The Work in Eastern North Carolina by W. E. Carter

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 12, 1908

The Work in Eastern North Carolina

By W. E. Carter

We have had a burden for this field for a long time because of our acquaintance on the coast, I having sailed a vessel from Norfolk into these waters for more than ten years. Last spring we disposed of our business in Raleigh, N. C., and went to Hampton, Va., with a view to procuring a suitable vessel for this special work. My family and myself canvassed in Hampton until September 18, then we secured a small sailing-vessel, and soon after came through the Albemarle Sound and the Chesapeake Canal to North Carolina.

There were three on board, my wife and oldest son and myself. We visited some of the towns bordering on the Albemarle Sound and its tributaries, placing quite a number of our books in the hands of the people, and distributing a great deal of literature, of which we had a good supply, through the kindness of our friends in Washington, Hampton, and elsewhere. When the weather became cold and rough, my wife went home to Raleigh, and my son and I came farther south with our boat.

In looking at the map of North Carolina, we find that the State is nearly or quite two hundred miles north and south on the coast line. I can not find that any work has been done with our literature east of Newbern, which is about forty miles from Pamlico Sound. The Sound is forty miles wide, and contains many islands, which are settled with small hamlets and towns. There is a settlement on Cape Hatteras of about eight hundred persons, and twenty miles farther south, at Ocricoke, there are nearly as many more. From these sounds there are bays and rivers reaching into the land. In fact, it is a land of many waters. The main shore-lines have numerous small settlements of farmers and fishermen. Few, if any, have ever heard of a Seventh-day Adventist.

A word as to the difficult part of that field. The little hamlets and small towns are scattered, with only private transportation between places. Many of the people are illiterate, and shy of strangers. The drinking water is not good, and much sickness prevails in this low country. Our canvassers have done much in the upper part of the State, but the extreme eastern part is practically untouched. The only successful way of working this territory will be by boat. The gas boat has been introduced into these waters quite extensively. Most of the people we meet are kind, and we have many good talks on the Bible. We are sowing some seed, and have opportunity to give out literature to a class of boatmen who seem to appreciate what we give them to read.

This time of year we can not sell many books, as spring fishery has not begun yet. There seems to be a great scarcity of money on account of crop failure for two successive years. If any of our people are interested in this field, and will send us copies of the Signs, Watchman, Life and Health, and tracts which contain parts of the message, we will use them to the best possible advantage.

We meet and talk with many ministers, and find some interested. Surely, the Lord has a people in this part of the State who will see the light of truth and obey. Now is the time to work; but to do effective work we need a gas boat and a tent. I wish some of our more experienced workers would become interested in this work. Active work could be done at least eight months of the year along the coast, and the rest of the time could be occupied with work up the rivers.

This is a poor country, and from a financial standpoint would not be considered at all, but we must not forget those less favored with temporal means. I believe that God has placed me in this field, and, by his help, I expect to be faithful. If any feel disposed to assist financially in procuring the necessary outfit to carry the third angel's message in these waters, I would be glad to hear from them. My address is Belhaven, N. C.

W. E. CARTER.