Words of Courage From the War Zone
UNDER date of September 21, Elder J. T. Boettcher, vice president of the European Division Conference, writes from Riga, Russia: “As yet we are all well. We have been obliged to cut our workers down to two-thirds pay, and even with this our weekly pay roll amounts to five hundred dollars. If the tithe does not come in this third quarter as usual, we shall have to cut still more. With interest I read what our dear people are doing for the cause over here in Europe. I am sure God will bless them. We shall stand by the work, even if we have to sacrifice our lives. This may be almost any day, God only knows. We are all of good courage, seeing in this conflict only another waymark to our heavenly home. Pray for us.” Elder J. P. Gaede writes from Odessa: “It will interest you to hear from this place in such a time of war and strife. Thus far we are well and of good courage. The work is going forward in a most encouraging way. In Odessa we recently baptized ten persons, and we have never baptized so many in this mission field before in one year. This is surely the time of the Lord’s working. We praise God that none of our workers had to go to the war. The Lord surely has a purpose in the present war. We pray to be ready for whatever comes.” A card received from Brother Guy Dail, secretary of the European Division Conference, bearing date of October 29, and written from The Hague, says: “Brother A. A. Carscallen (East Africa) writes, ‘Our missionaries driven away from their homes, two boys killed, and fear one mission burned in Central Africa.’ Third quarter in British Union Conference shows 48 net gain, £210 tithe and £265 offerings more than third quarter of 1913. Encouraging, you see. Keep up your spirits, and we shall win out.” We must not forget to pray for our brethren in these war-stricken districts. The trials through which they are passing demand that all should partake in their sufferings, through self-denial and sacrifice, that the work of God be not hindered.