The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a church of missions. In 1874, John Nevins Andrews, the first Adventist missionary, was sent to Switzerland. Since that eventful year literally thousands of missionaries have left the shores of North America and other home bases of the world field. At the present time nearly 300 new missionaries are sent out each year. Since 1901, 8,000 workers have gone overseas.
The church members around the world have contributed $237,835,000 for overseas mission work. We thank God for the great mission spirit of this church, but, friends, what are we doing for those from other lands who live in North America? In the United States alone there are 810 publications printed in 40 different languages, and 868 radio stations broadcasting in 40 languages. Many organizations are putting forth strenuous efforts to reach and serve those living in this land whose mother tongue is not English. Should we as a church show less interest in the eternal salvation of these dear people than the merchants and others who want their business and good will?
Here in the United States, Adventist literature is printed in 27 different languages. Surely every minister and church member would want to place some of this message literature in the homes of all non-English speaking people residing within their territory.
There is nothing so heartening to those of other nationalities as to see books, tracts, and magazines in their native tongue. It creates an immediate interest when they read.
The strangers within our gates must learn of the love of God and the plan of redemption. What better way is there for them to do this than through the medium of our literature combined with warm personal friendship?
