G. F. JONES by G. F. Jones

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 25, 1907

G. F. JONES

By G. F. Jones

Singapore

G. F. JONES

“AND he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth.”

We have just been visited here by two brethren from a British ship of war, who heard the truth in the West Indies, through Sister Zettie Simmonds, of St. Lucia. There was one feature of the message they had unmistakably imbibed from this dear sister, and that was her faith and love and courage and zeal for her work. These two sailor boys were full of it. They had caught the fire of her spirit, and they carried it everywhere with them. Indeed, they were never tired of telling of the faithful zeal of Seventh-day Adventists as they had seen it in Sister Zettie Simmonds. As we listened, our hearts were gladdened by the good news and the impressions made by our workers upon others in other lands. These two had just come from Calcutta, where they also met with our people in conference once or twice, and then again they were renewed in courage by the love and unity among the brethren. We welcomed them at Singapore, and after two days they again sailed, carrying with them a bundle of tracts and periodicals for missionary work on their ship. Since leaving Calcutta, and while here, Seventh-day Adventism was the talk on their ship, and the chaplain on board last Sunday took up the Sabbath question. There is now a live interest, and since the service several are studying the question; some accepted the truth after reading the Sabbath tracts we sent on board.

One of the sailor brethren, Brother Anderson, is the ship’s organist. He displayed marked courage the other day in refusing to use his talent in a cheap concert gotten up by the crew, although pressed by chaplain and officers. Brother Besford is the first one who accepted the truth, and he also fears neither commander nor officers in the question of conscience. These two brethren are examples of brave warriors for the cause. We supplied them with ammunition for the warfare, and instructed them how to use it, so as to win recruits. There is a good opening in Singapore for ship work, and we trust to find some warm-hearted worker to carry on that work.

Singapore is also a military station. When we opened up work here, we became acquainted with the Christian soldiers of the regiment, and induced them to come to our house, where we had interesting meetings with them. There were not many, about twelve in all, but they were earnest. When the ministers of other churches heard that they came to us, they raised a hue and cry of alarm, and succeeded in scaring away all but one. So for a time only one came faithfully. Then after the storm had subsided a little, another returned, then another, until very soon five of these soldiers had accepted the truth. This raised another uproar among the missionaries, worse than at the first; but the others who became ashamed of us lost their hold on even what they had, and drifted back into the world, and became drunkards and unbelievers; for this we were branded as infidel-makers. But the quality of men the truth turned out causes us to rejoice. Two of these men have returned home, having finished their time in the army, and I believe both of them will soon land in America, to connect with our people and our schools. Two others have gone with the regiment to India, and will buy themselves out if possible.

They are having trying times because of their faith, but remain true. There are others convinced, who have not yet had courage to stand like the brave and face the foe. The regiment newly come has been warned to avoid us, but in due time we shall attract this earthly regiment, and rescue the Lord’s soldiers from their captivity. The Lord is with us, and we are of good courage.

The people generally are glad to meet us, and in their hearts believe we are right. The Lord allows them to see only the victorious side of our work; and were they let alone by the missionaries, it would be comparatively easy to win them. Rahab’s confession to the two spies fits in well here concerning the people and the missionaries. “I know that the Lord hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. For we have heard . . . what ye did; . . . and as soon as we had heard, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the Lord your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.”

It was given out a little while ago from the cathedral pulpit that we are liars and deceivers, and must be shunned as vipers. The Lord is good to us, and encourages us in our work. By patience, faith, and perseverance the work is gradually building up, so that there is neither hammer nor ax nor any tool of iron heard in the house while it is in building.

Two excellent young brethren have been recently sent us from Australia, to help in the work, and they are blessed with good courage. Brother Mills has charge of the educational department, the printing work, and the keeping of the mission books; while Brother Fletcher does the work of visiting, etc. The Sabbath-school numbers over fifty, and the church-school is slowly growing. Several fatherless children have been offered us to bring up, but our home is already full, as we are caring for several orphans. We must lengthen our cords and strengthen our stakes; we hope soon to find an industrial home in the country for our educational work.

Singapore is a large city of many languages, which makes it difficult to reach the different kinds of people, but the Lord knows his people, and by our searching for them they will all soon leave Babylon.

“Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Zion: for the time to favor her, yea, the set time, is come.”