Chapter 47—Pastoring a Multi-Church District

Little companies may learn to rely more wholly upon God—I would encourage those who assemble in little companies to worship God. Brethren and sisters, be not disheartened because you are so few in number. The tree that stands alone upon the plain, strikes its roots deeper into the earth, spreads out its branches farther on every side, and grows stronger and more symmetrical while wrestling singly with the tempest or rejoicing in the sunshine. So the Christian, cut off from earthly dependence, may learn to rely wholly upon God, and may gain strength and courage from every conflict.—Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, 259.PaM 263.1

God promises divine guidance to little companies that seldom have preaching—Let these little companies who seldom have preaching cling more firmly to Jesus. Let them settle this point first of all, that they are willing to walk in the narrow, cross-bearing path where Jesus has traveled before them. Then let them appropriate to themselves God's promises of divine guidance.—The Review and Herald, September 27, 1887.PaM 263.2