Atchin, New Hebrides by C. H. Parker

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 3, 1914

Atchin, New Hebrides

By C. H. Parker

C. H. PARKER

[This personal letter was written to the Mission Board shortly after Brother and Sister Parker were left alone at this newly opened mission. There had been an uprising in that part of the island, and some missionaries at another mission had been killed, and doubtless eaten.]

THE good work is progressing here on the island of Atchin. We have had no fears, for we know that we have a mighty fortress in the God whom we serve, and whose we are. “The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe [lifted aloft].” If we can serve this message better in death than in life, then we want to sleep the sleep of the righteous. We believe, however, that we shall live, and have the glorious privilege of seeing this people sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in their right minds.

There is nothing in this world that is worth a passing thought; the cross of Calvary is the focal point, and there we want our compass to point each moment.

This is a wonderful work, and the greatest wonder of all is that God has connected us with it, and counted us faithful by putting us into its ministry. May our part be perfectly performed, and may we be able to say at the close, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith;” so that Jesus can say to us, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

In just five weeks we shall be leaving for Australia, to attend our union conference. We expect to be gone about four months. We are sorry to leave the work here just at this juncture, as the omens of the coming day for this people are very plain. Some are already beginning to struggle under conviction, eyes sparkle with interest and fill with tears, while oftentimes the voice is choked from feelings that are aroused. I read what you wrote me to communicate to one of the men here. It would have done you good to see his eyes fill with tears, and hear his voice choke, at the thought that there were people over in America that loved Man-Atchin, and that they were praying for him. Such communications are a great help to us in laboring for a people like this.

We have been supplied with additional help in the person of Brother Wright. This relieves us some, but the weight of the work here is increasing very fast, and it will grow heavier instead of lighter. The Fijian government has refused to grant permission to one of our native workers of Fiji to come to our assistance. But the Lord moves in mysterious ways his wonders to perform, and we know that even this he will turn to advantage for the work here.