Self-supporting missionaries are often
very successful. Beginning in a small, humble way, their work
enlarges as they move forward under the guidance of the Spirit
of God. Let two or more start out together in evangelistic work.
They may not receive any particular encouragement from those
at the head of the work that they will be given financial support;
nevertheless let them go forward, praying, singing, teaching,
living the truth. They may take up the work of canvassing, and
in this way introduce the truth into many families. As they move
forward in their work they gain a blessed experience. They are
humbled by a sense of their helplessness, but the Lord goes before
them, and among the wealthy and the poor they find favor and
help. Even the poverty of these devoted missionaries is a means
of finding access to the people. As they pass on their way they
are helped in many ways by those to whom they bring spiritual
food. They bear the message God gives them, and their efforts
are crowned with success. Many will be brought to a knowledge
of the truth who, but for these humble teachers, would never
have been won to Christ.
God calls for workers to enter the whitening
harvest field. Shall we wait because the treasury is exhausted,
because there is scarcely sufficient to sustain the workers now
in the field? Go forth in faith, and God will be with you. The
promise is: "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious
seed, shall doubtless come again
with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Psalm 126:6.
Nothing is so successful as success. Let
this be secured by persevering effort, and the work will move
forward. New fields will be opened. Many souls will be brought
to a knowledge of the truth. What is needed is increased faith
in God.
Our people have received great light, yet
much of the ministerial force has been spent on the churches,
teaching those who should be teachers; enlightening those who
should be "the light of the world;" watering those
from whom should flow rivers of living water; enriching those
who might be mines of precious truth; repeating the gospel invitation
to those who, scattered to the uttermost parts of the earth,
should be giving the message of heaven to those who have not
heard; feeding those who should be in the highways and byways
giving the call: "Come; for all things are now ready."
Those for whom the fetters of sin have
been broken, who have sought the Lord with brokenness of heart
and have obtained answer to their yearning request for righteousness,
are never cold and spiritless. Their hearts are filled with unselfish
love for sinners. They put away from them all worldly ambition,
all self-seeking. Contact with the deep things of God makes them
more and more like their Saviour. They exult in His triumphs;
they are filled with His joy. Day by day they are growing unto
the full stature of men and women in Christ.