HERALD INTERNATIONAL
How Will We Meet The Challenge?
By Lois J. Stucky
[The following article is arranged from two articles that Lois wrote in the earlier years of her ministry with the Herald. The message reveals her heart for worldwide outreach, and her awareness of the devotion and sacrifice needed for such ministry. We share this message with you now to help rekindle your devotion to the Lord’s call to share the Gospel throughout the world.]
Everywhere around the world can be found hungry hearts. God looks to us, His people, to help Him supply the spiritual food. Remember how Jesus’ heart of compassion was touched when He saw the hungry multitudes on the Galilean hillside. He multiplied the loaves and fishes to feed them all. Then He called on His disciples to take from the miracle spread and give to the hungry. He is calling on us today! He is giving us the same privilege and the same responsibility!
The Lord has given to Herald of His Coming blessed open doors to feed spiritually hungry souls in about [140] different countries of the world regularly through the English edition. The Herald International editions extend still farther the outreach. Some Heralds go to tiny, out-of-the-way places we hardly know about.
While we in America can hear a Gospel message with the flick of a radio or television switch, or by sorting through a stack of religious literature coming to our home, many readers overseas tell us the Herald of His Coming is the main course – and sometimes the only course – of their spiritual meal. May we who have so abundantly share with those who have so sparingly. This is the true spirit of Christianity. It is the Spirit of Christ. He had all of Heaven’s wealth and resources. But He limited Himself. He denied Himself to the point of having no where to lay His head (Matt. 8:20), in order to bring His wonderful salvation to us. May this spirit of self-denying love and giving touch our hearts and move us to take part today in going with the blessed Gospel!
The Challenge of Spreading God’s Word
If Christians are to pattern their lives after the Word of God, then the Word needs to be spread as widely as possible. God has set before us His will and standard in this matter: "Go ye therefore, and teach ALL NATIONS…teaching them to observe ALL THINGS whatsoever I have commanded you…" (Matt. 28:19-20).
At the Herald office we praise the Lord for the opportunities to go with the Gospel far and wide. Herald of His Coming is a humble little paper. It is nothing in itself. But when it carries the Word of God and is anointed by the Holy Spirit, living waters flow from it. Letters we receive indicate that many find sound doctrines and good sermons which help in the Christian life. One friend from Africa wrote: "Countless blessings are obtained by reading Herald of His Coming. What a friend I have in Jesus and His devoted laborers!"
While we here count ourselves but unprofitable servants of the Lord, we do delight in being His "devoted laborers," sending out the Word of God to hearts around the world who need and long for the instruction and enlightenment, the conviction and exhortation that are given through the Herald messages, anointed by the Spirit of God. Each of you friends supporting with your gifts and prayers are as truly "devoted laborers" as we here at the office. We need you, and we encourage you in the good work you are doing.
One brother from the West Indies who sent his gift said: "Enclosed herewith please find my gift, which I give with all my heart for the glory of God and to help spread the Word."
This is the cheerful giving which God loves (2 Cor. 9:7), given from the right motive (1 Cor. 10:31), and for the highest purpose (Matt. 28:18-20). Thank the Lord! We know that many of you dear friends, although you do not express it in these same words, are of one heart and mind with this brother. It is this humble, loving, sincere spirit that helps to bring the precious anointing of God upon the Herald messages so that only Eternity can record the results. All glory to God!