p. 23 | Young Men to the Front by John Lørke

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 6, 1907

Young Men to the Front

By John Lørke

“Not, by the large meetings, fine speeches, and much excitement are great things done; O, no, but by earnest, quiet work, as the worker is not influenced by his success, but realizes that God’s presence is with him.”

These were the words that the great missionary, Livingstone, spoke before a large congregation in England, while he took a much-needed rest. He returned after that to Africa, and true to the above-mentioned principles, he labored there until his death.

Such missionaries we can use also in this country, Brazil, where spiritual darkness reigns. In the States two years ago, I saw at our camp-meetings and in our schools a large number of intelligent young people, of whom we could use many in Brazil. Workers are needed very much.

Elder Spies, for instance, has charge of the work in the northern part of Brazil. He is the only ordained minister in his field. He has to look after the work in the States of Rio, Espírito Santo, Minas Geraes, and Bahia. Think of it!—one man for four States as large as some of the States in America.

By sending out our good missionary paper, O Arauto da Verdade, an interest sprang up in the States of Para and Bahia. In the latter State people began to keep the Sabbath without ever having seen a minister. They are calling for a minister, and wish to be baptized. Elder Spies intends to go, but the work is pressing on all sides.

In Sao Paulo our only minister is Elder Hoelzle. He is also the editor of our Portuguese paper. He needs canvassers, Bible workers, and ministers.

Elder Ehlers has charge of the work in the States of Parana and Santa Catharina. He is the only ordained minister in his field, and is anxious to get more laborers, because the work demands it. Even in the State of Gogaz, away in the interior, an interest has developed. We can truly say, we need our young people who are studying in our schools to come over and help us proclaim the third angel’s message in our large country of Brazil.

If you take your map and look up the States I have mentioned, you will see in how few States we have begun to work so far. Our laborers who have worked here for years under privations, trials, and difficulties are growing old. Our young people must come to the front, step into the ranks, lift up the banner of truth, and go forward under the great Captain, our beloved Saviour. Where are the young people in our schools who will say, ‘Here am I, Lord; send me’? I hope many who read this will speak these words. And while I write these lines, I pray to God to put the desire into many hearts to consecrate themselves to the work in foreign lands.

But that you, my dear brother and sister, may not be deceived, I will try to explain what is required of one who wishes to come, and will tell of some of the difficulties he is going to meet. Many a young man is ready to go to foreign lands when he sees how missionaries who have returned for a needed rest are honored and praised. But if this is the only reason for wishing to be a missionary, it has no worth whatever.

When you come into such a strange country, you will find that your journey has not been a pleasure trip. You will have to fight, yes, to fight hard every day with the devil, who will do his utmost to hinder the beginning of our work in new territory. You will have to grapple with peculiar difficulties, the darkness of superstition, and with diseases resulting from exposures and a different climate. You find few railroads. The journeying is done on mule or horseback through uninhabited districts. Sometimes you suffer hunger and thirst. Bad water may bring on sickness. Tropical rains may soak you. You may have to cross rivers on boats or by swimming. Such experiences one has who labors in the interior. After you get to your field, a Catholic priest may stir up his people and seek to drive you out, or even kill you. This has happened. Then it takes nerve and faith. The darkness of superstition is great. You have to learn to adapt yourself to some of the customs of the people and to the peculiar conditions of the country. You have to press forward in faith, overcoming everything by faith in the Lord Jesus. You will weep and pray often. But how great is your joy when you finally see precious souls rejoicing in the truth as a result of your labor. This pays for all you have suffered.

Why have I written the above? To discourage you after I have encouraged you to come over and help us? O no, indeed! Why, then?—To make you see that it takes a whole and true man to be a missionary.

JOHN LØRKE.

(To be concluded)