South Russia by DANIEL ISAAC

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 9, 1907

South Russia

By DANIEL ISAAC

The work here is onward, thank God. The interest is fast increasing among the German-speaking people, and even more so among the native Russians. The South Russian Mission field has now a membership of more than four hundred. The increase of last year was one hundred and forty-six, this mostly from the natives, among whom there is always much work to be done, even after their conversion and baptism. We find many very low morally and physically, in uncleanliness and ignorance, and many

can not even read. If we did not have the promise that the mighty Word of truth will cleanse from all unrighteousness, and also the evidence at quite a few places that it can do its work here too, we should feel much discouraged. But by leaning on the everlasting and almighty arm of Jesus, we see the promise of his living Word fulfilled. There is a great work to be done yet in Russia. We need more consecrated workers, to labor especially for the natives.

We do not expect any more liberty than we have at present, and now is our time to work, before harder times shall come. We have religious liberty, but not all the people seem to know it yet, nor to comply with it. A company of thirty believers were stoned and beaten with sticks by a mob of one hundred men, as they were holding their Sabbath meetings recently.

A Sunday law has also been enforced here, since Jan. 1, 1907. Before this, Sunday was always the greatest bazaar (market) day, and stores were open most of the day; but since the first of January there is no bazaar open in all Russia, and stores are open only a few hours on Sunday. Every inhabitant is forced to comply with this. The people in general hail it, as well as religious liberty, with joy, but to us it looks like a queer combination. They say it is order we are going to have now, though we know what the “order” of a Sunday law will end in.

The killing of officers and others by throwing bombs and by shooting, also robbery and theft, are still every-day occurrences. We are not afraid, however; for our lives are in the hands of Him who can subdue even the strongest of our foes.

The Lord must do a mighty work here in preparing his people to stand in the near and severe struggle, which will also be experienced in this country also. Dear brethren, pray for the work in Russia. DANIEL ISAAC.