The Power of a Missionary Spirit
Jesus Christ never lacked for an audience, nor did He disdain an audience of one. The people would follow Him by thousands to hear "the gracious words that proceeded out of His mouth." What did He say that was so wonderful?—He merely preached the Word of God (John 14:24; 17:8, 14), and made it plain by simple illustrations. So with John the Baptist, to whom the multitudes flocked from the cities to the wilderness to hear him preach the Word given him of the Spirit. What was the secret?—A message from God, and Spirit-filled lives. The missionary spirit has power to attract. Mrs. W. C. Grainger, of Shiba, Japan, writes to our Missionary Magazine concerning a native brother (Kuniya) who went out to preach: "He had no money for traveling expenses, so sold his boots and watch. He went from place to place, preaching to hundreds of people, and at one place he said there were a thousand present. He came home greatly encouraged. The people gladly gave him his board, and also helped defray his traveling expenses. A lady of unusual intelligence became so interested in the truth that she came 150 miles to hear more concerning these things, and to see us."