Moon

CLARENCE E. MOON

There are opportunities that come to each one of us every day, and yet we may pass through life without finding them. Opportunities may seem to vanish before our very eyes, as in the case of Tantalus in the Greek myth: when he stopped to drink of the water at his feet, it vanished; and when he reached up to pluck the fruit from the branches, it was raised by the wind beyond his reach.

The primary requisite is a Spirit-filled life on the part of the worker, to have received into his own soul that love which transforms the whole life. “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10. The first part of this text has in it the key to successful missionary effort, “As every man hath received the gift.” Before we can impart to others, we must have had the experience of God’s grace in our own life.

If we could only realize this much, what a grand thing it would be! For young people who are anxious about entering the mission fields, who feel special anxiety about receiving a direct call from God, how simple it would all be! Why, we would simply begin our missionary effort with our schoolmate, with our brother or sister out of Christ, and would work, as did our blessed Pattern, for those with whom we meet.

On page 153 of “Ministry of Healing,” we read under the head of “Little Opportunities:” “Let none pass by little opportunities to look for larger work. You might do successfully the small work, but fail utterly in attempting the larger work, and fall into discouragement. It is by doing with your might what you find to do that you will develop aptitude for larger work. It is by slighting the daily opportunities, by neglecting the little things right at hand, that so many become fruitless and withered. Do not depend on human aid. Look beyond human beings, to the One appointed by God to bear our griefs, to carry our sorrows, and to supply our necessities. Taking God at his word, make a beginning wherever you find work to do, and move forward with unfaltering faith. It is faith in Christ’s presence that gives strength and steadfastness. Work with unselfish interest, with painstaking effort, with persevering energy.”

Again we read from page 159: “There is no limit to the usefulness of the one who, putting self aside, makes room for the working of the Holy Spirit upon his heart, and lives a life wholly consecrated to God.”

San Francisco, Cal.