Proper Methods of Labor

Mrs. White next addressed herself to the question of proper methods. She stressed the importance of personal visitation in the homes of the people. The minister must be alert to any sign of interest and conviction aroused by his preaching, and he must move immediately to work personally with the people: “Many a precious soul balances for a time,” Ellen White said, “and then takes his position on the side of error, because he does not have this personal effort at the right time” (Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists, 148). She suggested that workers may have to reside where the people need help most: “They ought to come close to the people, sit with them at their tables and lodge in their humble homes.”—Ibid. If this meant the workers had to take their families to undesirable places, then they would simply have to remember that Jesus, laboring in Palestine, did not always remain in the most desirable surroundings.EGWE 60.2

But she didn't single out the ministers as the only heralds of the message. She knew that there were hardworking mothers and day laborers who had a work to do for God, as well. “Brethren and sisters, you who tarry by the stuff at home, there is something for you to do. The work of saving souls is not to be done by the ministers alone. Every one who has been converted will seek to bring others to a knowledge of the truth. Commence to work for those in your own homes and neighborhoods.... You can also send up your petitions for the laborers in the different fields. God will hear your prayers.”—Ibid. Mrs. White's counsel represented more than mere sermonizing. As a mother with four sons, she had always labored faithfully to win to Christ those close to her and her neighbors, as well. Her soul-winning contracts with people in Europe both in and out of the church were frequent and fruitful, as we shall see.EGWE 60.3