The Missionary Yacht “Sentinel” by J. L. Johnson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 21, 1907

The Missionary Yacht “Sentinel”

By J. L. Johnson

In June, 1897, I received a call to connect with the ship missionary work in New York harbor. At that time Captain Christiansen was engaged in visiting among the sailors and distributing literature upon the great vessels coming into the harbor from all parts of the world. Soon after reaching New York, Captain Christiansen was called to Europe; this left the yacht “Sentinel” in our care. For seven years my wife and I have been connected with this work, and not without success. The Lord has greatly blessed our efforts in spreading a knowledge of the third angel’s message, and many have accepted with joy the light thus brought to them. Some of those embracing present truth are now elders of churches, some are in schools, preparing themselves for the ministry, while others are faithful lay members. Bundles of the REVIEW, Signs, and tracts of different kinds have been placed on ships visiting all quarters of the globe, and many of these packages have been left on isolated islands of the sea. In truth, the work being done by the “Sentinel” is a foreign missionary work done at home.

Three years ago the yacht was rebuilt. We then received a call to labor in Boston harbor. While there, by a vote of the Atlantic Union Conference, a new engine was procured for the boat. After remaining in Boston about two years, it was decided that we should make a trip via New York up the Hudson River, and through the old Erie Canal, to Buffalo, spending the summer of 1906 in this large lake port. Accordingly, after some delay in installing the new engine, we left Boston the first of last June. From that city to New York there are several light-ships stationed along the coast. These are usually manned with a crew of sixteen men, and the light-ships are often stationed as far as fifteen miles out at sea. Reading-matter is appreciated by these men, and we succeeded in placing a supply upon nearly every light-ship. All along the Erie Canal literature was put aboard the canal-boats met and passed, also left with lock tenders. We know that some of these papers reached hearts that appreciated the truths they contained.

We began our harbor work at Tonawanda. This place is fifteen miles down the Niagara River, toward the Falls, and is considered the largest lumber port in the world. Here and at Buffalo during the summer and fall we sold the sailors many of our larger books, such as “Great Controversy,” “Bible Readings,” etc. Much smaller literature was also distributed, and many Bible readings were held with captains and their crews. One Danish sailor who bought “Great Controversy,” said, “I am almost persuaded to obey God.” If faithful, we believe we shall meet in the kingdom many for whom we labored in the great lake port harbor of Buffalo last summer.

Late in the fall we returned to New York City, intending to go down the Atlantic Coast and spend the winter at Richmond, Va. The Lord has permitted circumstances to prevent our going farther than Philadelphia, where we are at present, working among the ships and people at this place.

The accompanying picture shows the “Sentinel” lying at the locks at Lockport, N. Y. Upon the deck are Mrs. Johnson and the writer. Below are Mrs. Wm. Buckland, sister of the late Elder R. F. Cottrell, and her daughter, Hattie, wife of the late Elder D. A. Ball. The boat is thirty-three feet long, ten foot beam, with a cabin six feet high. In the sides of the cabin are book closets. The lockers contain papers in large quantities. The boat is provided with a toilet, and over the engine and pilot wheel a canopy has lately been built, which adds greatly to our comfort. The gasoline engine is one of the best and latest improved makes, of thirteen-horse-power.

We feel grateful to God for the blessing attending the work of this little missionary yacht in the past, and ask an interest in the prayers of all his people that it may still continue to sow the seed beside all waters, believing that after “many days” fruit will appear to the praise of Him who has commanded us to labor for souls while yet it is day.

CAPT. J. L. JOHNSON.