Greece by W. E. Howell; Hattie B. Howell; Sophia B. Kinner

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 26, 1907

Greece

By W. E. Howell; Hattie B. Howell; Sophia B. Kinner

It is now more than a year since the Mission Board invited us to go to Greece to light the torch of truth and herald the return of our Master, among the intelligent and interesting people of that historic land. At that time we had just entered upon the establishment of the educational work in connection with the Loma Linda Sanitarium, and could not well leave at that critical juncture. Ever since our return to America, however, from nearly five years’ missionary effort among the Chinese in Honolulu, we have held ourselves subject to call from America to more destitute fields. After the school work was well organized at Loma Linda, and embarrassment would not follow our separation from it, we accepted the call of the Mission Board, and set out upon our long journey.

We wish to say, in passing, that some of the best and sweetest experiences in more than a decade of service in our schools, were enjoyed at Loma Linda. If the noble young people who were connected with the work there as students remain true to God and the principles taught them, the field force will at an early day be increased by some effectual harvesters for the garner of heaven. It is character that the Lord of the harvest is searching for and seeking to develop, and the young person who puts himself in harmony with God’s providences in the individual life, and who does not thwart the divine purpose in the process of purifying and disciplining, will one day be led into a way that he knew not of, and will enjoy the sweets of unselfish service.

We wish here to express our hearty gratitude and praise to God, before all the people, for having brought us in safety across the continent of America, the Atlantic Ocean, the continent of Europe, and the Mediterranean Sea. We were greatly prospered in our journey both by land and by sea, having spent in travel nine days at sea and thirteen on land. Again and again we recognized the hand of Providence in marked experiences and incidents en route. “Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the Lord.” “Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God.”

We have now been nearly a month among the Greeks. On every hand we may hear used with perfect ease, by man, woman, and child, peasant and scholar alike, the same language and to some extent the same words that we American boys and girls used to wrestle with in college days and use as a synonym

of all that is difficult or obscure to the understanding. Our first impressions of the people are favorable. Intelligence, hospitality, enterprise, temperance, and courtesy are noticeable among their good characteristics.

We have now settled in Kephisia (Kee-fee-see’ah), a village of thirteen hundred and sixty inhabitants, about eight miles from the center of Athens, but regarded as one of its suburbs. Hourly service by steam train gives easy and frequent access to the city. Will all who read this article kindly take note of our address — Kephisia, Athens, Greece.

In closing, we wish to express our gratitude to the many friends we have met and to those whose acquaintance we have formed on our journey from California to Greece, for their kindly ministry to our comfort and pleasure en route, and to ask their prayers for successful service among this people. W. E. HOWELL, HATTIE B. HOWELL, SOPHIA B. KINNER.