Self-Supporting Missionaries

In many places self-supporting missionaries can work successfully. It was as a self-supporting missionary that the apostle Paul spread the knowledge of Christ throughout the world. While daily teaching the gospel in the great cities of Asia and Europe, he worked at the trade of a craftsman to sustain himself and his companions. His parting words to the elders of Ephesus, showing his method of labor, have precious lessons for every gospel worker:MHH 79.5

“‘You know,’” he said, “‘in what manner I always lived among you ... and how I kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house. ... I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or apparel. Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have provided for my necessities, and for those who were with me. I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”’” Acts 20:18-35.MHH 79.6

Many today, if imbued with the same spirit of self-sacrifice, could do a good work in a similar way. Let two or more start out together in evangelistic work. Let them visit the people, praying, singing, teaching, explaining the Scriptures, and ministering to the sick. Some can sustain themselves as literature evangelists. Others, like the apostle, can work at some handicraft or in other lines of effort. As they move forward in their lives, realizing their helplessness but humbly depending upon God, they gain a blessed experience. The Lord Jesus goes before them, and among the wealthy and the poor they find favor and help.MHH 79.7

Those who have been trained for medical missionary work in foreign countries should be encouraged to go without delay and begin work among the people, learning the language as they work. Very soon they will be able to teach the simple truths of God’s Word.MHH 80.1

Throughout the world, messengers of mercy are needed. There is a call for Christian families to go into communities that are in darkness and error, to go to foreign fields, to become acquainted with the needs of the people, and to work for the cause of the Master. If such families would settle in the dark places of the earth, and let the light of Christ’s life shine out through them, what a noble work might be accomplished.MHH 80.2

This work requires self-sacrifice. While many are waiting to have every obstacle removed, the work they might do is left undone, and multitudes are dying without hope and without God. Some people, for the sake of commercial advantage or to acquire scientific knowledge, will venture into unsettled regions and cheerfully endure sacrifice and hardship, but how few for the sake of others are willing to move their families into regions that are in need of the gospel.MHH 80.3

To reach the people, wherever they are, and whatever their position or condition, and to help them in every way possible—this is true ministry. By such effort you may win hearts and open a door of access to perishing souls.MHH 80.4

In all your work remember that you are bound up with Christ, a part of the great plan of redemption. The love of Christ, in a healing, life-giving current, is to flow through your life. As you seek to draw others within the circle of His love, let the purity of your language, the unselfishness of your service, the joyfulness of your demeanor bear witness to the power of His grace. Present so pure and righteous a representation of Him that the world shall see Him in His beauty.MHH 80.5

It is of little use to try to reform others by attacking what we may regard as wrong habits. Such effort often results in more harm than good. In Christ’s conversation with the Samaritan woman, instead of disparaging Jacob’s well, He presented something better. “‘If you knew the gift of God,’” He said, “‘and who it is who says to you, “Give Me a drink,” you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.’” John 4:10. He turned the conversation to the treasure He could give, offering the woman something better than she possessed, even living water, the joy and hope of the gospel.MHH 80.6

This is an illustration of the way in which we are to work. We must offer people something better than that which they possess, even the peace of Christ. We must tell them of God’s holy law, the transcript of His character and an expression of that which He wishes them to become. Show them how infinitely superior to the fleeting joys and pleasures of the world is the imperishable glory of heaven. Tell them of the freedom and rest to be found in the Savior. “‘Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst,’” He declared. Verse 14.MHH 81.1

Lift up Jesus, like John, crying, “‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’” John 1:29. He alone can satisfy the craving of the heart and give peace to the soul.MHH 81.2