Daily Devotion

“We must use words to open the doors of hearts that cannot be heard but can be seen. This small monthly magazine (referring to the first modern newspaper in China that he founded) is like a pebble thrown into a stagnant pond; the ripples may be small, but they will eventually reach the other side. Words are undying missionaries.”

William Milney · Preface to the Inaugural Publication of "Monthly Records of Worldly Customs"

Scripture

Isaiah 55:11 So it is with the words that come out of my mouth: They will not return to me empty-handed, but will accomplish what I desire and will prosper in what I sent them to do.

Reflection

Milne's dedication to "words" is a baptism for our current methods of information dissemination. In this fragmented, fast-paced era, we often pursue instant interaction and popularity, neglecting the power of words to "settle and transcend time." Milne calls words "immortal missionaries," reminding us that the depth of ministry sometimes surpasses its breadth. Even if what we do is just small "pebbling" work—such as writing a sincere reflection, recording a spiritual struggle, or translating a classic text—these "seeds" may, years later, quietly knock on someone's heart in some corner we've never set foot in. Do we value this "immortal" ministry? Are we willing to invest enduring patience and craftsmanship for those ripples that "will eventually reach the other side"?