The Joy of Service by R. A. Caldwell

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 7, 1916

The Joy of Service

By R. A. Caldwell

R. A. CALDWELL

Passing through the rice fields on a recent Sunday, within sight of the mountainous province of Benguet, P. I., I decided once again to contribute to your thirst-quenching columns; for “as cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.”

I found myself singing, “O, there’ll be joy when the work is done!” and the thought came to me, “Yes, and there’s joy in doing it.”

In my provincial work, I have many times been accommodated by American teachers, who are, on the whole, very pleasant persons, and some are of a serious mind. I informed one of them of the recent arrival in China of forty-two missionaries for our work. He thought that there was much to do in the needy home field in preference. I remarked that in privileged countries the majority have heard the gospel more than once, and almost all have had it in printed form; but here were multitudes without such opportunities, some of whom would probably accept it when presented. I said, “If I had a hundred lives. I would gladly spend them all here.”

One case I met on this trip was encouraging. A purchaser of “Patriarcas” of five years ago, remembered me at sight when I introduced “Conflicto de los Siglos” (The Great Controversy). He asked concerning my faith. On my replying, he said, “Oh, Sabbatista.” He indorsed all I said on the question, and quoted Matt. 5:17. He is also convinced of the unconscious state of the dead. I feel thankful for the privilege of service in disseminating such literature.

One municipal president told me we were correct, but he said he was the only one in town of that opinion. I told him to stand alone, like Luther.

Before reaching my journey’s end on this September morning, I was singing “One more day’s work for Jesus.” It is just twelve years since I first left Australia for the Orient, and they have been strenuous years; yet it is still my constant prayer and desire for more opportunities—always one day more. It is a fact that there is no drudgery in God’s service.