Florida as a Mission Field by C. V. Achenbach

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 4, 1908

Florida as a Mission Field

By C. V. Achenbach

As to climate and products, Florida is like a great tropical island. It is cooled by delightful sea-breezes from the Gulf, making the climate remarkably equable and healthful; and the State is a favorable winter resort, both for tourists and invalids. Even in the southernmost portions the summer heat is not extreme. The range between the mean summer and winter temperature is only about twenty degrees.

Florida furnishes abundantly the rich fruits and products of the tropics. Large areas are devoted to orange orchards, while lemons, limes, grapes, pineapples, bananas, figs, pears, guavas, etc., grow with equal luxuriance. Cocoanuts are also grown in the sub-tropical region. Horticulture is one of the most profitable pursuits, and of late years market gardening has assumed considerable proportions in many parts of the State. An abundance of fruits and vegetables may be had fresh every month in the year.

Among the industries of Florida is a large business in the production of pine and other lumber and live-oak timber for ship-building. The preparation of naval stores such as turpentine, tar, resin, and pitch, employs many hands; all along the coast there are valuable fisheries, and the inland waters also teem with fish. The evaporation of salt, the production of cottonseed-oil and meal, the manufacture of fertilizers, and sponge and coral fisheries, are among the profitable industries.

It is very evident, therefore, that Florida is a good field for self-supporting missionary work. Its resources are such that quite an amount of money is brought into the State. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are left here every year by the tourists.

It has been demonstrated that Florida is an excellent field for the canvassing work. The spirit of prophecy speaks very plainly in regard to our relation to the Southern field: “There is no more fruitful field than the South.” “Instead of a few, why should not many go forth to labor in this long-neglected field?” “As a people claiming to be proclaiming the last message of mercy to the world, we can not consistently neglect the Southern field.” We are also told by the spirit of prophecy that, “There is no higher work than evangelistic canvassing.” “Many of our canvassers, if truly converted and consecrated, can accomplish more in this line than in any other in bringing the truth for this time before the people.” “All who desire an opportunity for true ministry, and who will give themselves unreservedly to God, will find in the canvassing work opportunities to speak upon many things pertaining to the future, immortal life.”

We wish to correspond with any who feel a burden to take up self-supporting missionary work in Florida, especially in the canvassing work. Such may address me at Orlando, Fla.

C. V. Achenbach. Field Missionary Agent.