November 10

Behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest. John 4, 35.

In our own country we have a greater opportunity than ever to acquaint the English-speaking population with the great blessings which they may enjoy in the Church of the Reformation. The opportunity is unusual. From India, China, Cuba, Brazil, Argentina, from the land which harbored the cradle of the Reformer and in which his voice once proclaimed the sweet Gospel-truth, from well-nigh every quarter of the earth, we hear the call, "Come and help us!" Even now the Lord is testing us whether we will be faithful or prove traitors to our trust. And God's blessing is resting upon our labors; for no Church is enjoying a more rapid growth than ours.

To our fellow-Christians here and in Canada we preach the Gospel at far over a thousand places. As America is the land of many languages, we also have a foreign-language mission with quite a number of mission-stations. We bring the Gospel also to the deaf-mutes. Also to the original inhabitants of this country, to the Indians, the glad tidings of their Savior are proclaimed. Lutheran synods are carrying on missions among the colored people in our country. They do mission-work also among the Jews, as "the Lord is not willing that any should perish."

Besides these missions in our own country we have an extensive mission in foreign countries, especially that already mentioned in South America and Asia. Our congregations in London, Germany, and Denmark are called the European Free-Church. In Australia there is a whole Lutheran synod of about a hundred pastors and teachers who are of the same faith as we. Surely God has abundantly blessed our missionary work. He has set before us an open door, and no man can shut it.

Prayer.

O merciful God and Father, preserve unto us also in the future Thy holy Word and Thy Sacraments and thus the kingdom of Thy Son and do not suffer the enemy to deprive us of this great blessing and to extend his kingdom of darkness among us. Preserve all our faithful teachers and preachers, whom Thou hast given us, and bestow upon them Thy divine blessing and the power of Thy Holy Spirit that they may proclaim Thy Word in its truth and purity to every creature. Amen.

Let none hear you idly saying, "There is nothing I can do," While the souls of men are dying And the Master calls for you. Take the task He gives you gladly, Let His work your pleasure be; Answer quickly when He calleth, "Here am I: send me, send me!"