Encouraging Words for the South
By V. O. Cole
The hearts of many Southern workers have been made to rejoice greatly on account of a recent Testimony published in The Southern Watchman of December 15. The title of this Testimony was, ‘A Fruitful Missionary Field.’ The servant of God says, ‘When a difficult field is presented before me as a field that must be worked, I understand that I must make this field my special burden.’ What an example this is to those who are laboring in more favorable fields. Again she says: ‘The Southern field, with its encouraging and discouraging features, has been kept before me for many years. The workers in the South have had to struggle along against obstacles that have hindered their progress. It is God’s help alone that has enabled them to move forward in the face of difficulties which at times have threatened to overcome them.’ She further says: ‘My brethren, there is no reason for discouragement. The good seed is being sown, God will watch over it, causing it to spring up and bring forth an abundant harvest. . . . Our part is not to sit and weep, and wring our hands, but to arise and work for time and for eternity. We have as yet merely touched the Southern field with the tip end of our fingers. The earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. . . . Let a class of canvassers be fitted up, by thorough instruction and training, to handle the publications that shall come forth from the press. . . . O, that the presidents of conferences would encourage the church-members to take an active interest in the South, and do all in their power to advance the work of Seventh-day Adventists in this field.’ After admonishing those in more favorable localities to turn their hearts to this needy field, the servant of God adds these encouraging words: ‘Many are preparing to put their shoulders to the wheel to help advance the work. The clouds of darkness and despondency are rolling back, and the sunshine of God’s favor is shining upon the workers.
‘The Lord is gracious. He will not leave our work in the South in its present condition. . . . Now, just now, is our time to proclaim the third angel’s message to the millions living in the Southern States, who know not the Saviour’s coming.’ This Testimony should bring confidence and courage to the work and workers here; and already we see evidences of its fulfilment. During the past few weeks three experienced canvassers from the North have come to our conference without any solicitation on our part. I believe that the canvassing work is the principal work that the Lord is stirring up the hearts of his people to do in this field, as it can be carried on with less prejudice than any other branch of our work. The race prejudice is so great that, in other departments of our work, if one begins to labor for one class, he is barred from the other; but this is not so with the canvassing work, for the world looks upon it generally as a money-making scheme, and considers that a person is entitled to sell to all classes alike; while God looks upon it as missionary work of the highest order. Therefore neither the people of the world nor the people of God raise any objection to one working with both classes in the canvassing work. All who are familiar with the work here will recognize this as a condition that places the worker on vantage ground. Besides being a native of the South, the seven years’ experience that I have had in the work here has taught me many precious lessons; and if this experience can be of any help to my fellow workers who are thinking of making this their field of labor, I shall be glad to hear from them. If your hearts are turned toward this field, ask the Saviour earnestly to guide you. Make no rash moves, but move cautiously and prayerfully. Seek wisdom daily from God; and when you are sure that the Lord is leading, then do not permit the enemy to overthrow your plans. It is always best to bring with you letters of recommendation either from your conference officers or from the officers of the church to which you belong, as this will sometimes save much confusion. I wish to say, in conclusion, just a few words to my dear brethren and sisters who are already here in the South, and have not yet found their place in the work. It seems that Israel’s cloud has been lifted, and is moving this way. Do we not wish to catch a glimpse of this cloud, and move on with this triumphant march? If so, let us heed that portion of this Testimony which says, ‘Our part is not to sit and wait, and wring our hands, but to arise, and work for time and eternity.’ The Lord has told us that there is a work that all can lay hold of and do, so with hearts overflowing with love and zeal for perishing souls, let us seek the Lord earnestly, that we may be willing to do that work, and thus fulfil the promise, ‘Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power.’ V. O. COLE,
State Agent Cumberland Conference.