In the apostolic church we find many examples of women laboring in the church and assisting in the giving of the gospel to the people of that time. There was Priscilla, the devout wife of Aquila, whom, with her husband, Paul speaks of as "my helpers in Christ Jesus." There was Phebe, "our sister," who was a "servant of the church which is at Cenchrea," and many others.
Just as the women in apostolic times lent a helping hand in preaching the message, so the women who have gone with their husbands to a mission field can be a help in building up the church of Christ in the land where they labor.
"Women as well as men can engage in the work of hiding the truth where it can work out and be made manifest. They can take their place in the work at this crisis, and the Lord will work through them. If they are imbued with a sense of their duty, and labor under the influence of the Spirit of God, they will have just the self-possession required for this time. The Saviour will reflect upon these self-sacrificing women the light of His countenance, and this will give them a power that will exceed that of men. They can do in families a work that men cannot do, a work that reaches the inner life. They can come close to the hearts of those whom men cannot reach. Their work is needed. Discreet and humble women can do a good work in explaining the truth to the people in their homes. The word of God thus explained will do its leavening work, and through its influence whole families will be converted."—"Testimonies," Vol. IX, pp. 128, 129.
There are many ways in which the missionary wife can assist in the church activities. Her influence can be felt, not only in the place where the missionary family are resident, but in a wider circle in the field in which they labor. By being friendly, and by lending a helping hand in the church activities, she can lead to higher standards in Christian living.
"The Lord has a work for women as well as men to do. They may accomplish a good work for God if they will first learn in the school of Christ the precious, all-important lesson of meekness. They must not only bear the name of Christ, but possess His Spirit. They must walk even as He walked, purifying their souls from everything that defiles. Then they will be able to benefit others by presenting the all-sufficiency of Jesus."—Id., Vol. VI, p. 117.
In the work of the. Dorcas Society, the missionary wife can find a large field of labor. It is well for her, as well as other sisters in the church, to follow the example of the godly Dorcas in unselfish service for others. Because of her wider experience, the missionary wife can do much to build up and assist in doing a strong Dorcas Society work.
The Sabbath school also affords an excellent opportunity for the missionary wife to assist. She can act as superintendent, as secretary, as a teacher, or as a leader in the children's division, or she can help in other ways. By regularity and faithfulness in attendance at all services, her example can be a telling power for good.
In assisting in the women's and children's meetings, she has perhaps her largest field of labor. In this line of activity much can be done. She can give studies on the care of the home and its ideals. She can teach mothers how to prepare wholesome vegetarian dishes. She can help them to understand the place of the mother in the home, caring for and rearing the children, etc.
In the general church activities she can do much by acting as deaconess; she can also teach the other sisters the responsibility in connection with this office. She can act as organist, and can teach the children as well as the older members how to sing. These are but a few of the many things that the missionary wife may do.
In all her work the missionary wife should maintain a helpful and sympathetic attitude toward the work of her companion. She should, however, be cautious, and not take upon herself administrative responsibilities that belong to the office of her husband, for this often leads to difficulties and misunderstandings. Her personal convenience and comfort should always come second to the interest of the work. In all the activities in building up the church of God in a foreign field, she should be "an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." 1 Tim. 4:12.
As the missionary wife reviews the many ways in which she can help, and the high place to which she has been called, she can well say, "Who is sufficient for these things'?" 2 Cor. 2:16. As she compares what she does with what she might do, she finds she comes far short; but she should take courage, and ever press toward the goal of becoming all that it is possible for her to become in Christ Jesus.
"If the life we live in this world is wholly for Christ, it is a life of daily surrender. He has the freewill service, and each soul is His own jewel. If we can impress upon our sisters the good which it is in their power to do through Christ, we shall see a large work accomplished. If we can arouse the mind and heart to cooperate with the divine Worker, we shall, through the work they may accomplish, gain great victories. But self must be hidden; Christ must appear as the worker."—Id., Vol. VI, p. 116.
Shanghai, China.
