Special Efforts for the Youth

“Ministers should form an acquaintance with the youth in their congregations.... Why should not this labor for the youth in our borders be regarded as the highest kind of missionary work. It will require the most delicate tact, the most thoughtful consideration, the most earnest prayer, that heavenly wisdom may be imparted. The youth are the objects of Satan's special attacks, but kindness, courtesy, that tender sympathy that flows from a heart filled with love to Jesus, will give you access to them..... When the youth give their hearts to God, your care for them should not cease. Lay some spiritual responsibility upon them. Make them feel that they are expected to do something. The Lord chooses them because they are strong.”—Gospel Workers, 278, 279.PH140 49.2

“Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.” John 21:15.PH140 49.3

Ministers should feed the lambs

The work that lies next to our church members is to become interested in our youth; for they need kindness, patience, tenderness, line upon line, precept upon precept. O, where are the fathers and mothers in Israel? We ought to have a large number of them who would be stewards of the grace of Christ, who would feel not merely a casual interest, but a special interest, in the young. We ought to have those whose hearts are touched by the pitiable situation in which our youth are placed, who realize that Satan is working by every conceivable device to draw them into his net. God requires that the church rouse from its lethargy, and see what is the manner of service demanded of them at this time of peril. The lambs of the flock must be fed. The eyes of our brethren and sisters should be anointed with heavenly eye-salve.... We must be aroused to see what needs to be done in Christ's spiritual vineyard, and go to work. The Lord of heaven is looking on to see who is doing the work he would have done for the youth and the children.”—Special Testimonies on Education, 197.PH140 50.1

There is hope if we now work

“Though we have come short of doing what we might have done for our youth and children in the past, let us now repent and redeem the time. The Lord says, ‘If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land, but if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword.’”—Special Testimonies on Education, 202.PH140 50.2