Encouraging Word From Africa

A report on recent efforts in Africa.

By LAURA G. BRADLEY, Bible Worker, Zambesi Union Mission

When we think of what the Bible work­ers are doing in the great vineyard of the Lord, our minds recall the command of the man in the parable of the great supper: "Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled." Most Bible workers have had the experience of repeating this parable to themselves as they have gone out to search for lost souls.

In some cases the Bible worker is the only worker who makes contact with persons study­ing the message. And Bible workers need to learn the more difficult lesson of adaptability to the many different people with whom studies are held. From Him who was recognized as a teacher come from God, Bible workers must continually learn 'lessons of divine tact. Per­sonal study of the Master's methods of meeting people, awakening in them an interest in things eternal, and adapting the gospel to their need, opens a storehouse of treasure to His under-teachers.

Bible work is most often connected with an evangelistic campaign. It seems that evangelists do not all use the same methods. Indeed, each evangelist works On a different plan. Thus a Bible worker needs to learn to adapt herself to each new method and remember that it is right for the evangelist to be the leader of all phases of work connected with a campaign. In order to deal with readers who assent verbally to all that is taught, but who do not otherwise respond to Bible principles, the Bible worker must realize that human wisdom alone cannot decide the course that should be pursued. Intimate friendship with the Bible worker's Master and the reader's Saviour assures the needed guidance. The result is that some do respond to the call to repentance and obedience. The experience to the Bible worker, even with those who have entirely lost their interest, is valuable. Many are the precious lessons learned as we study to show ourselves approved unto God, and learn how to teach to others the divine Textbook.

Many welcome the Bible worker with a genuine desire to know more of the way of life.

The experience of such readers stays in the Bible worker's memory. One woman reader showed ardent interest in the second advent message in spite of strong opposition by her husband. She took her stand for the truth, and was so filled with its power that she sought further instruction on how to give it to others.

She took the printed message to neighbors and friends. She told what she knew, and made appointments for interested ones to have studies with her Bible worker. Her sister was among those who accepted the truth as the result of her work, and she, also, became a working Christian. The circle of these sisters' influ­ence continues to widen. We find this to be in harmony with instruction given through the Spirit of prophecy, for as we turn to the "Testimonies" we read:

"The best help that ministers can give the mem­bers of our churches is not sermonizing, but plan­ning work for them. Give each one something to do for others. Help all to see that as receivers of the grace of Christ they are under obligation to work for Him. And let all be taught how to work. Especially should those who are newly come to the faith be educated to become laborers together with God. If set to work, the despondent will soon for­get their despondency ; the weak will become strong, the ignorant intelligent, and all will be prepared to present the truth as it is in Jesus. They will find an unfailing helper in Him who has promised to save all that come unto Him."—Volume V.I, pp. 49, 50.

Every Bible worker should make a habit of reading the most valuable words of divine instruction given through the Spirit of prophecy. After reading.the precious words of com­fort in chapter 73 of "The Desire of Ages," one is filled with wisdom and inspiration to help souls who are faced with trials and difficulties as they stand on the threshold of making a decision.

In meeting with such cases the following counsel is of assistance:

"The path of sincerity and integrity is not a path free from obstruction, but in every difficulty we are to see a call to prayer."

"At all times and in all places, in all sorrows and in all afflictions, when the outlook seems dark and the future perplexing, and We feel helpless and alone, the Comforter will be sent in answer to the prayer of faith."

"Though apparent impossibilities obstruct their way, by His grace they go forward."

"With the golden chain of His matchless love, Christ has bound them to the throne of God."

In one city in which an evangelistic campaign was held, a man and his wife faithfun at­tended the meetings, and afterward decided to be baptized. This man worked in a place where, from a human standpoint, it was im­possible for him to get the Sabbath off. But he was assured that all things were possible with God, who could and would work out things for his good. Both husband and wife were willing to give up all for their Saviour. After their baptism, this brother not only kept his work, but was given a promotion and higher wages. Today they are helping to bear respon­sibilities in their local church.

Discretion is needed when visiting a home, especially in the use of time. Accepting re­freshments and engaging in social talk absorb interest and time that should be used in Bible study, and in giving help to higher attainment of Christian experience. The Bible worker's aim should be to give all her energy and talent in helping spread the gospel, and thus hasten the Saviour's second coming, when all who sow in tears will reap in joy.


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By LAURA G. BRADLEY, Bible Worker, Zambesi Union Mission

September 1942

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