Filipino teachers going to US/Canada

 It appears you're considering the potential benefits, particularly financial, for teachers from the Adventist Schools in the Philippines to move to the U.S. or Canada, while also being rightly concerned about the negative influences that might affect their children, such as adopting worldly habits like certain clothing styles (short skirts, much makeup) or tattoos. The sources provide significant insight into these considerations from an Adventist perspective, generally discouraging moves primarily for financial gain and highlighting the dangers of worldly influences, especially in large centers, while also emphasizing the missionary call for consecrated teachers.

Here's a breakdown of the relevant information from the sources:

Concerns about Moving to "The U.S." (Historically, Battle Creek) and Worldly Influences on Children

The sources strongly caution against moving to central locations, like Battle Creek (which served as a major Adventist hub in the U.S.), due to the corrupting influences and the negative impact on families and children.

• Moral Degradation and "Street Education": Cities are frequently described as "hot-beds of vice", likened to "Sodom and Gomorrah", and saturated with "poisonous malaria". Children living in such places, especially when not engaged in productive activity, are prone to obtain a "street education" and acquire habits of "vice and dissipation".
• Loss of Purity and Faith: Pure-minded young people, through association with companions of corrupt habits, can lose their purity of character and become vicious and debased. Some who came to Battle Creek with confidence in truth returned home "doubting every truth which we as a people hold dear". There are reports of young people becoming "infidels" or giving up the truth after being sent to Battle Creek for education.
• Worldly Fashions and Amusements: Your concern about "earnings, tattoos, short skirts, much makeup" directly relates to the sources' warnings against:
  • "Outward adorning," "display," "vanity," and "extravagance" in dress. These practices are seen as "cultivating vanity, selfishness, and lust in the children" and a "sacrifice upon idol altars". Parents are warned against letting children "imitate the customs and fashions of the world" or dressing to "make a show".
  • Amusements and Idleness: "Holidays," "games," "horse racing," "gambling," "liquor-drinking," "theater-going," and "reveling" are described as stimulating passions, leading to loss of usefulness, and being a "species of idolatry". These divert time and money from useful labor and can increase poverty. The youth are often "not educated to diligent habits".
• Parental Responsibility: The sources place a heavy burden on parents for their children's character development. Parents who allow their children too much liberty, fail to restrain them, or neglect to teach self-denial and self-control are seen as contributing to their children's moral ruin. Neglecting this duty can lead to their children being "lost to Christ".

Financial Motivation for Moving

Moving for the primary purpose of "making more money" is generally discouraged and viewed negatively within the Adventist context presented in the sources.

• "Selfish motive of making money" or "worldly advantage" is seen as a burden to the church and a hindrance to God's work.
• Service vs. Wages: The emphasis is on service and self-sacrifice, not on wages as the main consideration. "If they loved the Lord God supremely and their neighbor as themselves, would they not see the necessities of their neighbor, to help him save his soul? Would they not consider the extra indulgences they allow themselves?".
• "Infinite Loss": Those who "live principally to please themselves instead of to do others good will meet with infinite loss".

Opportunity to "Go Ye" and Teach

While financial motivations are discouraged, the sources repeatedly call for consecrated teachers with a missionary spirit to work in various fields, including places in need of education.

• Great Need for Teachers: There is a "great demand in all parts of the world for Christian teachers". "Promising young men and young women should be educated to become teachers".
• Qualifications of Teachers: Teachers should be:
  • Well-balanced, patient, and kind.
  • Possessing a strong moral influence and deep love for God and souls.
  • God-fearing and learning daily in Christ's school.
  • Practical and self-reliant: Able to teach useful skills like cooking, sewing, and farming, and to make schools self-supporting. This is particularly appreciated "where means are difficult to obtain".
• Purpose of Education: The aim is to perfect Christian character, fit students for usefulness in this life and "future, immortal life", and train them to become missionaries.
• Decentralization and Local Service: While there's a need for teachers, the sources heavily emphasize the importance of establishing schools in various localities, away from large cities, and educating young people within their own regions or countries. This is seen as "far better" for the children and the cause of God.

Conclusion on "Going to the US or Canada for More Money"

Based on these principles, moving to the U.S. or Canada primarily for higher wages would be strongly advised against. The potential financial gain is presented as a "worldly advantage" that often comes at the cost of spiritual well-being and the moral character of children. The dangers of exposure to worldly influences, particularly in larger centers where many institutions were historically located (like Battle Creek), are repeatedly highlighted as a significant risk to the children's character and faith.

While there is a recognized need for dedicated teachers globally, the preference from these sources is for teachers to serve as missionaries in their own countries and communities, establishing and supporting local, self-sustaining schools away from corrupting city environments. The goal is to bring up children "for Christ" and fit them for "the future, immortal life," which is often contrasted with the "pleasures of this world".