As another year begins we gratefully acknowledge the Lord's goodness in permitting us still to be of service in forwarding funds to those on the foreign field.
While the amount sent during the past year has been considerably less than in previous years we judge from letters received the sacrifice has been greater. In one just to hand from an aged couple in very poor circumstances we read, "Our dear Lord has graciously made the oil and meal last for us throughout the past year, for which we praise His precious Name, and as a little token of appreciation to Him we have laid by in His treasury $5, and desire that it be used to His honor and glory." Surely a sacrifice "well-pleasing to God."
Concerning Christian Giving the following extract is worthy of note:
The world forms its estimate according to the getting. Christ's estimate is measured by the giving. The world reckons what sum is given:the Lord's reckoning is as to how it is given. Men consider the amount:Christ considers the motive. With the world the great question is:What does a person own? The Lord takes notice as to the use a person makes of it. How much is suggested by the Lord's remarks about the widow's offering! "The poor widow cast in more than they all:for all these did of their superfluity cast in their gifts, but she of her want did cast in all the living that she had" (Luke 21:3,4). There was little, if any, sacrifice in their case. They were as comfortably off afterwards as before. She had nothing left. Theirs was a matter of religion:hers was a matter of love and devotion to God. After all, the great criterion was, not how much she gave, but how much she kept. What a difference between their balance and her nothing!
Love and devotion to God! That imparts the real value to giving. And this perhaps serves to explain why no command as to the amount is laid down for believers. To obey a command stating the amount or proportion would be easy, but what exercise of heart would there be? Where would the motive lie? Loyalty would be superseded by mechanical religion. Love would be replaced by formalism. Both individuals and local assemblies would lose their sense of the high motive which should inspire in the offering a loving response to the love of the great Giver Himself.-From "Echoes of Service."
MISSIONARY ITEMS
We have on hand no fresh news from the field since our last issue, owing no doubt to the slowing up and congestion of mail arrival on account of the holiday season.
Prior to returning to Africa our brother Gordon Searle is spending some time in the middle West, so far having visited the assemblies in Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin and Minnesota. At present he is in Chicago and hopes to be in the East about the middle of January.
NEW WORKER
Brother Searle writing on December 9th from Minneapolis says:
Our brother, Duncan McNeil, who was out previously with a Gospel-car, and who has for a long time been exercised as to going to Africa, has now definitely decided to do so, being assured, he says, that the Lord has called him. He has notified the assembly where he is, and they are going to have a farewell meeting to commend him to the Lord's work in that needy land. He has habitually and actively engaged himself in the Lord's work for some years, although also working with his hands (as Paul did). If the Lord will, he will be coming East with me, visiting the assemblies and ministering the Word. We have been, and will be, much before the Lord as to our path. When the Lord "putteth forth His sheep He goeth before them and they follow Him, for they know His voice," and so I believe it is with our dear brother and his wife, who also is in full accord with him. We have been much encouraged by the fact that it was not until the priest's feet touched the water that a path was made through it for the Lord's people Israel to pass on. And so when the Lord's servant steps out in faith in Him He opens a way. It is the obedience of faith that is necessary before the glory of the Lord is manifested.
HARBOR WORK
Brother Holwill gives us the following account of his work for the Lord in the Port of Montreal during the past season:
Let us together thank God for His manifold mercies, and the many blessings and benefits that we have been permitted to share during another summer's work on the ships in the harbor.
"Behold, I set before you an open door," was never more true than in this year 1932, and the Lord has permitted and opened doors all the way through from April 15th to November 20th. There was not one Lord's Day afternoon but what it was possible to reach some of the ships, and many times the evening was spent in the harbor as well. Altogether 265 ships have been visited, and although the number may not mean much it is a record, never having reached as many before. . Having had more time at my disposal I have been able to do more visiting.
Please pray for the unsaved sailors; also pray for the saved sailors who while at sea are usually not more than one on a ship, and who have to fight their battle alone with no other brother or sister to give a word of encouragement or cheer. The sailor's life is a hard one, but for the believer at sea it is more so.