It was the regular Monday morning session of the General Conference Coml. mittee, March 2, 1931. The voice of opening hymn and prayer had just died away, and before the regular items on the agenda were presented, the chairman, Elder C. H. Watson, briefly introduced a heart burden and expressed a sobering conviction relative to fundamental problems that will confront the leaders as they assemble at the approaching Spring Council, to be held in Takoma Park, Washington, D. C., beginning April 29.
On several previous occasions, the officers of the General Conference had devoted time to earnest study of the situation, and at this time their convictions were expressed to the full Minority Committee. The statements that came from the hearts of our leaders were not prepared for presentation to a large audience of workers, nor for publication, but without thought that their words would go beyond the confines of the committee room, they were uttered with all the informality and simplicity characteristic of such an occasion.
As we listened, our hearts were filled with a longing wish that every worker in this movement might have a glimpse of the united heart burden, and catch the same vision of need and of the available supply for that need, expressed by our officers. But such presence and participation being impossible, we were led to ask that these expressions (stenographically reported by the recording secretary) might be made accessible just to our workers through the MINISTRY, knowing well that such insight into the throbbing heart of our General Conference Committee leadership would bring cheer and confidence to our evangelical laborers in all parts of the world. The request was courteously granted, and the matter is here placed before our readers. There were similar expressions by other members of the Committee, but space forbids their inclusion.
Ofttimes the most significant forward movements in the cause of God have their inception in some quiet moment when burdened, praying men seek God and press on in response to His beckoning call. Pray for our leaders. Pray for the members of the General Conference Committee. Pray that God's will shall be done in every fundamental decision made and every policy adopted at the forthcoming Council.
L. E. F
