Twenty Cents a Week by Frederick M. Wilcox

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 7, 1913

Twenty Cents a Week

By Frederick M. Wilcox

At the recent General Conference it was recommended that our mission offerings be increased to an amount averaging twenty cents a week per member. It was determined that an amount equaling fifteen cents a week per member should be devoted to the support and extension of mission work in lands outside of the United States, and the remainder—five cents—to be devoted to the liquidation of debts now existing on schools and sanitariums. This plan was adopted after careful and mature deliberation, and we believe that it must commend itself to all our people.

Indeed it is gratifying to observe the hearty manner in which a number of our State conferences have already pledged themselves to the adoption of this plan. The reports of the camp-meetings held show that the matter was presented before the rank and file of our people in various States, and that they have entered into the plan heartily.

We know of no more just or equable manner in which funds can be raised for this purpose. By hearty, united effort on the part of the denomination, our work in other lands can now not only successfully be carried forward, but substantial reduction can be made from year to year in our institutional indebtedness, and surely this latter object is a most worthy one to secure.

Who can estimate the good that has resulted from the establishment of our schools? Scores and hundreds of earnest young men and women are laboring in this cause today who no doubt would have followed worldly vocations were it not that in our schools they have obtained a new vision of life and its possibilities, and through the influence of godly instructors have had their consciences awakened to hear the call of the Master for enlistment in his service.

The same is true of our sanitariums. To them has come a class of people who have been brought into touch with our work and with the principles we hold who undoubtedly would never have made this connection under other circumstances.

What are the debts resting on our institutions today compared to the worth of souls and to the great good that has been accomplished? and what are the debts compared to the resources of this people and the results to be attained by their united effort for the next few years? By the hearty cooperation of all, no heavy burden will be thrown upon any.

Every conference, every church, and every individual should give hearty support to the effective operation of this plan. How may this be done?—By increasing our general offerings for missionary purposes; by an increased distribution and more earnest solicitation in the circulation of the Harvest Ingathering REVIEW. That which swells the Sabbath-school offerings, the Harvest Ingathering funds, the week of prayer offerings, and the other missionary offerings of the church, helps to make up this amount. May God give to his people willing hearts in this day of opportunity.

F. M. W.