Supply and Demand

THE economic law of supply and demand has its byplay in the great program of denominational service. Administrators constantly are faced with the pressure that comes from the great outreach of Christian missions, which is now taking new forms, being conditioned by the modern factors that are having a great effect on the life of the world, particularly in Africa.

Denominationally, we are naturally greatly impressed by the sacrificial service given by our missionaries of an earlier day. Thirty or forty years ago young men and women were called to give their lives in service for Africa, when they perhaps had little else to offer beyond their own deep dedication and consecration to the work of God. Their personal resources in education were limited by reason of the opportunities that had been available to them in personal preparation. The demand in those days was also limited, by reason of the state of de­velopment in the territory to which they were assigned. They were called upon un­der these conditions to make sacrifices that many present-day workers fail to under­stand.

However, the calls for workers and the opportunities for service have not become less. In many respects the demands are greater, and the conditions are entirely dif­ferent. The same sterling qualities of dedica­tion and consecration are called for today in those who respond for service overseas. The Prime Minister of Britain some time ago coined a phrase that has pinpointed the situation in Africa today, when he spoke of "the wind of change that is sweep­ing over Africa." This "wind of change," as seen in the great desire for education, medical service, and other modern necessities, is bringing an increasing pressure in our mis­sion program. No longer can we send young men and women merely equipped with the qualities of dedication and consecration. These they must possess; these are essential in any place of service. But along with these great qualities, education and skilled techniques are essential if mission service is to be effective. The demand today is for qualified personnel, so that in the fields of medicine, education, and evangelism, work­ers from overseas will be able to stand alongside the national workers of these new lands, working with them in a brotherly co­operation that makes for mutual respect and effective teamwork. Many years ago the famous African educator, Dr. K. Aggrey, stated that "nothing but the best is good enough for Africa." If that was true at that time years ago, it certainly is doubly true today. Constantly the mission board is being faced with an increasing demand for qualified personnel, and our schools and colleges must rise to the opportunity and challenge that now confronts them in sup­plying this need, and our young people must meet the demand with the old-time dedication and consecration, in such a way as to be worthy of the past and ably equipped for the future.