Egypt by Jay Nethery; Ella Nethery

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 7, 1907

Egypt

By Jay Nethery; Ella Nethery

ALEXANDRIA.—We have reported but little for the REVIEW, but it has not been due to inactivity. How glad we were when we sighted the low shores of old Egypt, on the eighteenth of November! It reminded us of the homelike country of Holland. We were soon off the "Orione," and attending to our baggage, the impediment of the traveler. We were met by an employee of the steamship line, who helped us in every possible way to make our arrangements. It was startling to see a native below the average size allow a piece of baggage, weighing about three hundred and fifty pounds, to be put upon his back, and carry it down the gang-plank. For this we were under obligation to offer him an “extra tip” of a small piaster, which is equal to two and one-half cents.

In a few days we were in a home of our own. All our boxes were converted into furniture, and even then we were not fully equipped; so some lumber was purchased, and tables, dressers, cupboards, commodes, and the like were made to order.

The weather is delightful. There is sunshine every day, and the soft breezes of the sea are a tonic not common to the inhabitants of Wyoming in midwinter. We were saying the other day that these bare-footed natives knew very little about winter breezes such as are prevalent in the States.

This is a very busy city, with some really pretty streets. Sights of different kinds are to be seen. All seem to have work to do. How different from some of the cities of England, where can be seen hundreds of unemployed. There are but few beggars, in consequence. This is one indication of the prosperity of the country.

The natives are a quiet people generally. Anything of an unusual appearance seems to have but little effect upon them. A stranger may go along the streets and not be stared at as in some of the other so-called civilized portions of earth. One day, while walking by the shipping docks, I spied a ship employee praying. How devoted he seemed; and the bustle and stir of his fellow workmen on the other end of the boat was not at all disturbing to him. He would stand erect, then bow, with his head upon his breast, then prostrate himself, touching his face to the deck of the ship. As soon as his prayers were finished, he joined his crew in work. The religion of the natives is one of works. How much this part of the world needs the truth of justification by faith, which is perfect obedience to the third angel’s message.

There are many who are having their attention brought to the truth. Two young men have recently been met who have an interest in our work, and they say that the Sabbath must be kept, and have started to keep it. We are greatly encouraged by this, and pray that they may grow in the knowledge of the truth. Their mother is interested, as well. Others are beginning to inquire about the message. In a few days we intend to visit Cairo and Luxor. At these places there are some of our people located.

The language is the most essential thing to have first. This we are working on. It is indeed encouraging to see these natives respond to the few words we can speak. I have a vocabulary now of one hundred words. As soon as we learn a word, we try to make use of it. One old man who sells fruit on the street corner has an interest in us, and as we speak Arabic to him, he laughs, and endeavors to give us the benefit of his understanding of the language, which is perhaps not correct.

We are of good cheer. Although the obstacles are seemingly overwhelming, the spirit of prophecy tells us that these will be overcome in the giving of this message to the world. We are praying that the Lord will send laborers into the vineyard. Egypt is a needy portion. JAY NETHERY, ELLA NETHERY.