Sowing Beside · All Waters by Joel C. Rogers

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 5, 1911

Sowing Beside · All Waters

By Joel C. Rogers

JOEL C. ROGERS

NYASA SCHOOLGIRLS IN REAR; UNTUTORED AND POORLY CLAD GIRLS FROM KRAALS IN FOREGROUND

WHEN I think of the heathen populations of Central Africa,—no one knows the number,—the solemn question presses into my heart, “How shall they hear this message?” And the answer comes in two Bible expressions: “The Lord gave the word: great . . . the army of those that published it.” “Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters, that send forth thither the feet of the ox and the ass.”

In Bible times the wealth of a man was represented by his oxen and asses. The figure is still true, and there is literal truth in the words. Where the ox and the ass go, under direction of any Christian, there the gospel and civilization follow. We may speak, and we should, of the crisis and opportunity in the East. It is all true. It is a wonderful opportunity.

Just now a wave of Mohammedanism is creeping over Central Africa. But the gospel of Christ is the heritage of Africa’s children. Why did Israel sojourn in Africa more than two hundred years? Why have all African tribes traditions of the great Bible events? Who sent Stanley and Livingstone to open Africa from side to side? and why? Who will deny that these latter were God’s forerunners of the last message?

Also in God’s good providence, he has planted the seeds of this message clear around this continent. As a wise general, his advance forces are in position. How long shall we stand on the borders? Has not the time come to “close in”? Probably there are few of the leaders, now occupying these advance posts, who are not “constrained” to go on to the heart of the continent. What is necessary that this shall be done?

First, give us men and women to hold and increase the work already in hand. I feel impressed that the present is a time of special reason for advancing north and west from Nyasaland. Four of us who are now here have a working knowledge of the language used by millions to the northeast of us. Brother and Sister Konigmacher are on the border of the great Portuguese country, with its densely populated districts, which is their natural field for extension. A new man and wife could take their present station, and free them for that important field. I want to go into the far north of Nyasaland, into virgin territory. But in order to do that, a man and wife of some experience must be found to superintend the old main station at Cholo. My wife is anxious to join me in the north country.

Elder W. H. Anderson is pressing on toward the Kongo State on the northwest of his mission, and Elder M. C. Sturdevant eastward in his large territory. These great fields, white to the harvest, must have some part of the Lord’s army of publishers of his Word. They must also have a part of the oxen and asses represented in the houses and lands and earning power of the blessed home lands. Delay now is—shall I say?—“treason.”

Malamulo Mission, Nyasaland.