On Furlough in a Dark County
MARYE BURDICK: Bible Instructor
[EDITORIAL NOTE. During the Southern Union Conference session last winter, I personally visited Mrs. Burdick. After spending a few hours with her, and seeing for myself her wonderful opportunities for spreading the message, I felt that THE MINISTRY should publish the story. Feeling certain that its information will be of help to missionary-minded families in our churches, and also seeing a field of service for those who may be thinking of retirement from conference work, I asked Mrs. Burdick to enter into the various details that guided her in the steps she pursued to bring light into an area still un touched by the message. Since discussing these plans with Mrs. Burdick I have learned of a few ministerial graduates, each capable of following a trade needed in the locality he plans to evangelize, who are developing a successful missionary project while earning an independent living. I wonder whether God is not directing more of these noble and enterprising brethren and sisters to consider the needs of these dark counties. Several I know testify that their disappointment in not being placed by our conferences is proving to be a blessing in disguise. I am certain this plan is of the Lord, and we may yet find in it a larger discovery for speedily evangelizing our many still unentered fields with our urgent message. L. c. K.]
In 1950 I returned from the mission field for rest. After spending some time at Loma Linda Sanitarium I ventured out to visit friends and relatives. Being a worker, I soon tired of this but was not physically able to go back to regular work again, so I asked the Lord what He would have me do. He said, "Dark county." I said, "O Lord, I haven't thought of that for years, but perhaps I can witness for you in a dark county now (that is a county in which there is not another representative of our message), and I will begin thinking about it." I turned it over in my mind. I thought I would say nothing to anyone, because friends and relatives all wanted me to stay with them, and I was sure this would not meet their approval. Still the Lord indicated that I go out into a dark county to rest and also to live for Him. I was convinced that I could live for Him even if I didn't feel able to do much work. Certainly I could let my little light shine in a dark place rather than place it in with several hundred others at one of our centers.
So I began to look around. Having spent a number of years in our work in the South, I chose this part of the field. I knew there was great need for just such an opportunity. First I wrote to our conference presidents and asked them for the privilege of choosing a place in their field to which I might go. Permission was readily given. I prayed. They gave me maps God directed I chose this little spot here, Decatur, Tennessee, the county seat of Meigs County, a county in which there is not another representative of this message a dark county as we call it. This is a small county thirty-five miles long and from eight to ten miles wide. Mine is the only town in the county, population 210. There are over 1,400 homes in the county, with four post offices. This is a hilly farming section. The people raise corn, cotton, and tobacco mostly. It is said that the corn goes out liquid (bootleg liquor).
But there are many people here. I rented a small new house in Decatur, bought furniture, and moved in, 'to be a friend and neighbor. Everyone was friendly. It seemed strange to them that I, a stranger, would move in this way, but they accepted me and opened their hearts and homes to me. God gave me favor. I have a real burden for their souls.
How It Worked
I have worked together with our conference brethren in this field. They have furnished me literature, and some friends helped with the postage, and I distributed through the mail Good News, Bible Reader's Circle Leaflets, and a Bible correspondence school enrollment card. Every home was reached. Thousands of other pieces of literature have been scattered all through the county as I have gone here and there. Many have asked questions. Upon learning that I was a returned missionary, they asked me to give talks in their missionary societies, teach classes in their Sunday schools, take the services, give lectures in their schools, and do other things. So far God has enabled me to improve every opportunity for witnessing. I now have access to many homes for Bible study. I followed up every interest, found one woman keeping the Sabbath, others believing the truth but not knowing how to go about living it, with no Adventists living here. Often people have sought me out or come to my home for help. I have visited them in death and sickness as well as in joy and health. By now I can do almost anything with them, for they believe I am their friend.
I have had the privilege of taking some to camp meeting with me. They were surprised to see such a large representation of our people and the organization and scope of the Advent Movement. I have treated each as though sent to me by Jesus, and by God's grace I have been accepted by the community. It is now not at all uncommon for ministers to ask me to lead in prayer at their services.
I have found some of our isolated believers here and there, but they are not living the truth as they should. They say they would if there were a church here. I sincerely hope and pray that soon a church will be established in this area.
When I was almost ready to begin giving Bible studies, Satan invented some lies. I was reported to be a suspicious character. I heard about this outside of the county, so I knew the trouble area was under cover, close home. It was then that I asked God not to let this suspicion create prejudice or hinder my work. I went right ahead as though I knew nothing about it. No one here then mentioned it to me, but after the difficulty had spent itself and I saw that the hearts of the people had not changed toward me, I mentioned it to some of the closest of my dark-county friends and neighbors. They each said, "Why, we didn't believe it, but just laughed about it at the time, but thought you didn't know, and we were ashamed to think some of our own towns people were so foolish as to start such gossip." Thank God He has not allowed my power for witnessing to be hindered. But the investigation was made because these people are naturally suspicious. One of the investigators said, "I have heard no one else spoken of as highly in the section where she has lived." So "if God be for us, who can be against us?"
I am feeling better. During my dark-county evangelism my health has been improving from day to day, and I also have more and more opportunities for witnessing for the truth. By now everyone in the area knows I am a Seventh- day Adventist. I plan to continue my missionary work until God indicates otherwise.
I do wish more furloughed or retired workers who may not feel that they can actively engage in some such work would move out into these isolated districts to live the message and to let their light shine. There are 250 dark counties in my union where souls in darkness are anxiously waiting for the light. Surely this is a work almost anyone can do. Instead of our workers locating at our centers, thereby adding to the already overcrowded conditions, many would do far better by spreading the light so greatly needed in these unworked counties. So let us reach out and evangelize while waiting on God to send us into other fields of service. (Read Isaiah 58:6-14.)
Are Some Predestined to Be Lost?
H. T. ANDERSON: Minister, Georgia-Cumberland Conference
INTRODUCTION:
Because of various doctrinal confusions today centering on the important question of predestination, this topic is most timely. Theories propagated by the early church fathers were not always thought through by some of the sixteenth-century Re formers. Important problems are tied into such an investigation: Who are the elect? Are some fore ordained to be lost? Although this question of pre destination may appear most puzzling to some, the Bible student may enter upon its study with confidence and assurance. God's Word is its own interpreter. Before the return of Jesus this question as well as similar confusions will be clearly under stood by God's true children. Let us now enter into this study with an open mind. This will require our investigating a number of texts too frequently passed over by the casual Bible student and entirely misinterpreted by others.
I. HAS GOD ORDAINED SOME TO BE LOST, OTHERS TO BE SAVED, REGARDLESS or WHAT THEY MAY Do ABOUT IT?
1. He is not willing for any to be lost. 2 Peter 3:9.
2. None appointed to be lost. 1- Thess. 5:9.
3. God wants all to be saved. 1 Tim. 2:3, 4.
II. NOT ALL WILL BE SAVED. WHY?
1. Many are not willing to meet conditions of salvation. Matt. 7:21.
2. In Adam all are predestined to be lost. 1 Cor. 15:22.
3. In Christ all are predestined to be saved. John 1:12.
4. God has decreed that all who accept Christ should be saved. He has not decreed that all must accept His salvation.
III. Goo HAS DIVINE FOREKNOWLEDGE. Isa. 46:10.
1. This does not imply that He makes things happen as they will. He constantly works to save men. Eze. 18:29-32.
2. We can choose what we will. 1 Peter 1:2.
3. He sets two ways before us. Jer. 21:8.
IV. SALVATION Is OURS IN CHRIST.
1. We must accept Him to receive it. 1 John 5:11.
2. Those predestined to salvation are the justified. Rom. 8:28-30.
3. Those with Him are called, chosen, faithful. Rev. 17:14.
APPEAL:
1. All are called. Rev. 22:17.
2. Those who confess Christ are chosen. Luke 12:8.
3. All who are faithful to Him are rewarded. Matt. 24:13.
SUMMARY:
1. Predestination must be studied from God's Word.
2. We must understand God's purpose in Christ.
3. The meaning of terms "called," "elected," "foreordained," "freewill."
4. Present-day "predestination" a confusion of long standing.
5. Predestination confusions now await reform.
6. Shall we return to the Bible rather than follow man's' theory?
[EDITORIAL NOTE. In presenting predestination the teacher should be aware of the case of Judas. Contrast his experience with Paul's. Paul was called, chosen, and faithful; Judas was called, chosen, and unfaithful. (John 6:64, 65, 70, 71.) Again be aware of the arguments in Romans 9. Jacob and Esau, as well as Pharaoh, should be studied in the light of God's foreknowledge and mercy. There is no arbitrary selection. (2 Tim. 2:4, 6; Eze. 18:23-32.) A study of the parable of the wedding garment (Matt. 22:1-14) teaches that all were called to the gospel feast. Accepting the King's invitation and meeting His provision make man eligible to be at the feast. We are to make our calling and election sure. (2 Peter. 1:10.)
The teacher does well to refresh his mind on facts of church history such as the Manichean heresy and the Pelagian and Arminian controversies. Names such as Manes, Augustine, Pelagius, Luther, Calvin, and Arminius must be called to mind in treating this subject intelligently. There is today a revival of interest around the doctrine of predestination, and heralds of Christ should understand how to present it with convicting power. L. c. K.]
The Human Will and Victory
HELEN M. WESTON: Bible Instructor, Southern New England Conference
INTRODUCTION:
An experience with Christ is victory. Christ in Gethsemane claimed victory for each of us. When He submitted His will to His Father's He could say, "Not my will, but thine!" Accepting Christ means surrendering our will to His. When we understand the place of the will in this experience of victory, the battle against sin is more easily won.
I. IMPORTANCE OF BLENDING OUR WILL WITH CHRIST'S.
1. Jesus desired to do His Father's will. John 4:34.
2. Jesus blended His will with God's. John 6:38.
3. Christ honors the submissive will. John 5:1-9.
4. Without His help we can do nothing. John 15:5.
5. The will is a factor in obedience. Isa. 1:19.
6. Obedience assures us heaven at last. Rev, 22:14.
II. VICTORY OR DEFEAT THROUGH THE WILL.
1. Having our own way may mean death eventually. Prov. 14:12
2. The heart is not a safe guide. Jer. 17:9.
3. Victory assured us through Christ. 1 Cor. 15:57.
4. Will power must become Christ's power. Matt. 28:18.
5. "I in them, and thou in me." John 17:23.
6. Angels draw near to help us. Ps. 91:11.
7. Need not lower the standard for our convenience; Spirit lifts it. Isa. 59:19.
8. In the final struggle whosoever will may come. Rev. 22:17.
APPEAL:
Sin broke down man's will power. He needed to reach out for a power outside of himself. This power God provided in Christ. Surrendering His will to God's, Christ did His Father's will. Our surrendering to Christ makes it possible to do the same. Whatever the problem, if we decide to be willing to obey Him, we will be victorious. Shall we ask Christ to help you to surrender your will and to strengthen you with His will? When you do this you are taking the first step toward victory in this problem of overcoming the habit. Prayer will make it possible for you to let Jesus take full control of your life.
Such a study must be followed up with persistent prayer. The buffeted soul must feel the strength of another's prayers until he is able to have confidence in his own prayers. Suggest a prayer schedule, and plan it so that the tempted one will frequently, have the fellowship of a praying believer. (See The Bible Instructor, pp. 153-162.)
