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Welfare Ministry
our time and attention and would have robbed the Lord of the service
He required of us in bringing many sons and daughters to Him. But
we felt that the Lord’s instruction in
Isaiah 58
was for us, and that
His blessing would attend us in obedience to His word. All can do
something for the needy little ones, by helping to place them in homes
where they can be cared for.—
Manuscript 35, 1896
.
There is a wide field of usefulness before all who will work for the
Master in caring for these children and youth who have been deprived
of the watchful guidance of parents and the subduing influence of a
Christian home. Many of them have inherited evil traits of character;
and if left to grow up in ignorance, they will drift into associations that
lead to vice and crime. These unpromising children need to be placed
in a position favorable for the formation of a right character, that they
may become children of God.
Are you who profess to be children of God acting your part in
teaching these, who so much need to be patiently taught how to come
to the Saviour? Are you acting your part as faithful servants of Christ?
Are these unformed, perhaps ill-balanced minds cared for with that
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love which Christ has manifested for us? The souls of children and
youth are in deadly peril if left to themselves. They need patient
instruction, love, and tender Christian care.
Were there no revelation to point out our duty, the very sight of our
eyes, and what we know of the inevitable working of cause and effect,
should arouse us to rescue these unfortunate ones. If the members
of the church would bring into this work the same energy and tact
and skill that they employ in the common business relations of life, if
they would seek wisdom from God, and earnestly study how to mold
these undisciplined minds, many souls that are ready to perish might
be rescued....
Brethren and sisters, I ask you to consider this matter carefully.
Think of the wants of the fatherless and motherless. Are not your
hearts stirred as you witness their sufferings? See if something cannot
be done for the care of these helpless ones. As far as lies in your
power, make a home for the homeless. Let everyone stand ready to
act a part in helping forward this work. The Lord said to Peter: “Feed
My lambs.” This command is to us, and by opening our homes for the
orphans we aid in its fulfillment. Let not Jesus be disappointed in you.