MISSIONARY REPORT FROM THE
GENERAL CONFERENCE MINISTERIAL DEPARTMENT

Immediately after beginning to preach the gospel of repentance, Jesus proceeded to call His disciples to prepare them to become His co-workers. Walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers working and called them to follow Him. He continued on, saw two other brothers, and called them also to follow Him and become His witnesses. One after another they heeded His call, until the messengers were twelve, all called to be educated for the gospel ministry. They needed to follow Him, work with Him, and learn from Him. The entire tenth chapter of the Gospel of Matthew is a report about the wonderful instruction that Jesus gave them.

Their training included going from village to village and from house to house to preach the coming of God’s kingdom and the good news of salvation. The message of liberty was accompanied by providential healing and even miracles. In time, the number of messengers increased to seventy two, and they were all sent to preach in the cities and towns. Going in the name of Jesus and with His blessing, their mission had wonderful results; and they returned, joyfully exclaiming: ‘‘Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” Luke 10:17, New King James Version.

But what were twelve or even seventy-two witnesses, compared with the great harvest of the world? Truly it was a very limited number. For this reason, on another occasion, Jesus observed: ‘‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Matthew 9:37, NKJV. It was so in His days, and what about today? How many workers are there in relation to a world population of billions? May we say that there are enough? The need was and still is so great that He instructed them, “Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest, to send out laborers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:38, NKJV.

Yes, the fields are ripe for harvest, but there is a great lack of workers! In Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands, the need is the same. There are countries where we have some Bible workers and ministers, but there are entire countries where there are no workers at all and not even members! In light of the great mission God has given us, sending workers into the harvest becomes one of our greatest tasks. During committee meetings and delegates’ or workers’ sessions, in group or personal conversations, this topic is constantly the subject of discussion. We are reminded constantly: “Workers are needed now. As a people, we are not doing one fiftieth of what we might do as active missionaries. If we were only vitalized by the Holy Spirit, there would be a hundred missionaries where there is now one.” –Counsels on Health, p. 507.

“God calls for laborers; but He wants those who are willing to submit their wills to His, and who will teach the truth as it is in Jesus. One worker who has been trained and educated for the work, who is controlled by the Spirit of Christ, will accomplish far more than ten laborers who go out deficient in knowledge and weak in the faith. One who works in harmony with the counsel of God, and in unity with the brethren, will be more efficient to do good than ten will be who do not realize the necessity of depending upon God and of acting in harmony with the general plan of the work.” –(Review and Herald, May 29, 1888) Evangelism, p. 474.

“The third angel is represented as flying in the midst of heaven, showing that the message is to go forth throughout the length and breadth of the earth. It is the most solemn message ever given to mortals, and all who propose to connect themselves with the work should first feel their need of an education and the most thorough training. Plans should be made and efforts put forth for the improvement of all who anticipate entering any branch of the work.” –Gospel Workers, p. 290.

In some places, where young people feel called to go into the vineyard of the Lord, missionary schools are active; but often their efforts are hampered by a lack of funds. In others, seminars can be conducted only occasionally, again because of the need for funding. Therefore, you can see that the need for workers and funds is very great. You have the possibility to send the wonderful light of the gospel to people in darkness. That light may shine so brightly that it reaches the most remote corner of the world! Precious souls for whom Jesus gave His life are waiting and praying for messengers to tell them of the heavenly kingdom. His mission and sacrifice showed how precious every soul is to Him. Let the Lord therefore move our hearts to give generously for His kingdom, for it is the most sacred thing on earth. For this reason the divine promises are given: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” “He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” Acts 20:35; 2 Corinthians 9:6, NKJV.

–Antonino Di Franca
General Conference Ministerial Department Leader