April 5, 2026
— William Milne · Source: A Retrospect of the First Ten Years of the Protestant Mission to China (1820), Section XIV
John 9:4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me; but night is coming when no one can work.
Milne wrote these words about the beginning of the Ultra-Ganges Mission Library, which started with only about ten small European volumes and a very few Chinese books. Useful work, he argued, need not wait until everything is ready; once convinced of its value, begin it in dependence on God. Milne died in Malacca in 1822, only thirty-seven years old. He did not wait for "the right conditions," yet he left those who followed the foundations of the Anglo-Chinese College, a Chinese periodical, and a library. Jesus said, "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day." Perfectionism is often the enemy of obedience. We often use "the conditions are not ripe" as an excuse to delay our mission; we need not wait until we are old and gray to make up for regrets. Start today with the little that is in our hands, and light the path ahead.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for sounding the alarm bells of my soul once again through Milne's words. Lord, forgive me for always wasting time in comfort, always wanting to wait until everything is perfect before setting out. Grant me the urgency to "work while the day is shining," so that I may value the "oil" I have at hand, however weak, and be willing to burn it out completely for You. Lord Jesus, bless our ministry so that my delays will not harm it. May my life, when I depart this world to meet You, be without unfinished business, only with the peace of having completed my journey. Make me a light for those who come after me, illuminating that small patch of barren land. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.