p. 17 | Oakwood Manual Training School by W. J. Blake

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 10, 1910

Oakwood Manual Training School

By W. J. Blake

The blessing of God is attending our school the present year. We have a good enrolment of young colored people who are deeply interested in the progress of the message among their own people. Our attendance is composed of representatives from nearly all the Southern States, five from the islands, and one from Africa.

The students, with a few exceptions, are active Christians, possessing one desire only,—to go out, as soon as prepared, to engage in the closing work. Some are showing their ability and interest in this direction by organizing Sunday-schools in their neighborhood, and doing missionary work among families. This affords interesting and profitable experiences to the student, and at the same time creates a favorable sentiment in the community.

A mission school, with an enrolment of thirty, composed of children from the immediate vicinity, is also being conducted by two of the more advanced students. The good influence which the children thus carry into various homes will certainly be helpful.

The graduation exercises of our first nurses' class were held last September, and five faithful workers are now in the field (see picture) ministering to the sick. Two other classes are in training. In view of the success of this training work, under the supervision of Dr. A. I. Bascom, we greatly regret that failing health compelled her to resign her duties. We hope, however, to be successful in soon securing the services of another physician.

Sickness abounds on every hand in all the South. The colored people are in great need of light on the simple ways of healthful living, and we are confident that we have started none too soon in training those who are competent to go out and teach the principles of health reform, and give simple treatments to those who are suffering from disease.

As we look over the broad field and realize the great work yet to be accomplished in the South, and then think of the small number of workers comparatively which we have in training, we wonder, for the moment, how the work is to be accomplished. But we remember that God has untold resources, and we believe that many others will soon be in training.

In fact, even now, many more would gladly enter school, with a view of preparing themselves for the work of God, had they the means to meet their school expenses. As a rule, the colored people are poor, and often it means a sacrifice of the necessaries of life for parents to support a child in school, and too often it is entirely beyond their means to think of permitting a bright and consecrated son or daughter to seek a preparation for the work of God. We are often sorely perplexed when we receive touching appeals from a widowed mother or from poverty-stricken homes, asking that a promising child be admitted to the training-school.

In harmony with the counsel of the Lord, we have decided to solicit some financial help for some of these worthy students who give promise of soon developing into successful laborers.

We believe there are many who are interested in the South, and will be glad to assist. We have published a little leaflet, giving full information relative to the importance of this work and the plan for helping. We shall be glad to send this leaflet to those writing us. Our address is Box 414, Huntsville, Ala. We ask the interest and co-operation of all in this important undertaking.

W. J. BLAKE.