THE needs of the Lord's work are so many and varied as to almost defy description. Openings are developing in so many places and opportunities are so numerous that one cannot help but be impressed that this is our day. From the Middle East, from Europe and Africa, from Southern Asia and the Latin American countries, from the Far East and Australia, as well as in North America, this is our day of unparalleled opportunity. As reported in this issue, the success of MISSION '73 in all parts of the world assures us that the Spirit of the Lord is being poured out in unusual measures upon His people. We are on the verge of great things, and the scenes of Pentecost will soon be repeated and with greater demonstrations of power.
It is only natural that this would antagonize the enemy and the church would be brought face to face with problems that seem in surmountable. These, too, are many and varied and can be met only in the wisdom of the Lord. The situation that has developed over the devaluation of the U.S. dollar has virtually robbed our overseas fields of about $3.5 million. What this means to our work is staggering. It could result in the reduction of evangelistic endeavors, and in limiting our medical and other services that are offered to the peoples of other lands. It could mean that the work of the Lord could be retarded at a time when He is setting His hand to quickly finish it.
There is a blessed promise, however, that brings comfort to our hearts at a time like this, "Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power" (Ps. 110:3). And to this text we might add to the word willing "liberal." This is exactly what is proving to be the case. Our church members by the thousands have said, We must not let our overseas work suffer from this devaluation. We must come to the Lord and support His work in this time of crisis. This they have done in the emergency offering of May 26. The General Conference office family quickly pledged more than $19,800 to help fill the gap. In addition to this a half million dollars are being taken from reserve funds.
We now appeal to our pastors and other workers to continue to present the challenges, opportunities, and needs of the world work to all of our people. Let us, as ministers, set an example of giving that will inspire our members to give more. Let us talk faith and courage and enter into a spirit of willing giving so that no need shall go unmet. Let us make the following suggestions:
1. Let us personally give more, much more, through our Sabbath school offerings. Why not increase our Sabbath school offerings by 50 per cent or even double them, and invite our church members to do likewise? Honestly, it won't hurt, and it will help.
2. Why not contact some of our members who have been richly blessed with the Lord's goods, and ask them to make an especially liberal contribution to His cause right now, when the need is so desperate?
3. Why not take advantage of our contacts with those not of our faith and invite them to contribute to the work of God at this crucial time? Through Ingathering and other contacts many would give if they knew of the need.
4. By our prayers and earnest preparation for the coming of the Lord, let us give ourselves in full surrender to Christ and consecrate our time, talents, and means to the speedy finishing of His work.
In these ways, as well as many others, not only can we meet the current emergency but also make ample provision for the needs of the Lord's work until it is gloriously finished. Let us do our best to keep the needs of the world work before our people at every opportunity and seek to encourage such a response that every member of the church will be fully involved in the wonderful victory soon to be achieved.
