The Lutheran Pioneer St. Louis — 1923, Page 90

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90

_The Lutheran Pioneer.

thing of their darkness, something of. their blank

misery, something of their hopeless despair? As
you sce the needs of all these Christless souls, are
you not concerned about their wants, are you not
appalled at their wretchedness, does not sleep flee
your eyes, and do you not feel that you must act?

And in the fourth place, every one of our
readers should be a missionary because Christ, his
Master, was.one. Jesus is our Pattern and Model,
and we are to follow in His footsteps. -Jesus was
and is the greatest Missionary, commissioned by
His Father to be the Light of the world and lead
men to bliss and glory. Surely our holy ambition
should ever be to become more and more like our
Master also in the blessed work of winning and
saving souls.-:

Dear reader, think you not that these reasons
are sufficient to induce you seriously to consider the
matter and to acknowledge your share of the
stupendous responsibilities that rest upon all of us
who bear the Christian name? Is it not plain to
you that the Lord wants you to help that His great
commission to preach the Gospel to every creature
according to the ability and means which He has
given you be carried out? ;

It is the duty of every Christian to do some
missionary. work in the capacity best suited to his
capabilities. Some are called to be actual mission-
aries, and when the call comes: to them, they should
not shirk their duty. Others are called to assist,
by their earnest prayers and their temporal means,
those who are giving themselves entirely to the holy
cause of missions. There is not a single Christian
who has not some important work to perform in
the great work of bringing the Gospel to men.

_ But when should we begin with our missionary
work? Now is the time! It is very probable that
we have already neglected great opportunities. Do
not delay;* every hour: precious souls,- purchased
by the Savior’s blood, are lost because the message
of salvation has not been brought to them by those
_who.should have done so. It is possible that upon
your immediate assistance in the cause of missions
hinges the salvation of benighted human souls.

The need is so pressing, the call to missionary

service is so-urgent, that we cannot neglect our

plain duty without risk of serious regrets. Let us.

realize this and. without delay go to work. All of
us are needed; no one can be permitted to refuse
-his aid. Let this, then, be our missionary slogan,
‘“Rivery reader of the PioNEER an active mis-
sionary!? BSL.

Items from North Carolina
and Other States.

Kanwnapouis, N. C.— On the third Sunday in
October the people in Kannapolis held a rally and
raised money enough to pay off all local debts and
buy for the new chapel a good stove. At the end
of the month the Ladies’ Missionary Society gave
a reception, to which they invited the men. They
served a sumptuous supper. It was quite an en-
joyable occasion, and the Rev. J. McDavid and the
pastor made brief encouraging addresses.

IMMANUEL ConrereNce. — At its last session
Immanuel Conference appointed a committee of
three, a Ways and Means Committee, for the pur-
pose of raising $1,000. This committee has now
apportioned this sum among the thirty congrega-
tions belonging to the conference, according to size
and means, and has informed each congregation of
what is expected from it. The committee has ap-
portioned these sums with great care, and it is to
be hoped that the desired sum will be forthcoming
in each case.

ATLANTA, GA.—The Rev. J. Alston reports that
on October 28 he preached a special sermon to a
large gathering, in which he stressed the needs of
the college in Greensboro. During the service a
special collection was raised for the school. — On
Reformation Day the Rev. C. H. Broders, of the
white Lutheran Church, preached a splendid ser-
mon to our Colored Lutheran congregation. On
November 4, at a special service, several members
were confirmed, and Communion was celebrated. —
Pastor Alston reports a very good attendance. at
the day-school.

Concorp, N. C.—The Rev. M. Holsten held: his
first Harvest Home Festival in North Carolina on
the second Sunday in October. In the morning
service the Rev. F'. Alston preached a mission ser-
mon from Acts 17, 16—18. In the afternoon the
Rey. J. McDavid delivered an address based on
Esther 4, 14. At night the pastor preached the
Harvest Home sermon. All services were well at-
tended. Visitors had come from all the neighbor-
ing congregations and brought their friends with
them. A large collection was raised. At these
services the choir, trained by the Rev. Holsten,
rendered several beautiful selections... After the
morning service the ladies of the congregation
spread @ sumptuous repast for the visitors.