Mission Schools in the South by F. R. Rogers

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 27, 1908

Mission Schools in the South

By F. R. Rogers

The mission school work, as conducted by the Southern Missionary Society, is without question the greatest factor for getting the third angel’s message before the colored people of the South. Here are nearly nine million colored people, to whom instruction is to be given concerning the physical, mental, and moral nature. It is a very large undertaking.

“We must give them line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little. The youth will catch the lessons that are given, and retain them much more readily than those who are aged. How important it is that this large class of human beings, who are now in ignorance, should be taught to read for themselves, that they may know what saith the Lord unto them! How anxious every Christian family should be to have a part in helping on the education of the colored race! Many of them are poor, neglected, homeless creatures.”—“Testimonies on the Southern Work,” page 82.

Some may ask, What are we doing to accomplish this work here in the South? The Southern Missionary Society is educating these people that they may know how to do things and to know God. We teach them not only to read and write, but give them a practical Christian and industrial education, teaching them how to build cheap houses, how to erect school buildings in cities and villages.

Note what has been done. Twelve years ago there were no colored Seventh-day Adventist schools in the South; last year this society operated eighteen schools; this year it will open ten more in September. Thus 1908 will show twenty-eight mission schools in operation, which means no less than one thousand children taught by God-fearing teachers, and the truth going to as many homes.

Visit our mission schools. See the children and teacher. Ask them what they think of the mission school, and what we shall tell the people who are helping them by giving donations to forward the work. I asked this question of a class before going West last year. One little fellow jumped up and said, “Tell ’em, ’Fessur Rogers, we is coming up; we is risin’.”

Dear brethren and sisters, this is the way the children express it. The older people appreciate these schools and sacrifice to send their children to the mission school because, they say, “We learn to read the Bible; it is a holy school.” Our teachers visit the homes, teach the people how better to prepare healthful food, to care for their bodies, and to give simple treatments. In most cases they act as church leaders, conduct the services, and are not simply school-teachers but practical workers.

The means coming to the Southern Missionary Society for the school work among the colored people is not used in erecting expensive buildings, but goes directly to taking the message of truth to the people, small amounts, when necessary, being expended to prepare temporary places of worship until Jesus comes.

Here is a group of children from the Atlanta (Ga.) mission school with their teacher. Compare these with the group of children who play in back alleys and run the street, and note what the mission school does for them. The children attend the mission school a few years; the brightest of these go on to our school at Huntsville, complete their preparation,

and go at once into active work. As a result, to-day scores of intelligent workers led by the Lord are carrying the banner of truth to thousands of their own people. This is the result of means contributed by past donations. Has not the money been well spent?

TEACHERS AND CHILDREN OF THE ATLANTA (GA.)
MISSION SCHOOL — TEACHERS AND CHILDREN OF THE ATLANTA (GA.) MISSION SCHOOL

Dozens of appeals embracing every State in the South, are before us. Our means do not warrant us in responding to another call. Think of refusing help to a city like Memphis, which, after appealing for years, now says: “We ask in the name of the dear Lord. Please remember us.”

Take hold, brethren and sisters, and help on this collection as never before, and see us open ten times ten new schools next year. Is this expecting too much?—No, certainly not. Has not the Lord said we should have one hundred workers where there is now one? Truly this is possible.

See our teachers. This group of teachers has just attended an eight weeks’ institute at the Huntsville School. A most pleasant and profitable time was spent there. Besides the regular class work, there was an earnest seeking of God, and a study of his plans and methods. These teachers go forth into the field courageous to work for God, believing he will fight for them if they trust him fully. There will be many a hard-fought battle, and possibly times when the courage will almost fail, but faith in God will bring final victory.

Truly the work is onward in the South; and we plead with you to help take out every stumbling-block, and push steadily forward until we see the work close up and Jesus come.

F. R. ROGERS. Superintendent of Schools of Southern Missionary Society.

TEACHERS OF MISSION SCHOOLS IN THE SOUTH