The Most Needy Field by E. J. Harvey

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 1, 1906

The Most Needy Field

By E. J. Harvey

Not only is Alabama considered the most needy field in the United States, but it is written in an article that was given us March 2, 1897:—

“The Southern field is a hard field, a very unsightly field, because it has been so long uncultivated. All who take hold of the work in the cause of God and suffering humanity will have to be one in their designs and plans. They will have plenty of trials and discouragements to meet, but they must not allow these to hinder or dishearten or handicap them in their work. In love for Christ, who died to save this poor, down-trodden people, in love for the souls of the perishing thousands, they are to labor for this worse than heathen country.”

“Brethren, you have a work to do which you have left undone. A long-neglected field stands out in plain view before God to shame the people who have light and advanced truth, but who have done so little to remove the stones and the rubbish that have been accumulating for so long a time. Those who have enjoyed every privilege and blessing have passed by on the other side. As a Christian people, God has called you to prepare the way of the Lord in this unpromising field.”

Many words might be quoted with profit showing how clearly the Lord has pointed out our duty and privilege in working for this neglected people. Who among the lowly walks of life will enter this needy field and help us scatter the printed pages of such literature as is best adapted to this part of the great harvest-field? Our Saviour says, “Go work to-day in my vineyard.” “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”

Some who can not enter the field as active laborers can give of their means, even if they have but little. Remember the widow’s mite. God’s blessing on a small amount will cause it to feed many hungry souls with the bread of life, even as the few loaves and fishes fed the hungry thousands who followed Jesus to hear him. All can do something; even the children can give pennies, and this will encourage them in missionary work.

This part of the world has recently suffered greatly from a severe storm, and many are now in great distress because of this. Two negroes were lynched a few yards from where Brother L. W. Dortch and the writer canvassed a few days ago. Only last Sabbath the

dark deed was done. Surely some of us who know that we have passed from death unto life because we love the brethren and all souls for whom Christ died, are willing now to fight the good fight of faith, even in the forefront of the battle, that we may win souls to the truth and point them to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world.

All who love the appearing of our Lord can at least pray for us, that wisdom from above may be given us to keep us from all evil, and enable us to work with caution, heeding every word of instruction and walking in every ray of light the Lord has graciously permitted to shine upon our pathway. Brethren and sisters, “the coming King is at the door.” The time to win souls is very short. Let us do our utmost just now. We who are here are but a little company of canvassers. We feel our great need of help from God, and the need also of the sympathy and prayers of our brethren and sisters in the truth.

If any are disposed to write, please address us at Mobile, Ala., and seal the letter with sealing wax, as the climate has been very damp since we came last month. E. J. HARVEY.