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Testimonies for the Church Volume 7
The formation of small companies as a basis of Christian effort
has been presented to me by One who cannot err. If there is a large
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number in the church, let the members be formed into small companies,
to work not only for the church members, but for unbelievers. If in
one place there are only two or three who know the truth, let them
form themselves into a band of workers. Let them keep their bond
of union unbroken, pressing together in love and unity, encouraging
one another to advance, each gaining courage and strength from the
assistance of the others. Let them reveal Christlike forbearance and
patience, speaking no hasty words, using the talent of speech to build
one another up in the most holy faith. Let them labor in Christlike
love for those outside the fold, forgetting self in their endeavor to help
others. As they work and pray in Christ’s name, their numbers will
increase; for the Saviour says: “If two of you shall agree on earth as
touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My
Father which is in heaven.”
Matthew 18:19
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The Waste Places of the Earth
In humble dependence upon God, families are to settle in the waste
places of His vineyard. Consecrated men and women are needed to
stand as fruit-bearing trees of righteousness in the desert places of the
earth. As the reward of their self-sacrificing efforts to sow the seeds of
truth, they will reap a rich harvest. As they visit family after family,
opening the Scriptures to those in spiritual darkness, many hearts will
be touched.
In fields where the conditions are so objectionable and dishearten-
ing that many workers refuse to go to them, most remarkable changes
for the better may be brought about by the efforts of self-sacrificing lay
members. These humble workers will accomplish much because they
put forth patient, persevering effort, not relying upon human power,
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but upon God, who gives them His favor. The amount of good that
these workers accomplish will never be known in this world.
Self-Supporting Missionaries
Self-supporting missionaries are often very successful. Beginning
in a small, humble way, their work enlarges as they move forward