IMMEDIATE RELIEF

L. T. NICOLA

[READING NO. 3, SUNDAY, MAY 17. — PART II.]

WE have the fullest confidence, dear brethren and sisters, that when you come to consider prayerfully the questions before us, you will appreciate the seriousness of the situation which confronts us at this time. In the past you have always responded freely and cheerfully, and we believe you will do so now. You will begin to lay your plans to help the work by your means in various ways. This is well, and we shall expect much, for God has promised great things to those who work according to his will. But our present needs are urgent. Our missionaries are in the field; many of them are far away, and surrounded by peril and adversity. We must send them the regular supplies, for this is their only dependence, and if these are not sent, they must suffer.GCB April 1, 1896, page 697.2

The General Conference has also made appropriations to important mission enterprises. These are now overdue, and the credit of our missions is at stake. There are the Mission Home in Copenhagen, the Medical Mission in Guadalajara, Mexico, and some other important enterprises. Our brethren have gone ahead with the work, expecting that we would be ready to furnish the appropriation when needed. Now we find ourselves short of funds to meet our obligations, because contributions have greatly fallen off, instead of increasing as they should have done. During the fiscal year June 30, 1894, to June 30, 1895, the funds fell off $36,000 from those of the previous year. This places those who bear responsibility in the cause in a very trying position. But we are doing our utmost to tide over the difficulty; for we know that our people do not want the work, which is dearer to them than life, to go by default for lack of a hearty support.GCB April 1, 1896, page 697.3

From the above statements you see that we are in immediate need of funds, and that something must be done to relieve the present distress. We have borrowed as much as we can consistently, therefore the loaning of money to the General Conference will not meet the present want. We must ask you for gifts and free-will offerings to the Lord’s work.GCB April 1, 1896, page 697.4

Many of you may not be able to do as much as you would like to do at once, but will need time to make arrangements and lay plans for the accomplishment of your desire. This is right, and let all do this in the fear of God.GCB April 1, 1896, page 697.5

But there will no doubt be others who will be able and desirous to do something at once. Their help will be much appreciated, and will assist in relieving our present distress. Some, again, will be able to do a little now, and more later. We therefore suggest that a collection of offerings to the missionary work be taken up at such a time in the course of your meetings as you may decide most favorable, and that each bring a gift to the Lord according to his ability. Then our brethren can go on and lay their plans to do more from time to time, according as the Lord may prosper them. The collection, when taken, should be forwarded to this Office in the same way that the annual offerings are.GCB April 1, 1896, page 697.6