Children Quote by James A. Michener
““Brothers in God,” he said simply, “you are not entering upon a limited mission. You are to aim at nothing less than the complete regeneration and salvation of a society. If children now die, they are to be saved. If minds are now ignorant, they are to be enlightened. If idols flourish, they are to be supplanted by the word of Jesus. And if a road is mired and useless, it is to be paved and made straight. If there is among you any man or woman with a hundred capacities, he will find in Owhyhee full outlet for all of them. Spend yourselves in Christ so that in later years it may be said of you, ‘They came to a nation in darkness; they left it in light.’ ””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Source by James A. Michener, 1965
A missionary calls for comprehensive societal transformation through Christian faith, urging salvation, enlightenment, and moral renewal.
In simple terms: Change society through Christ.
Key Takeaway
Act with faith to transform communities.
Themes
mission
salvation
renewal
justice
faith
Mood
hopeful
determined
inspirational
Type
religious
motivational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- church planting
- education initiatives
- community rebuilding
- addressing poverty
- cultural change
Key Concepts
Christian evangelism
social reform
spiritual mission
Questions to Reflect On
- How can faith‑based work respect existing traditions?
- What limits arise when aiming for total societal change?
A Different Perspective
May overlook local cultures and impose external values.
![“[Very rich people] with brains make a great effort to hold on to every penny they have while preaching to the general population that freedom and dignity and patriotism are possible only under their protection; in this way they elicit the support of the very people they hold in subjection.” quote by James A. Michener](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/60b/james-a-michener-1627_freedom_very-rich-people-with-brains-make-a-grea_8715.jpg)
![“. . . Luddites were those frenzied traditionalists of the early 19th century who toured [England] wrecking new weaving machines on the theory that if they were destroyed . . . old jobs and old ways of life could be preserved . . . At certain times in his life each man is tempted to become a…” quote by James A. Michener](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/182/james-a-michener-1627_19th-century_luddites-were-those-frenzied-traditional_76909.jpg)
