Home Missionary Work by Arthur G. Daniells

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 17, 1913

Home Missionary Work

By Arthur G. Daniells

AMONG the very important and far-reaching recommendations adopted by the delegates at the General Conference just closed are the following:—

Church Work

Whereas, The life of the church depends largely upon the missionary activities of its members; and,—

Whereas, Such activity can be greatly stimulated and aided by live and well-instructed church tract society officers; therefore,—

1. Resolved, That advanced steps be taken by officers of each conference and mission field in the thorough training of librarians and missionary leaders for their duties, by—

a. Personal and private instruction in the home and local churches.

b. Gathering these officers together from a group of churches and conducting institutes with them.

c. Bringing them together at general meetings for instruction and counsel.

2. We recommend, That home missionary secretaries, for both the General Conference and the North American Division Conference, be appointed for the promotion of the church missionary work. The duty of the secretaries shall be to cooperate with our conferences and missions, each in his own field, in building up the church tract and missionary work by—

a. Developing such practical plans and simple instruction as will unite all our churches in a general missionary movement.

b. The publication, through the medium of church and conference papers and personal and circular letters, of such missionary reports and experiences as will lead our people everywhere to appreciate their opportunities, and stir themselves to greater activity.

The object of these recommendations is to set on foot an active, earnest, effective home missionary movement. The leaders in the General Conference and in the union and local conferences have long felt the great need of personal efforts by our people in soul-winning service.

Most earnest counsel has come to us through the spirit of prophecy regarding this important work. We have been told of the great blessing that would come to us personally, to the cause, and to the people for whom we labor, when we put forth the efforts we should for the salvation of souls. We have been warned, too, of the unspeakable loss that would result from failure to do this work.

Somehow a deep conviction seems to have come to our leaders everywhere that we must now inaugurate a great home missionary campaign and thus hasten the finishing of the work committed to us. Who can tell how quickly the warning message can be given to the world by a hundred thousand earnest, zealous believers? Every one should read again and with great care the chapter on "The Home Missionary Work" in "Testimonies for the Church," Volume VI.

In harmony with the counsel of the spirit of prophecy and the General Conference recommendation given above, the General Conference Committee has begun its part of this work. Sister Edith M. Graham has been appointed secretary of the Home Missionary branch of the Publishing Department. In 1894 Sister Graham joined the staff of workers in the Australian Conference. For nineteen years she has remained with the Australasian staff, rendering most efficient and greatly appreciated service. In later years the burden of her heart has been to organize and stimulate our churches for successful missionary work. So she now takes up this important feature of the work with Elder N. Z. Town, the secretary of the Publishing Department. We feel sure she will have the hearty cooperation of our leaders and people in all parts of the world.

When we realize that it is an unfinished work that now delays the coming of our blessed Master, and so prolongs the reign of sin and suffering, surely we must all take hold of this home missionary movement.

"Were every one of you a living missionary, the message for this time would speedily be proclaimed in all countries, to every people and nation and tongue. This is the work that must be done before Christ shall come in power and great glory."—"Testimonies for the Church," Vol. VI, page 438.

A. G. DANIELLS, President General Conference.