Egypt by JAY J. NETHERY

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 7, 1908

Egypt

By JAY J. NETHERY

We are made glad to read of the good reports which appear in the REVIEW showing how this world-wide message is being sounded in all parts of the earth. We are especially burdened to see the message brought to the people of Egypt. It is exceedingly difficult to reach the people here. Many from the countries of Greece, Syria, and Asia Minor are here engaged in business; and they have such wonderful prosperity in comparison to what they had in their own countries, that their success has intoxicated them with money-getting.

The Egyptians have barriers to meet when they are brought in contact with the truth. The greatest of these are their indifference, and their satisfaction with their present condition (I am speaking of the professed Christians); they are supposed to have done their duty as far as religion is concerned by making the mere profession. The Moslems are proud of their religion. Passing a house the other day, I saw a doorkeeper reading the Koran. I asked him if he was a Moslem. He answered, “Aiwah, Il Ham dul allah,”—“Yes, thank God.”

We have been encouraged by the material assistance which the young people of College Place, Wash., are sending us. They send twenty-five copies of the Signs every week. This is a good way for the home people to do foreign missionary work. I have had some interesting experiences in placing these papers where they might be read. One man told me that this is the best paper he ever saw, and the workmanship is so good. Another man especially enjoys the articles by Sister White. Some who “were not of us,” and who “went out from us,” tried to influence him against her writings; but he sees by the fruit that the tree is good. Other papers I place in reading-rooms and homes where they seem to be appreciated. We meet with some encouraging experiences as well as those which are otherwise, and realize that by the Lord’s grace all can be stepping-stones to victory.

An Armenian woman and her two daughters with whom we have been laboring for some time, promised that with the Lord’s help they would keep the Sabbath. We realize that they have much to learn and put into practise before they will be in harmony with the message for to-day; but we shall seek wisdom from above, that we may be used to help them: It means much to souls in such places to be able to separate from their former connections. They seem never to tire of our visits, and urge us to come as often as we can.

We are glad to learn that Brother W. Ising and family will soon be locating in Syria, and Brother Krug in Jerusalem. This will bring encouragement to the few believers there. We are hoping and praying that we will have another worker to locate in some other important city in Egypt to hold up the light, and to be a counselor to help for the local work. We need such a worker very much. Is there not some laborer in the home land who is willing to come to Egypt? Is there not some home conference ready to support such a worker?

We hope the readers of the REVIEW are remembering God’s people and work in Egypt before the throne of grace.

JAY J. NETHERY.