Organizing the Church for Welfare Ministry
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Teach the students to make a practical application of the lessons they
have received. As they witness human woe and the deep poverty of
those they are trying to help, they will be stirred with compassion.
Their hearts will be softened and subdued by the deep, holy principles
revealed in the Word of God. The great Physician cooperates with
every effort made in behalf of suffering humanity, to give health to the
body and light and restoration to the soul.... We must now see what
can be done to educate the students in practical missionary work.—
Manuscript 70, 1898
.
Teach Practical Missionary Work—On such occasions as our
annual camp meetings we must never lose sight of the opportunities
afforded for teaching the believers how to do practical missionary
work in the place where they may live. In many instances it would
be well to set apart certain men to carry the burden of different lines
of educational work at these meetings. Let some help the people to
learn how to give Bible readings and to conduct cottage meetings.
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Let others bear the burden of teaching the people how to practice the
principles of health and temperance and how to give treatments to the
sick. Still others may labor in the interests of our periodical and book
work.—
Testimonies for the Church 9:82, 83
.
Form Bands of Workers—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 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.—
Testimonies for the
Church 7:21, 22
.
Well-organized Companies in Every Church—Let there be in
every church well-organized companies of workers to labor in the
vicinity of that church. Put self behind you, and let Christ go before
as your life and power. Let this work be entered into without delay,
and the truth will be as leaven in the earth. When such forces are
set to work in all our churches, there will be a renovating, reforming,
energizing power in the churches, because the members are doing the
very work that God has given them to do. Let all our churches be active,