I WOULDN'T exchange a lifetime for the next five years."
Give Billy Graham credit for those lines! The popular evangelist based his remarks upon trends set in motion by the exciting developments of the 1960's---the tragedy of a world aflame with aggravated sin burning out the morals of a great nation.
It is seriously doubtful that a revival and reformation of a lasting quality will occur in the popular churches of today. But who can doubt that many Christians will experience a redemptive adventure with God as a result of the preaching of dedicated Christian evangelists outside of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
As the prophetic future unfolds and the final test comes over the question of the Sabbath-Sunday controversy, many sincerely converted persons will identify them selves with the remnant people of God. They will not only keep "the commandments of God;" they will experience "the faith of Jesus." Moreover they will add their strength to the proclamation of this message "to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people."
Then there is the remnant church itself in need of revival and reformation. Have we experienced a spiritual renewal that will provide a warm, vital fellowship for thousands, yes, hundreds of thousands, of new converts? Many think not, but this call has been sounding through our preachers and laymen in an increasingly loud voice since the 1966 General Conference in Detroit. Have we heard this voice? Have we united our personal voice with that of the president of the General Conference, the officers and departmental leaders, as the summons to a new religious life swells to a loud cry?
In recent months Providence has raised up a deeply spiritual instrument that has in it a powerful influence for righteousness. We have all read about it in THE MINISTRY and the Review and Herald—Testimony Countdown a Spirit-guided program provided for the systematic study and application of the nine volumes of the Testimonies. The plan operates in regular classes conducted during Wednesday night mid week services in Seventh-day Adventist churches. There are ten such classes in all.
The messages in the nine volumes of the Testimonies need to be read and understood by our ministers and laymen now. The books are up to date and meaningful in the 1960's. We would like to share evidences of the timeliness of the Testimony counsels as portrayed by the following exhibits extracted from Robert H. Pierson's book 501 Adventist Illustrations and Stories. Years ago this author saw the timely quality in the Testimonies and marked out Ellen G. White prophecies fulfilling in our time.
Increasing Obstacles to the Work
" 'Everything will be placed to obstruct the way of the Lord's messengers, so that they will not be able to do that which it is possible for them to do now. We must look our work fairly in the face and advance as fast as possible in aggressive warfare.' . . . [Quoted from Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 22.]
"Governments not friendly to the advancement of the Christian gospel are more and more placing obstructions in 'the way of the Lord's messengers' so that the work of God will be hindered. In a country in the Orient word came one day from a high government authority giving us just seven days to send one of our missionaries out of the country. Later another successful evangelistic worker in the same country was given short notice to leave.
"In another land in the same division a worker, long in the country, was refused a re-entry permit after furlough because he knew the language and the people too well. The immigration official in this country refused to grant entry permits to several prospective workers. . . .
"Thus obstacles are being 'placed to obstruct the way of the Lord's messengers.' Now is the time for us to 'advance as fast as possible in aggressive warfare.' We dare not tarry, or other doors will be closed to us." --Pages 266, 267.
Passage From Place to Place Hindered
" 'We have no time to lose. The end is near. The passage from place to place to spread the truth will soon be hedged with dangers on the right hand and on the left.' . . . [Quoted from Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 22.]
"When these words were written, no troublesome passport requirements impeded the travel of God's messengers. Workers were able to move from one country to another easily. What a difference to day! In some countries it is almost impossible to secure residence permits for our overseas workers.
"For other countries I have visited it took months to secure even visitors' visas. I have had to enter such countries as 'an administrator,' 'an executive,' or a 'temperance worker.' One such country canceled my visa when immigration officials learned that I was a clergyman. One of my visas states clearly that if I subsequently secure a visa to visit a neighboring country which they consider unfriendly, my visa to their land will immediately become invalid.
"Most American passports have some restrictions countries that may not be visited. Certainly 'passage from place to place to spread the truth' is being 'hedged' with legal red tape as well as with 'dangers.' " -Page 268.
The nine volumes of the Testimonies, particularly volumes 5 and 9, carry prophetic forecasts for our day. But these books cover nearly every phase of human life and experience. Valuable counsels are found here on church and institutional responsibility. These volumes present the duty of Christians to witness for Christ and to maintain a consecrated home life. Health and Christian education are stressed.
Many of the inspired messages were letters written by hand to the erring and mailed to those who needed spiritual help. Sometimes the recipients were church leaders. The words that came to the very hearts of these living persons were felt and believed and lived. Those who read the Testimonies become personally aware of the divine nature of the spiritual counsels. What Ellen White wrote originated in the mind and purposes of God. She rebuked sin and once explained her mission in these words:
"I have not come to cry peace; you can hear this voice wherever you go. There are those who will be glad to lull you to sleep in your carnal security; but I have a different work. My message is to alarm you, to bid you reform your lives, and cease your rebellion against the God of the universe. Take the Word of God, and see if you are in harmony with it. Is your character such as will bear the search of the heavenly investigation? Remember, Jesus says: 'Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.' "---Review and Herald, June 22, 1911.
The General Conference Committee at the Spring Council recommended that all our churches study the possibility of starting a Testimony Countdown class in the fall of 1969 or in January, 1970. The fol lowing supplies are available to assist pas tors who wish to undertake this teaching project:
Enrollees support the program with a $2 fee (individual or family), which they pay the first night. This covers cost of Testimony Countdown guidebook (100 pages), gift volume, and other materials.
Each student should have a set of the Testimonies. Check with your Book and Bible House for special rates available to Testimony Countdown class members.
We suggest that if you wish to have your Testimony Countdown class in the fall you begin on September 3 or 10 so that you will be finished before Ingathering starts. If you plan to conduct a class in 1970, January 7 through March 11 would be ideal.
Each of you should have received an instruction sheet with your Spirit of Prophecy Day materials for May 17. If you desire another sheet, write to the White Estate office at the General Conference.
The Testimonies are needed now. Why not start a Testimony Countdown program in your church either in the fall or winter! Hasten the great revival and reformation of the church and the finishing of God's work.
