I am troubled! Troubled because I see year after year, positions on our web site, that are never filled. You might well ask, 'Why are they never filled?' Our staff in the Adventist Volunteer Center have been thinking seriously about this problem for some time. We have been asking ourselves why this is so and what can be done to turn this around.

We can easily classify the positions which are never filled. They are often located in countries that are isolated, which do not offer much in the way of a monthly stipend, where the living conditions are basic, and where evangelism is difficult.

On the other hand, the positions which are filled first are those that offer the highest stipend, have the best living conditions and where evangelism is flourishing. It saddens me that some volunteers might be driven by selfish interests.

"The message is to go to all nations, tongues, and peoples, and he who labors in the difficult fields, where little fruit of his labors may appear, will, if he labors faithfully, receive as great a reward as those who labor in easier fields and apparently accomplish more." {EGW, RH, June 29, 1886 par. 6}

It is probably true that some people are better equipped to work in difficult places than others. The work is languishing for the want of people who are willing to go into some of these difficult places. God needs people who are not concerned about living conditions and outward results but who, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, will continue to share their faith in the face of discouragement. I am concerned that the Lord cannot come until we find enough people like this who are willing to share the gospel with "ALL nations, tongues, and peoples…"

The day is coming quickly when we will have no difficulty filling these places. When the latter rain falls on Christ's people they will not need to be urged, cajoled, pushed or pulled into service. One of our greater difficulties will probably be that we will not be able to find enough positions for all those who wish to "go." But have no fear, when we are ready to go, the Lord will provide opportunities for us that we never dreamed of, even in difficult places.

The Servant of the Lord appeals to us, "If we will do our best, if we will pray and believe and trust in the Lord, we shall see of the salvation of God. Brethren, where is your faith? Why are you not working in the difficult places?…………. May God help us to see our duty, and to do it, is my prayer." {EGW, GCB, June 4, 1909 par. 21}