Progress of the Work Among the Jews by F. C. Gilbert

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 16, 1908

Progress of the Work Among the Jews

By F. C. Gilbert

WE are glad to report progress in the work among the Jews. The blessing of the Lord has been attending the work during the past months; and although at times the work goes hard, we feel thankful that we can see some progress. To work for the Jews to-day means the same kind of treatment as when the Saviour and the apostles preached to them, only to-day their prejudices are stronger perhaps than they were nineteen hundred years ago. For centuries the Jews have been persecuted, and most of this persecution has been done in the name of the Christian religion. Therefore to the ordinary Jew there is nothing so hostile and bitter as the name of Christianity.

All this, of course, has to be overcome. All these obstacles have to be surmounted, for the spirit of prophecy has said that thousands of Jews will yet take their stand for God, and will help swell the loud cry of this message. This being true, the Lord has ways of his own to accomplish this work. We have done quite a little work with them in the midst of their ghettos. We thank God that we have the privilege of preaching Jesus Christ and his pure gospel to them. It cheers us to know that there are some among them who desire to hear. Ofttimes, in the midst of a howling mob, we see honest souls who are anxious to hear the truth. This gives us courage to go on, because we know his word will not return unto him void, but will accomplish his purpose.

While it is true that we receive abuse, we thank God we get souls also. A short time ago, while out preaching in the street, a mob gathered. We had not been there long before a young man started a disturbance, and secured a drunkard to oppose us quite bitterly. Soon we withdrew, and felt thankful that no bodily harm was allowed to come to us. A day or two after this the young man who caused the disturbance came into the mission, intending to create a disturbance here. After a discussion with one of the workers, he left the mission, only to return the next night to ask the Lord to forgive him for his base conduct. On his knees he pleaded with the Lord Jesus to forgive him his sins. He is an intelligent man, and has remained quite firm to the truth ever since. Within a month after this experience he went into the street, on the very same spot where he himself had occasioned the trouble for us, and preached Jesus Christ. Before he had finished, he experienced something of what he attempted himself, coming into the mission with his lip cut, and generally beaten. He thanked God, however, for the privilege of preaching Jesus Christ.

We are glad to state that there have been several baptized, and others are preparing for baptism. This is encouraging to us. But one of the saddest burdens we have is to know what to do with these Jews after they accept Christ. They are persecuted most bitterly, and have to leave their countrymen. We sought the Lord earnestly about the matter, and felt impressed that we ought to secure for them a city of refuge. The object of this undertaking was to give them work, and at the same time train them to be workers for others. The Lord very providentially opened the way to secure such a place in a fine location, and we obtained it on very reasonable terms.

We have yet to raise about three thousand five hundred dollars to pay for the place, and to stock it, that we may give the Jews work. We have two Jews there already, and we expect several others soon. We hope that the Holy Spirit will impress the hearts of God's people to do what they can to encourage this work, and that many will send in a liberal donation, as we ought to have the rest of the money before long. Donations should be sent to I. H. Evans, Treasurer of the General Conference, Takoma Park, D. C., or to H. B. Tucker, Treasurer Central New England Conference, South Lancaster, Mass., stating what they are for. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; for God has not yet cast away his people whom he foreknew.

F. C. GILBERT.