I HAVE recently been requested by R. G. Willingham, corresponding secretary Southern Baptist Convention Foreign Mission Board, to supply information concerning a person who is an applicant for appointment as a missionary. I was so impressed when answering certain of the ten questions on the "Confidential" blank, as, also, with the leaflet which accompanied it, that I decided to place them before our readers; and especially those who are ready to say, "Send me." Note some of the questions:
Does he work with uncongenial persons and in unfavorable surroundings?
Is he liable to undue discouragement or depression of spirits?
Is he in any respect peculiar or eccentric?
Do you know any reason—social, physical, mental, or moral—why he should not be appointed?
These questions are suggestive, and should be carefully considered by the applicant:
"4." Sin is the enemy of righteousness, and those who seek the lost will often encounter many unpleasant things.
"5." If the missionary is easily depressed he is apt to retreat where he should occupy the field.
"6." Peculiarities after a "godly sort" are commendable, but pronounced personal peculiarities and eccentricities are objectionable, and show a lack of congeniality and adaptability which repel instead of draw, also inviting adverse criticism rather than the encodium, "He has been with Jesus and learned of Him."
"8." Social, physical, mental, and moral conditions require particular consideration. The world is in need of "balanced" men and women. These, alone, are rare. A scriptural marriage usually is a means to that end, supplemented by home and social restraints; but seen only in their greatest perfection in the fellowship of the Christian church, which is the "body," and in which all the gifts are to be displayed, the Holy Spirit working as He will through Christ who is the "head."
Therefore the great importance of organization and Mission Boards, to aid in selecting workers for peculiar fields and those who will be congenial to their fellow-workers also, and "To find out and send all whom God wants to go, . . . and keep from sending those whom the Lord has not called." This is a part of what Mr. Willingham says:
When a person decides that he wishes to be appointed as a missionary of the Foreign Mission Board he makes application through the corresponding secretary, whose duty it is to receive such application and gather information as to the applicant. The secretary sends a blank form, which the applicant fills out, telling the leading facts of his life as to time and place of birth, conversion, educational attainments, religious work done; also, as to whether in debt, married or engaged, field preferred, and other important points. The corresponding secretary writes to intimate friends and acquaintances of the applicant. To a great extent the board has to be guided by the information furnished by others. When brethren and sisters know a person is applying to be sent, it would be a kindness to write to the board and give any information which will help them to decide. When the board writes for information and you remain silent, when you know facts which should be told, you are unfaithful to your brethren and the Master. The board wishes to find out if the party is sound doctrinally, morally, mentally, and physically. Also whether he is earnest and faithful. He must not only be good, but good for hard work in trying circumstances. If the board is thus satisfied as to the applicant, he is requested to come and appear before them and stand an examination. At this examination he is questioned as to his conversion, and his call to the ministry and mission work. These meetings, where applicants come and tell the board of the leading of the Spirit in their call, are among the sweetest and most precious held by the board. If the applicant is approved, his field is assigned and arrangements are made for his departure.
The Famous Volcano Popocatapetl, Near the City of Mexico.
Some one may ask what are some of the qualities most needed in a missionary. Manliness in men and womanliness in women, spirituality, wisdom, good health. The missionary must be a person who feels the burden of souls and recognizes God's call to go and give them the Gospel. Knowing of their need of Christ, his soul must be so on fire to give them the truth that he can love them despite filth, ignorance, and iniquity abounding among them. The true missionary needs, above all things, to be Christlike. He needs to live Christ while he tells of Christ. It is one thing to apply for the work; it is quite another to go to the foreign field and prove that no mistake has been made in the appointment. No one ought to apply who has not fully decided, if appointed, to go and stay and "stick" and do his very best. There are too many good men and women anxious to go for any who are half-hearted to apply. Of course, in some cases, people break down in health and have to return home, but this warns us to send those who, we think, can best stand the different climates and the hard conditions in heathen lands. For any to go and then return in a short while, having taken "only a pleasant trip abroad," is exceedingly hurtful to the work.
We rejoice that we have so many noble men and women who represent us in foreign lands. Some have returned, but let us with these be charitable; the conditions by which they were surrounded were terrible.
The board has constantly to appoint new missionaries. Some die, others sicken and return home. Besides, our work is increasing, and we need new men and women. Pray that wisdom may be given for this most important task. Pray, also, that the dear men and women appointed may realize Christ's power and presence as they go forth in His name.
We close with the words by Norman H. Russell, missionary in India: "God does not count His workers; He weighs them. With Him it is more kind than numbers."
Thus when manly men and womanly women, spiritually minded, wise and physically capable, are sent forth to sow the precious seed, a harvest must follow. And when they are all aglow with the "blessed hope," sickness and death will not terrorize, nor will they be over-anxious to return to loved ones in the home-land, only as they antedate the glad re-union and blessed immortality in our heavenly home.
