"All over the world men and women are looking wistfully to heaven. . . . Many are on the verge of the kingdom, waiting only to be gathered in." --Evangelism, p. 462.
Ken and Diane were waiting, but we knew nothing about them though they lived only a few miles from us until a short time ago.
Ken's aunt, a devoted Adventist from another State, visited them on New Year's Day. Ken and Diane, a young, newly married couple, questioned her at length about her faith. They decided she had just what they had been looking for as they searched from one church to another since their recent conversion.
They attended our church the very next Sabbath. We invited them home. Studies were begun, being held not just once a week, but two and three times. Prior to this Ken had signed up for military service, and had only until the end of the month to study with us.
As the time came for them to say good-by to us they did so with almost a familylike emotion. They are overwhelmed with joy, appreciation, and wonder at their new-found prize this wonderful message.
But that isn't the end of the story. A friend of Ken's called at our home. He read some of the literature Ken had given him, and he became convicted that he should keep the Sabbath. He wanted help and counsel on how to get Sabbaths off at his job. The next Sabbath he and his wife attended church. Studies have been arranged, and it appears that they too are "waiting ... to be gathered in."
But that's not all. Diane's six teen-year-old sister, a devout Christian girl, wanted to set Ken straight when he first began studying. She prayed for the Lord to show her where we were wrong. She didn't get an answer. Now she wants to attend church and begin studying. Ken's family are expecting a visit from us and have requested some of our books. Who knows where the story will end?
One thing is sure. When the Holy Spirit leads us to those waiting to hear our message, there's no telling what His mighty power will accomplish in the gathering in process. However, one disturbing thought keeps clamoring for our attention. How many Kens and Dianes do we miss finding because we keep so busy with the "ever - learning - but - never - get - to- church" kind, or the "slow of heart" and all the other kinds you know about so well?
These are all precious souls, and we must be concerned about them, but as you plan your work schedule it might be well for you to think of the Kens and Dianes out there who are just "waiting . . . to be gathered in." Making them your first priority might just put a new sparkle in your eye, and give a new lilt to your steps. Eventually, you may even have some new helpers so that together you can reach all those other precious souls.
Meanwhile, remember, they are out there, "waiting only to be gathered in." Let us not neglect to find them or hesitate to give them priority.