An Advance Move in the Levant Mission Field
By Arthur G. Daniells
WHAT we once designated the Oriental or Mediterranean Mission field, has now been named, by the General Conference Committee, the “Levant Mission field.” In defining the “Levant,” Webster says: “The eastern Mediterranean and the coasts of Syria, Asia Minor, and Egypt. The regions between Italy and the Euphrates. The lands of the Levant are properly those that lie upon and stretch away from the eastern shores of the Mediterranean, the lands of the sunrise, but these comprise territories so important and historic that the word ‘Levant’ has come to be applied to the whole East.” The territory of the Levant Mission field as arranged by the General Conference embraces Turkey, both in Europe and in Asia, Syria, Palestine, Egypt, and Greece. By referring to the map, it will be seen that this takes in all the countries lying around the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea. We have been working in this territory a number of years. Elder H. P. Holser gave this field much study and attention while in charge of the work in central Europe. For a number of years before his death, he served as superintendent of this mission. When his health failed, so that he could no longer remain at his post, Elder Conradi was asked to look after the field in addition to his European work, until a superintendent could be found. After some delay, Elder W. H. Wakeham was requested to make Egypt his field of labor, and to take the general oversight of the6work in the Levant. Sufficient help was never provided Brother Wakeham for the successful carrying out of this plan. Owing to the serious illness of his companion, Brother Wakeham felt obliged to leave for a time, but, as we know, his faithful wife was not able to reach England, whither they were going with the hope of benefiting her health. In the meantime, some of our strongest workers in Syria had been obliged to leave the field on account of failing health, and the mission seemed badly demoralized. After much study, the General Conference Committee decided to reorganize the mission thoroughly, and send to the field a stronger force of workers. Elder Jay Nethery has been selected for Egypt, and is already in the field. Elder C. D. McMoody was requested to join Dr. George in Turkey, and has now reached his destination. Prof. Warren Howell was requested to make Greece his field of labor. The way has not yet seemed to open for him to go. Prof. H. R. Salisbury, of England, has been appointed superintendent of the Levant Mission field, with the suggestion that he make Beirut, Syria, his headquarters. We have received word from Professor and Mrs. Salisbury, telling us that they gladly accept this appointment. When they were asked to return to the States to aid in the general educational work, they did not feel clear to respond, but when asked to go farther East to devote their lives to one of the most difficult mission fields we have yet entered, they feel clear that this is in the line of duty. Professor Salisbury has already given the Arabic language much study, and since his appointment to that field, has placed himself under a good instructor in London. He is making the most thorough preparation possible to master the language, so that he will be able not only to speak the Arabic, but also to aid in producing literature for the people. We are more pleased than words can express that we are able to secure young, consecrated workers for that difficult field. Palestine, Egypt, Syria, and Asia Minor are lands that have witnessed the most marvelous manifestations of God's dealings with his people and other nations that the world has ever seen. Those lands that have been so highly favored have become the strongholds of false religions, and are now exceedingly difficult fields for missionary operations. But our experiences have shown us that there are honest souls there who long for the light of present truth, and who gladly accept it, and stand loyally by it when it shines into their hearts. We believe that from the Levant there will be gathered a splendid company to join the loyal believers who shall be translated at the coming of our Master. As Professor Salisbury and his associates take up the work with new energy and zeal, they should have the earnest prayers of God's people. Brother Salisbury will not be able to leave England until after the General Conference Council, to be held in Switzerland next May. It is understood that he will go to his new field immediately after the council. More help must be sent to that field. We need young men and women who have had good educational advantages, who are strong physically, and who are willing to sacrifice everything in this life for the advancement of the work in such a field. We look forward with deep interest to the development of the work in the Levant. Let us all pray that the special blessing of the Lord shall rest upon the workers there.