A CALL FROM ALASKA by George E. Henton

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Michigan · Oct 2, 1900

A CALL FROM ALASKA.

By George E. Henton

As we have read the many stirring appeals from different parts of the field, we have wondered what must be the condition of those to whom these appeals come that they are not stirred to action? While considering these matters, the impression has been forced upon us that in many cases those to whom the appeals come are not in earnest, or else lack that spirit of self-sacrifice that characterized the early laborers in this message.

Without drawing any strong comparisons, let us consider a question that has lain with great weight upon the minds of those of us who are in this needy field, and ask ourselves, as we read, “Is it I to whom this appeal comes?” Allowing that, in a general way, all fields are alike needy, and are making demands upon the resources at hand, can it not be possible that some, by virtue of location and character, have greater claims than others, and present greater promise of success with less expense?

Our hearts have been made sad when we think of the millions in China, India, and other densely populated regions, for whom so little is being done; and yet what about the thousands of so-called Christians for whom little or nothing is being done to give them a knowledge of the last message of mercy?

I speak of Alaska, and the cities that have grown up here within a few years, recruited from all parts of the world. Since the gold excitement of 1897-98 this country has teemed with human beings, passing and repassing. A large proportion of these have met defeat and disappointment, and not a few even death, either by accident or by their own hands. Thus all hope has been cut off so far as their salvation is concerned.

When the writer reached Skagway, the real gateway to the interior suddenly opened. After a careful survey of the place and opportunities, I began to call in earnest for a self-sacrificing laborer to come and begin such a work as the surroundings would warrant. It is now nearly two years since the first appeal was penned, and during all this time, although the call has been repeatedly urged upon one and another, no one has been found willing to risk an attempt. At least two Conferences, each with treasuries well filled, have denied our requests. Individuals have turned away to fields with sure support in sight. And still we continue to ask, Who will “come over, . . . and help us”?

Since we came here, we have seen the Peniel Mission and the Salvation Army workers come in, in weakness, and trusting entirely upon public contributions; and both have succeeded far beyond even their own expectations, thus proving that we make no mistake in pleading for help. This shows that, had some of our consecrated laborers heeded the call, the truth would have gained a foothold, and many souls been saved.

However that may be, one at least has been gained to the truth by personal labor; and while some work has been done, a great deal more certainly could have been done. We believe it would be hard to find a field of greater promise in proportion to the expense, or one more needy. We will not recite the list of evils to be found here; they are only such as are common to any Western town. As a counterbalance to these may be mentioned the Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, Episcopal, and Roman Catholic church organizations, also, a strong Y. M. C. A., besides the Peniel Mission and the Salvation Army. Three of these churches have good, comfortable buildings. The Methodists use the chapel of their college building, just completed. Every dollar used in the erection of these buildings has been expended since the writer came here, and is mentioned to show the prevailing spirit of liberality—not alone among the church element, but all classes; and, as may be expected of such a people, we can truly say that up to the present time a most cordial spirit of religious liberty has prevailed.

How long this spirit will continue can not be told, and it is our earnest desire that the present favorable openings be improved. Are there not one or more laborers willing to come and give the message? No better time can be found than the long winter evenings so rapidly approaching. Nor is it necessary that such laborers should be ministers. They must be persons of good address and tact, capable of pushing ahead, and at the same time guarding carefully all avenues leading into conflict with those already upon the grounds.

We think the labor of one or two good Bible workers,—if man and wife, all the better,—who can visit, teach, and place books, papers, etc., in the homes of the people, far preferable to an effort that would be likely to array all the pastors of the city at once against the truth. Of course we would not expect to hide our light, nor have we done so. Seventh-day Adventists are well and favorably known already, and we find it possible in a measure to fraternize with the leading members and pastors of other churches, and always receive a most cordial welcome in their meetings.

In conclusion, we repeat that out of the vast field already well warned there must be one or two upon whom the Lord will so heavily lay the burden of Alaska that they shall be constrained to cry out, “Here am I, send me.”

To any such, we who are here can vouchsafe such assistance as we have power to render. We will do all possible in return for God’s abundant blessings. We praise him for keeping power and grace to live the truth when it seems so easy to fail. While we feel deeply on this subject, we desire the Lord to guide. Let us always be ready to say, “Thy will be done.”

We will cheerfully answer any correspondence on this subject; and we ask to be remembered at the throne of grace. GEORGE E. HENTON.