Seeking the Lost Sheep by J. P. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 30, 1916

Seeking the Lost Sheep

By J. P. Thompson

About two years ago, we received a letter from a man in Colonia Miguelete, Uruguay, requesting us to place his name on the subscription list for El Atalaya. The year following he not only renewed his own subscription, but sent in the names of eight or nine others for the paper. Brother Koch, who was canvassing in that neighborhood, called at this man's home several times, and was well received. About three months ago he renewed his and his neighbors' subscriptions to El Atalaya, and also wrote that he had begun weekly Bible studies with his neighbors for the purpose of increasing an interest in the study of God's Word. I felt much impressed that one who manifested so much interest in our literature ought to be visited, so I went.

I was most warmly welcomed, and was made to feel that there existed between us that sympathy that is known only in Christian fellowship. We were soon deeply engrossed in talking about the truth, and the time sped by quickly. While we were eating supper, one of the neighbors came in, and I learned that Brother Cayrus had sent his boy to tell him that I was there. Family worship being over, and the children having retired, we continued our conversation, and opened our Bibles for study.

Without any previous plan we began to study the prayer life of Jesus, searching the texts that tell when he prayed, the circumstances, and why he prayed. We were richly blessed in the study, and many times Brother Cayrus exclaimed, “How wonderful! How many times I have read those texts, and never saw these things!” When the study was ended, the neighbor said, “This has been a great blessing to me, for last Friday I smoked my last cigarette, and this is just what I need to strengthen me in the fight against this vice.”

The hour was then late, so after a word of prayer the neighbor was about to leave for his home when he asked me how long I intended to remain there. I had already told Brother Cayrus that I must leave the following Friday to meet other appointments, but before I could answer he said, “Until next Monday.” I told him I should be very glad to do so, but it did not seem possible. Then he said, “I understand. I was but expressing

a desire that I have that you might remain with us over the Sabbath, for yesterday [this was Monday night] I announced to my family that I had held the last service with them, as is our custom to do, on Sunday; for henceforth I shall observe the Sabbath.”

For a moment I was speechless with wonder, as I saw how the Spirit of God had been working on the hearts of these men. Each had made a great decision without the other's knowing it, though their houses were but a short distance apart. Then I also saw the hand of God directing my way, that I should be there at just the time when they felt the need of help.

Thirty-one years ago, when but a boy, Brother Cayrus heard Sister White preach in the Waldensian Valleys of Piedmont. He was very much impressed with the truth, but he was only a child, and did not receive encouragement from his parents to accept the truth presented. He had never forgotten the things he heard at that time, and now, when he is a man of mature years, and at the head of a fine family of children, the seed that was sown in his heart in childhood has sprung into life. He has in his possession a copy of “The Great Controversy” in French, which his father bought of Elder D. T. Bourdeau many years ago.

The next day was spent in visiting some of the near neighbors, who also are subscribers to El Atalaya. One of them invited me to have a meeting in his house, to which I consented. A goodly company assembled, and we had a very interesting study. The next day we went out farther to visit other friends. In the evening there was a band practice near the home of Brother Cayrus. Quite a number gathered to hear the music, and after the practice was over, I was again invited to speak. The next day was my last one there, so I improved the time in visiting those whom I had met at the evening meetings. Thursday night was the time for the weekly Bible studies Brother Cayrus is holding, so I was again invited to hold a service with them. He has been studying the book “Steps to Christ” in connection with the subjects presented. That night we had the chapter on “Consecration” for our study, and the room was well filled with most attentive hearers. They are people who know their Bibles; for no sooner was the text announced than they were ready to read it. J. P. THOMPSON.