p. 861 | Educational Department by M. E. Kern

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 4, 1913

Educational Department

By M. E. Kern

J. L. SHAW . . . . . General Secretary W. E. HOWELL . . . . . N. Am. Div. Asst. Secretary

A Call for Young Women

"God’s cause today is in great need of the living representative of the Bible truth. The ordained ministers, alone, are not equal to the task."

We have long looked forward to the time when "by thousands of voices all over the earth, the warning will be given." Surely it is the will of God that our force of workers should be greatly increased. "There should be one hundred believers actively engaged in personal missionary work, where now there is but one."

There has come to Seventh-day Adventists in the last few years a very definite call for the inauguration of a great evangelistic movement in behalf of our great cities in America and the world. "This question of the work in the cities is to become a living question with us."

In the efforts that have been put forth in response to this call much has been learned of the great needs, and of what is required to do the work. One great need which stands out in bold relief is that of a much larger corps of Bible workers. It seems very clear that this work can never be done without a large force of well-qualified lady workers to assist in carrying the message into the homes of the people.

In "Testimonies for the Church," Vol. IX, page 111, we read:—

"Of equal importance with special public efforts is house-to-house work in the homes of the people. In large cities there are certain classes that cannot be reached by public meetings. These must be searched out as the shepherd searches for his lost sheep. Diligent, personal effort must be put forth in their behalf. When personal work is neglected, many precious opportunities are lost, which, were they improved, would advance the work decidedly.

"As the result of the presentation of the truth in large congregations, a spirit of inquiry is awakened, and it is especially important that this interest be followed up by personal labor. Those who desire to investigate the truth need to be taught to study diligently the Word of God. Some one must help them to build on the sure foundation. At this critical time in their religious experience, how important it is that wisely directed Bible workers come to their help, and open to their understanding the treasure-house of God’s Word."

Here is a line of work in which hundreds, or even thousands, of our sisters can take part. Who of our young women will respond to the call? Does it not thrill your hearts with joy to know that you can have a part in bringing this truth directly to those who know it not?

Doubtless many will say, "I am not prepared." True; and the Bible worker who engages in this personal evangelism must know well her Bible, and also how to reach the people. So "the Lord calls upon our young people to enter our schools and quickly fit themselves for service. In various places, outside of cities, schools are to be established, where our youth can receive an education that will prepare them to go forth to do evangelistic work and medical missionary work."

A few such schools have been established. At the Foreign Mission Seminary we are making a special effort to do the work called for, and God has blessed the effort. The demand for our young lady Bible workers has been, of course, greater than the supply. Are there not scores of our young women who will enter these schools this fall to prepare themselves for the Bible work? "The day is short, the work is vast, the reward is great, the Master urges."

M. E. KERN, President Washington Foreign Mission Seminary.