In our day the Lord desires that His people shall be dispersed throughout the earth. They are not to colonize. Jesus said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15. When the disciples followed their inclination to remain in large numbers in Jerusalem, persecution was permitted to come upon them, and they were scattered to all parts of the inhabited world. CL 21.2
For years messages of warning and entreaty have been coming to our people, urging them to go forth into the Master's great harvest-field, and labor unselfishly for souls.—Testimonies for the Church 8:215 (1904). CL 21.3