Sabbath, November 19, 2005

INTRODUCTION

“The Lord’s business requires haste; souls are perishing without a knowledge of the truth….” –Evangelism, p. 415.

OBJECTIVES

• To encourage and train the youth for foreign missionary work.
• To support the work in foreign countries.
• To reach out to countries where the gospel has not yet been proclaimed.

WORLD WIDE ILLUMINATION

1. How far should our missionary projects and outreaches extend?
Acts 1:8
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Matthew 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

“At this time there should be representatives of present truth in every city, and in the remote parts of the earth. The whole earth is to be illuminated with the glory of God’s truth. The light is to shine to all lands and all peoples. And it is from those who have received the light that it is to shine forth. . . .

“The light of truth is to shine to the ends of the earth. Greater and still greater light is beaming with celestial brightness from the Redeemer’s face upon His representatives, to be diffused through the darkness of a benighted world. As laborers together with Him, let us pray for the sanctification of His Spirit, that we may shine more and more brightly. . . .

“Our efforts are not to be confi ned to a few places where the light has become so abundant that it is not appreciated. The gospel message is to be proclaimed to all nations and kindreds and tongues and peoples.” –Evangelism, pp. 407, 413.

2. What urgent call is coming from foreign countries?
Acts 16:9
And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

PLACES TO WORK

3. What lands in particular are waiting to hear the message of truth for this time?
Psalms 68:31
Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands unto God.
Isaiah 42:4, 6 He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.… 6. I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles;

“In Africa, in China, in India, there are thousands, yes, millions, who have not heard the message of the truth for this time. They must be warned. The islands of the sea are waiting for a knowledge of God. In these islands schools are to be established to prepare students to go to higher schools within reach, there to be educated and trained, and sent back to their island homes to give to others the light they have received.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 51.

“It seems to me that the necessity of the work in England is a very important question to us in this country. We talk about China and other countries. Let us not forget the English-speaking countries, where, if the truth were presented, many would receive and practice it. Why is it that more work has not been done in England? What has been the matter?” –Evangelism, pp. 415, 416.

“And still our General, who never makes a mistake, says to us: ‘Advance. Enter new territory. Lift up the standard in every land. Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.’ ” –Gospel Workers, p. 470.

4. Who will respond to the call from God and labor in a foreign land?
Isaiah 6:8
Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

“God is calling for men who are willing to leave all to become missionaries for Him. And the call will be answered. In every age since the advent of Christ, the gospel commission has impelled men and women to go to the ends of the earth to carry the good news of salvation to those in darkness. Stirred by the love of Christ and the needs of the lost, men have left the comforts of home and the society of friends, even that of wife and children, to go to foreign lands, among idolaters and savages, to proclaim the message of mercy. Many in the attempt have lost their lives, but others have been raised up to carry on the work. Thus step by step the cause of Christ has progressed, and the seed sown in sorrow has yielded a bountiful harvest. The knowledge of God has been extended, and the banner of the cross planted in heathen lands.” –Gospel Workers, pp. 464, 465.

THE YOUTH IN FOREIGN FIELDS

5. What can motivate and inspire young people to work for foreign missions?
Mark 12:30, 31
And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.

“We must labor far more for our children and for the youth; for God will accept them to do great things in His name in teaching the truth to those in foreign lands, to those who are in the darkness of error and superstition.” –Selected Messages, vol. 1, p. 319.

“We are not, as Christians, doing one-twentieth part that we might do in winning souls to Christ. There is a world to be warned, and every sincere Christian will be a guide and an example to others in faithfulness, in crossbearing, in prompt and vigorous action, in unswerving fidelity to the cause of truth, and sacrifices and labors to promote the cause of God.” –Christian Service, p. 12.

“Real happiness is found only in being good and doing good. The purest, highest enjoyment comes to those who faithfully fulfill their appointed duties.” –Messages to Young People, p. 210.

6. How can missionary work be sustained in a financially poor foreign country?
Malachi 3:10
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
Mark 12:42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

“An American business man, who was an earnest Christian, in conversation with a fellow-worker, remarked that he himself worked for Christ twenty-four hours of the day. ‘In all my business relations,’ he said, ‘I try to represent my Master. As I have opportunity, I try to win others to Him. All day I am working for Christ. And at night, while I sleep, I have a man working for Him in China.’

“Why should not the members of a church, or of several small churches, unite to sustain a missionary in foreign fields? If they will deny themselves, they can do this. My brethren and sisters, will you not help in this great work? I beseech you to do something for Christ, and do it now. Through the teacher whom your money shall sustain in a foreign field, souls may be saved to shine as stars in the Redeemer’s crown. However small your offering, do not late to bring it to the Lord. If given from a heart filled with love to the Saviour, the smallest offering becomes a priceless gift, which God smiles upon and blesses.” –Gospel Workers, pp. 466, 467.

TRAINED TO BE SENT

7. Who can be instrumental in training workers for foreign mission fields?
2 Kings 2:7
And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went, and stood to view afar off: and they two stood by Jordan.
2 Kings 4:38 And Elisha came again to Gilgal: and there was a dearth in the land; and the sons of the prophets were sitting before him: and he said unto his servant, Set on the great pot, and seethe pottage for the sons of the prophets.

“Our educational institutions are to do much toward meeting the demands for trained workers for the mission fields. Workers are needed all over the world. The truth of God is to be carried to foreign lands, that those who are in darkness may be enlightened. Cultivated talents are needed in every part of the work of God. God has designed that our schools shall be an instrumentality for developing workers for Him, –workers of whom He will not be ashamed. He calls upon our young people to enter our schools, and quickly fit themselves for service.” –Fundamentals of Christian Education, p. 545.

8. From where does help come to prepare us to labor successfully in the Lord’s vineyard?
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.
Matthew 28:19, 20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

“The worker in a foreign field must carry in his heart the peace and love of heaven; for this is his only safety. Amid perplexity and trial, discouragement and suffering, with the devotion of a martyr and the courage of a hero, he is to hold fast to the hand that never lets go, saying, ‘I will not fail nor be discouraged.’ He must be a close Bible student, and should be often in prayer. If, before talking with others, he will seek help from above, he may be assured that angels of heaven will be with him. At times he may yearn for human sympathy, but in his loneliness he may find comfort and encouragement through communion with God. Let him be cheered by the words of the Saviour, ‘Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

[Matthew 28:20.] From this divine Companion he will receive instruction in the science of soul-saving.” –Gospel Workers, p. 469.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

• What are your thoughts about volunteering to work in another country?
• Have you been supporting a foreign mission field with your prayers and means?