Progress of the Movement
W. A. Spicer, C. P. Bollman, C. C. Crisler, T. E. Bowen, H. E. Rogers, J. N. Anderson
As those in charge of the different phases of our work will present clear, full reports, this address will, with the exception of a few brief statements, omit the usual review of the work in general.GCB May 16, 1913, page 7.5
The reports to be rendered at this Conference will all record progress. They will show greater advancement in the last four years than during any similar period in our history. The number of Sabbath-keepers has increased from 97,579 to 114,206, a gain of 16,627. This is one of the largest gains we have ever made in any four-year period.GCB May 16, 1913, page 7.6
We shall all be encouraged by the reports from our representatives who are here from other lands. From these we shall see that this movement has taken firm root in all parts of the world, and that in the foreign countries where it has been established the longest, it is making great strides. But if we consider the shortness of the time and the urgency of the work committed to this people, surely none can feel satisfied with this gain. One of the most important questions to be considered at this Conference is how we may achieve greater success in persuading men and women to take their stand for the truth, how we may make far greater conquests in soul-winning endeavor. This is the goal, the supreme purpose, of all gospel service. Whatever of success may attend our activities in various phases of the work, we can never be satisfied with anything less than leading men to obey God. At the same time we must thankfully recognize the value of faithful service, whether those labored for obey or not.GCB May 16, 1913, page 7.7
Our secretary will present a cheering review of the triumphs of this cause in many mission fields. This review will give convincing evidence that the gifts of workers and means made by our people in the United States to other countries have not been lost. It will also show that the conditions we now face in all these fields testify that the hour has surely come to give this advent message to all the world.GCB May 16, 1913, page 7.8
The treasurer’s report will show a great increase in tithes and offerings. The tithes for the year 1912 exceed those for 1908 by more than five hundred thousand dollars, a gain of more than fifty per cent. In other words, the increase in the annual tithe during the last four years amounts to more than half the sum we paid in 1908, at the close of sixty-five years of steady growth. Some may wish the exact figures. The total tithe for 1908 was $1,101,396.47; the total for 1912 was $1,653,624.54. Gain, $552,228.07.GCB May 16, 1913, page 7.9
The increase in offerings to foreign missions is even greater, amounting to practically one hundred per cent. For the year 1908, preceding the last General Conference, the offerings to foreign missions were $308,045.68. The amount contributed during 1912 was $595,004.76, a gain of $286,959.08, only $22,000 less than the total offering for 1908. Thus in 1912 we added to our offerings to missions an amount almost equal to all we were giving in 1908.GCB May 16, 1913, page 7.10
This record will surely encourage the hearts of all God’s loyal, self-sacrificing people. And it is the more gratifying because there is every reason to believe that this increase is permanent. It is the result of systematic giving. Each member gives a stipulated sum weekly throughout the year.GCB May 16, 1913, page 7.11
Our representatives who have come from mission fields to this Conference will tell of the great help and encouragement this increase of gifts to their fields has been to them and their associates. We are all well aware that of itself money can accomplish nothing; but when it is given by men and women who love God and his cause, and is expended in heathen lands by consecrated workers in earnest efforts to save the lost, money is of great value. It occupies an important place among the facilities to be used in doing the Master’s work. Moreover, it brings spiritual blessings to the giver, so that every loyal Christian must rejoice to see money flow freely into the treasury of God’s cause.GCB May 16, 1913, page 7.12