First Sabbath Offering for Missionary Schools

In loving obedience to the Lord’s commission, “Go ye into all the world and teach all nations,” the Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement is striving to prepare qualified workers to accomplish this task.

Missionary schools are one of the main means for this preparation. These schools, being established in different parts of the world, are to be focused on instructing our young people in the “Present Truth” and in the best methods whereby this truth can be presented to other souls.

“True education is missionary training. Every son and daughter of God is called to be a missionary; we are called to the service of God and our fellow men; and to fit us for this service should be the object of our education.”—The Ministry of Healing, p. 395.

In carrying out this educational work, a double advantage is gained. Not only are the sincere, thirsting souls benefitted, but also the messengers, who will themselves be strengthened and brought into a closer connection with God:

“It is to fortify the youth against the temptations of the enemy that we have established schools where they may be qualified for usefulness in this life and for the service of God throughout eternity.”—Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, p. 495.

The Lord’s messenger endorsed this kind of activity and encouraged believers to engage in it, as acceptable service:

“He who strives to obtain knowledge in order that he may labor for the ignorant and perishing, is acting his part in fulfilling God’s great purpose for mankind. In unselfish service for the blessing of others he is meeting the high ideal of Christian education. . . .

“The Lord calls for strong, devoted, self-sacrificing young men and women, who will press to the front, and who, after a short time spent in school, will go forth prepared to give the message to the world.”—Ibid., pp. 545, 549.

Therefore we kindly appeal to all the brethren around the world, to open their hearts for this need and to contribute generously for the development of this rewarding branch of God’s work this Sabbath, when a special offering will be collected for this purpose.

Thank you in advance and may God bless the gifts and givers.

Your brethren from the GC Education Department