The work in the cities is the essential work for this time, and is now to be taken hold of in faith. When the cities are worked as God would have them, the result will be the setting in operation of a mighty movement such as we have not yet witnessed (MM331.3).This begs the question, have we seen a mighty movement? I would boldly claim that we have not. What, then, can we deduce from the above statement? Yes, that the cities are not being worked as God would have them. Most times when ministry is done, it is compartmentalized. There are many good summer colporteur programs, great Bible work opportunities, and medical mission trips aplenty. We know how to do it--separately. But what would happen if they all worked together as a cohesive unit? This is what Ellen White and the Apostle Paul suggest and frankly how Jesus ministered. The city mission I'm involved with is testing this out--combining Bible work, colporteur ministry, welfare ministry, and medical missionary work*. There is great power in combining them together--and I have witnessed it happening. Stay tuned for some stories of my experiences here!
If you'd like to know more, you can listen here to our director speak on audioverse or go here to see some research done in Ellen White's writings, as well as Elder Ted Wilson's dissertation on the subject in New York City.
* Let me just say that the term medical missionary is much broader than many understand. It is related to Christian help work, welfare ministry, natural remedies, etc. Feel free to listen and see the above links for a more in depth explanation.
