Opening of the Foreign Mission Seminary by M. E. Kern

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 12, 1912

Opening of the Foreign Mission Seminary

By M. E. Kern

THE season for the opening of our schools, when the Adventist youth are leaving their homes to enter upon definite lines of preparation for the Master's service, is always one of great interest to the entire denomination. And in no school is there, perhaps, such general interest as in the Foreign Mission Seminary, because of its intimate relation to the giving of "the advent message to all the world in this generation." It is the gateway to the regions beyond.

The Seminary began its sixth year's work on Wednesday, September 4, with appropriate exercises. Addresses were made by Prof. W. W. Prescott, Prof. H. R. Salisbury, Dr. H. N. Sisco, and Brother L. A. Hansen.

Professor Prescott emphasized especially what he termed the A B C in the qualifications of missionaries,—A, adaptability; B, breadth; C, consecration.

The apostle Paul, the great missionary of the early church, possessed these qualifications. As to the first, he became "all things to all men" that he might save some. Adaptability does not mean the sacrificing of any principles that we hold, but it is that quality that enables one to fit into a position, to recognize the vital need and to address himself to it, and to instil into the minds of the people those principles of truth which he holds. In order to do this, he must adapt himself to the situation, and reach out and win the souls of the people, rather than make some change in their outward form of life.

As to breadth, our missionary operations call for the very best mental ability we have. The fact that we are operating in many fields where the people are ignorant is no reason why we should send workers lacking in education to these fields. That so-called breadth of view which looks upon all religions as more or less equal, is not what is wanted. That is not breadth, but narrowness. The Christian religion excludes all others. Gal. 1:8.

This same missionary said, "Neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord." This is consecration. Now when these three qualifications meet, we shall have just that kind of workers who will do efficient and effective work in the foreign fields.

Dr. Sisco spoke of the importance of medical missionary work, and of the facilities at Washington for giving a training in this line. He said, in part:

"Aside from the general instruction in our medical work here, we have that which is very practical. I refer to the dispensary in the city of Washington. We have quite an ideal situation there. The dispensary has been running ever since the first of May. We have found that it is just the place where our nurses can get that training which they will need when they go out into the foreign field, where they will meet conditions similar to the ones found in this poor section of Washington. Besides ministering to the physical needs of the people, our nurses are bringing light and hope into the hearts of those whom they treat from day to day. Thus the nurse is effectually combining the missionary and the medical phase of this message."

Several graduate nurses have already entered the postgraduate missionary nurses' course, and others are coming. Another special feature of the Seminary this year is the class of colporteurs in training for foreign service, under the leadership of Brother J. A. P. Green, of Mexico. The opportunities afforded by the Seminary for ministerial training, and the needs of the great Eastern cities, have attracted several young men from various parts of the field.

The indications are that the Seminary will have a successful year's work. Others planning to enter should do so very soon.

M. E. KERN, President.