Missionary Volunteer Department by M. E. Kern

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 1, 1915

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 92, No. 16.

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Missionary Volunteer Department

By M. E. Kern

M. E. KERN General and N. Am. Div. Secretary

C. L. BENSON - - - Assistant Secretary

MEADE MACGUIRE N. Am. Div. Field Secretary

An Important Occasion

WHAT would it profit a denomination if it should carry its message to the whole world and lose its own children? Is there anything more important to the church than the salvation and training of its youth? Are we not first of all responsible for the members of our own household? Will the Lord hold us guiltless if we neglect our young people?

Yet we have neglected them. "Much has been lost to the cause of God," we are told, "by a lack of attention to the young." Then this question is asked: "Why should not this labor for the youth in our borders be regarded as the highest kind of missionary work?" Can any one say why it should not be so regarded? Can you tell why such labor should be considered missionary work of the highest order? The answer follows: "It will require the most delicate tact, the most thoughtful consideration, the most earnest prayer that heavenly wisdom may be imparted."—"Christian Education," page 222. And again: "It is the nicest work ever assumed by men and women to deal with youthful minds."—Id., page 5.

How fitting, then, that the General Conference should set apart one Sabbath of each year for the whole church to consider this important problem. Is there any special day which we observe so important as this one? Those who are aware of the fact that in some places we are losing as high as sixty-six per cent of the young people who come up through the Sabbath school, will welcome such a day, for they sense their own weakness in the presence of the problem, and feel the need of special study and prayer. Those who do not see the necessity of a special effort for the young surely need such a day to quicken their comprehension, for "God requires the church to arouse from its lethargy, and see what manner of service is demanded in this time of peril."—"Testimonies for the Church," Vol. VI, page 196.

How appropriate the time—the first Sabbath in May. At this time of year our thoughts turn to the opening buds, the germinating seeds, the springing flowers. How important that the seeds be planted at the proper time, and the tender plants properly cared for! But O, how much more important that our children should be properly nourished and nurtured in the springtime of their lives! How important that the blossoms of beautiful character should be seen in their lives in order that they may bear the fruits of righteousness!

But such results do not come by chance. Somebody works, somebody studies, somebody prays, somebody sacrifices and suffers when souls are rescued from the grasp of the enemy and trained in the ways of righteousness and God's service. "There ought to be many whose hearts are touched by the pitiable situation in which our youth are placed, who realize that Satan is working by every conceivable device to draw them into his net."—Ib.

Not only should church elders make definite plans for the observance of Missionary Volunteer Day, but the whole church should plan and pray for the services on that day. I believe it would be pleasing to God if many would make it a day of fasting and prayer.

M. E. KERN.