p. 20 | Home Missionary Work by O. A. Olsen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 19, 1914

Home Missionary Work

By O. A. Olsen

WHILE much has been said and written on the subject of home missionary work, still we have reason to fear that by many this matter is not so well understood as it ought to be.

Foreign missionary work is indeed very important, but only a few, comparatively, can engage personally therein. Home missionary work, on the other hand, is not only of equal importance, but it gives opportunity for a very large number to engage in it. Yes, all can have a part in this work. And if we do not first prove our fitness for missionary work at home, how can we expect that any foreign mission board will select and send us abroad? This would not be consistent. And furthermore, as already suggested, the souls to be saved at home are just as dearly bought, and as much loved of the Lord, as those in foreign lands. We do not by this mean in any way to discourage the interest in foreign missionary work; but we wish to impress upon the minds of our people not only the importance, but also the nature, of home missionary work.

My observation has led me to believe that many do not comprehend how much there is included in this line of work. Is it not a fact that some have thought that handing out literature in the form of books, tracts, and papers, and engaging in argumentative conversation with people whenever or wherever there was an opportunity, visiting people with these subjects in view, composed the larger part of the missionary work that could be done? Is it not also true that when success was not met in these efforts, it was decided that the way was "closed," "hedged up," so that nothing further could be done? It occurs to me that we have heard such expressions frequently. But was the situation as serious as stated? Was there not work that might have been done that was not attempted? And is there not a line of effort, the importance of which has not hitherto been appreciated or recognized, which would meet the acceptance of the Lord and do much good in the world?

Now let us give this matter careful attention and thought. Jesus was the model missionary. He was a home missionary in every sense of the term. Let us study his life and work. In the words of the apostle Paul, let us "consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus." In Isa. 61: 1-3 is found a very interesting prophecy of Christ. There are expressions used here which are worthy of special consideration: "To preach good tidings unto the meek." These good tidings are also proclaimed by the angel in Luke 2: 10, 11: "And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." In meeting neighbors and friends, would it not be proper to bear these good tidings, by telling them what Jesus is to you, to your own soul; by telling of the peace and comfort you have found in coming to him with all your sins, and of the rest you have found in laying all your burdens upon him? Would not such a testimony do more to soften the heart and prepare it for God to lead and mold than if you were to engage in conversation over controverted points of doctrine?

Take another expression: "To bind up the broken-hearted." We find people all around us who are broken-hearted. Sin is terribly cruel; it is utterly devoid of pity and compassion. But Jesus comes to bind up the broken-hearted. Let us learn of him and do likewise. But this is not all: "To comfort all that mourn." Blessed work! How much such work is needed! What a missionary field it opens to us here! Is the soul mourning because of sins that are so great? Who can point such a one to the Lamb of God, who will take the sins, and speak pardon and forgiveness? Is there mourning because death has entered the dwelling, and torn the most tender cords asunder? Then you can point to the same "Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel." Is there mourning for any other cause? It is your privilege to administer the same comfort with which your own soul has been comforted of God. We have a most wonderful Saviour. True Christianity consists in having the same mind that he had, and in illustrating his character before the world. It is said of him, "In all their affliction he was afflicted." Christ has identified himself with us to the fullest extent. As his followers, it becomes us to exhibit the same spirit that he possessed.

In Isa. 58: 6-11 are found words of instruction and counsel on this subject. Read carefully: "Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness?" Let the forgiving spirit take hold of the heart. Do not hold these grudges against the brethren and sisters, nor against any of your neighbors. Stop these evil surmisings, and thus loose the bands of wickedness by which you have bound yourself and others. Again, "Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou

cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?" This is just the work that will commend the religion of Christ. Then follows the promise: "Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rereward."

In Matt. 25: 34-40 we have set before us a line of work on which the Lord placed great value. Please read it carefully, and see if it does not indicate to you a kind of work which you have neglected in the past. Also in Matt. 11: 4, 5, is found a summary of the work of Christ which we should do well to study with care. The work of the Son of God was not to get people to subscribe to a certain creed, but he came "to seek and to save that which was lost." Luke 19: 10. He did this by giving his life for us. He identified himself with us in all our sorrows, in all our afflictions, in all our temptations. He ministered to us in all our needs. The sick, the deaf, and the lame came to him, and found just the help they needed. Should not we, his followers, as he gives us ability, also be ready to minister to the afflicted and suffering? This is home missionary work indeed.

Brethren and sisters, do not this and the other scriptures we have considered set forth a line of missionary work in which we have, to a great degree, in the past been very negligent? Suppose that you should enter upon this work at once among your own neighbors, right in your immediate vicinity, what would be the effect? Do you think those people would think less of you as a Christian? Do you think it would create any less respect for the doctrines you hold? Would it not lead your neighbors to see that there is a power in the religion of Jesus Christ that they have not seen manifested in your life before? Suppose you should take this course among your neighbors; namely, to visit the afflicted, to comfort those that mourn, to look after the wants of the needy, finding clothing for the naked and food for the hungry, all according to the ability God has given you, at the same time not making prominent your peculiar views on Bible subjects, nor entering into controversy with any one, but showing to all the spirit of kindness manifested by the Son of God,—what would be the effect on the minds of those with whom you work? Do you think such a course would increase prejudice and drive persons from the truth? Do you not think it would have just the opposite effect? I think I hear you say, "Yes." Well, if this is the better course to take, and by taking it we should open the way for others to inquire of us the way of the Lord, what, then, is plainly our duty? With the way thus open before us, we should be ready to follow the instruction of the apostle Peter: "Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." 1 Peter 3: 15.

I do not in any way wish to belittle the importance of circulating literature. Too much cannot be said in behalf of such work; but there is an order in the bestowal of effort for others. I believe that if more were done in the direction indicated in this article, the way would be more fully opened for the circulation of literature, and many of those who purchase would become interested. The way would also be open for many to inquire the way of the Lord more perfectly. If our conclusions are correct, these matters should receive more consideration, and this line of work should be put into practice in every community. Will you follow the example of the Saviour? Then you will hear at last his blessed invitation, "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." O. A. Olsen.