Neighborhood Ministry
109
who really love Jesus organize themselves as workers, not only for
those who profess to be Sabbathkeepers, but for those who are not of
our faith?—
The Signs of the Times, May 29, 1893
.
Instruct in Practical Methods of Doing Missionary Work—
That which is needed now for the upbuilding of our churches is the
nice work of wise laborers to discern and develop talent in the church
that can be educated for the Master’s service. Those who shall labor
in visiting the churches should give them instruction in the Bible
reading and missionary work. Let there be a class for the training of
the youth who are willing to work if they are taught how. Young men
and women should be educated to become workers at home, in their
own neighborhoods, and in the church.—
The Review and Herald, May
15, 1888
.
Youth Can Hold Meetings—Before I presented these matters
[holding meetings in Australia] to the students of the Avondale school,
a few had been diligently engaged in missionary effort, visiting fami-
lies, distributing reading matter, and holding Bible readings in places
from one to five miles away; but many of the students here, as in most
other schools, were acting upon the theory that it was wisest to learn
all they could while in school, and wait till after school closed before
undertaking any active missionary effort....
As we studied what would be for the best interests of the New South
Wales churches, and for those students in the school who had had an
[119]
experience in working for Christ, it was thought best to encourage
persons of some experience to leave the school, and spend the week
in visiting in the churches, in helping to conduct the meetings, and
uniting with the workers in these churches in earnest work for those
needing help. Seven were thus sent out from Cooranbong, besides
Elder Haskell, who spent the week with the Stanmore church, upon
which he has bestowed so much efficient and loving labor.
When this matter was first considered, by some it seemed a serious
thing to lose one week out of the school term. It had cost much to reach
the school, and apparently this was the last opportunity for attendance,
and each lesson was very precious. But after consideration, the service
was accepted cheerfully; the cross was lifted, and as it was lifted, it
lifted the bearer. None of the workers settled down to have an easy
time, but they moved rapidly from place to place. They met a hearty
reception. They found lonely souls hungry for spiritual encouragement;