p. 10 | Radiating Centers of Influence by T. E. Bowen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 26, 1914

Radiating Centers of Influence

By T. E. Bowen

T. E. BOWEN

For the great task given a comparatively small people in warning, in a short time, the world of the Saviour's near advent, the Lord seeks to place his people on vantage ground. The spirit of prophecy is given the church that through it God might point out dangers to be avoided, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, advantages of situations his people would not likely, of themselves, be quick to see.

Our Missionaries First Sent to Europe

The first field outside the United States in which the third angel's message strongly took root was Europe. God's people were guided to this portion of the great world field, and we can now understand the wisdom of the Lord in making the European field a strong center. Now, a division conference operates there, and a strong work is carried forward from this second base in our world mission field operations.

Australia Another World Center

A little later, when the work was small in Australia, and much was written from there by Sister White encouraging our people to establish the message in that section in a strong manner, not all could see why so much was said about that particular field. Now, the wisdom of having another strong base there, from which a great island territory might be worked, is very apparent.

The Work in the South

The next special emphasis was placed upon the needy southern field here in the United States. It was difficult to then understand just why. It is clearer now, as we see special difficulties arising in this section, and it is seen that much was lost by the slowness with which the instruction sent was carried out.

Other general forward movements in this cause might be mentioned, showing the divine foresight of our Captain, as he has led his servants on in taking advantage of opportunities in pressing forward this great world-wide movement.

The Opportunities of the Pacific Coast

Some have wondered why so much emphasis has been given to establishing the cause in a specially strong manner on the Pacific Coast. Schools and sanitariums have been established there when apparently so many institutions were not needed, or for the size of the territory it seemed that the number of institutions was out of proportion to like territory in other sections of the field. It may be the same Leader has been planning for us in this also. In this connection, it may be interesting at least to note what others now see in the way of possibilities for development in the near future on the Pacific Coast.

How Baptists' Regard the Advantages of the Coast

In the Baptist journal Missions for March there appears a leading article from N. B. Rairden, D. D., entitled "A Crisis on the Coast." After generalizing as to how great movements in population change general conditions, and that the traffic made possible by opening up lines of travel, such as the throwing open of the Union Pacific Railroad, and like trunk lines, resulted in opening up the West, he speaks as follows of "the next great crisis:"—

"While much remains to be done in the Middle West, the next great crisis is to be on the Pacific Coast. The completion of the Panama Canal means the entire reconstruction of passenger and commercial transportation of three continents, at least. The greatest changes will be in the Pacific Coast States and those immediately contiguous to them. It is reported that twenty-six great steamship lines have already arranged to establish lines direct to Pacific Coast points from Europe, South America, and the eastern part of North America. Here these tides of trade and travel will meet the tides from the Orient and Australia and the islands of the Pacific. It has already been reported that rates from Europe will be little more to Pacific Coast points than from Europe to New York. Already large numbers have 'booked' for these points, to come as soon as the canal is opened. Advance agents have been here [Pacific Coast, as he writes from Los Angeles] in great numbers to spy out the land and arrange for colonies from all parts of Europe. In a recent interview a representative of a great steamer line is said to have predicted that, beginning with 200,000 from Europe the first year, the tide will rapidly increase until it rivals the tide now breaking on our eastern shores. . . . Passenger officials estimate that this year the number of American citizens removing to the Pacific Coast States [from Eastern States] will number at least 200,000. Many thousands of the best people in Mexico are being thrown within our borders for permanent homes. The one dominant ambition in the minds of millions of the young men and women of the Orient is to come to the Pacific Coast. The treatment of those already here and of those who may come will have much to do with the prosperity of our missions in the Orient.

"What are we to do with this great inflow of population?—The natural resources of the Pacific Coast are said to be sufficient to support every family in the United States when fairly developed. It will take time to fit every one into his place, but there is no question that these Coast States can easily care in a material way for all who come. The greatest strain will be upon the religious and social organizations."

In speaking of their denominational work, Mr. Rairden then concludes: "This condition, just confronting the Baptists of the Pacific Coast States, is the most crucial that has confronted our Baptist people in any nation. It is utterly impossible for Baptists of the Pacific Coast to meet this crisis without greatly increased help from the Baptists of the nation."

With this before us, are we ready to say that Seventh-day Adventists, with a special message for the whole earth, are too strongly fortified to meet the new conditions which will surely come to that favored section on the opening of the Panama Canal? And, more, shall we not recognize the wisdom of God in preparing the way before us by planting the truth so firmly on the coast as has been done?

Advantages of Highways of Travel and Commerce

Jesus located at Capernaum. This was upon the then highway of travel through Palestine between Egypt and the East.

In "Testimonies for the Church," Vol. IX, pages 121, 122, we read: "In these days of travel, the opportunities for coming in contact with men and women of all classes, and of many nationalities, are much greater than in the days of Israel. The thoroughfares of travel have multiplied a thousandfold. God has wonderfully prepared the way. . . . Christians who are living in the great centers of commerce and travel have special opportunities. . . . In the world-renowned health resorts [and none excel Southern California] and centers of tourist traffic, crowded with many thousands of seekers after health and pleasure, there should be stationed ministers and canvassers capable of arresting the attention of the multitudes. Let these workers watch their chance for presenting the message for this time, and hold meetings as they have opportunity. Let them be quick to seize opportunities to speak to the people. Accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit, let them meet the people with the message borne by John the Baptist. 'Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.' Matt. 3:2. The word of God is to be presented with clearness and power, that those who have ears to hear may hear the truth. Thus the gospel of present truth will be placed in the way of those who know it not, and it will be accepted by not a few, and carried by them to their own homes in all parts of the world."

In July, 1908, these words were written: "In such places as Southern California, where thousands of tourists,

many of them in search of health and strength, are constantly coming and going, special and continuous efforts should be put forth to scatter the bright rays of light and truth."—Id., page 84.

Viewing the general situation as to the on-coming tide of world travel sure to soon touch the great Pacific Coast, we believe that all our people will discern the special overruling providence of the Lord in seeking to establish the third angel's message firmly in this section, and that, too, for a purpose. From there a strong influence should go out to the ends of the earth in helping to finish the work God has given us to do.