Winning Families
377
The Lord desires that the truth shall come close to the people, and
this can be accomplished only by personal labor. Much is compre-
hended in the command, “Go out into the highways and hedges, and
compel them to come in, that My house may be filled.” There is a work
to be done in this line that has not yet been done. Let God’s workers
teach the truth in families, drawing close to those for whom they labor.
If they thus co-operate with God, He will clothe them with spiritual
power. Christ will guide them in their work, entering the houses of the
people with them, and giving them words to speak that will sink deep
into the hearts of the listeners. The Holy Spirit will open hearts and
minds to receive the rays coming from the source of all light.—
The
Review and Herald, December 29, 1904
.
Find the Way to the Heart—To all who are working with Christ I
would say, Wherever you can gain access to the people by the fireside,
improve your opportunity. Take your Bible, and open before them
[437]
its great truths. Your success will not depend so much upon your
knowledge and accomplishments, as upon your ability to find your
way to the heart. By being social and coming close to the people, you
may turn the current of their thoughts more readily than by the most
able discourse. The presentation of Christ in the family, by the fireside,
and in small gatherings in private houses, is often more successful in
winning souls to Jesus than are sermons delivered in the open air, to
the moving throng, or even in halls or churches.
All who engage in this personal labor should be just as careful not
to become mechanical in their manner of working as should the minis-
ter who preaches the Word. They should be constantly learning. They
should have a conscientious zeal to obtain the highest qualifications,
to become men able in the Scriptures.—
Gospel Workers, 193
(1915).
Two and Two in Personal Work—There should always be two
and two of our brethren to go out together, and then as many more as
they can rally to engage in the work of visiting and seeking to interest
families, making personal efforts.—
Letter 34, 1886
.
Minister and Wife—Keep on the track of souls. Show tact and
skill when visiting families. Pray with them and for them. Bear the
truth to them in great tenderness and love, and returns will surely
come. If the minister and his wife can jointly engage in this work, they
should do so.—
Letter 18, 1898
.