Missionary Work in the South
By D. T. Shireman
As I have received many letters of inquiry from friends in the North who wish to locate in the South, I would like to say a few words through the columns of the good old REVIEW for the benefit of others; for I have no doubt there are many who are considering the practicability of settling in the South as a means of spreading a knowledge of the truth among this people. My experience in this field has been a long one, and I have found this method most successful in firmly establishing the truth in isolated places. It is to such localities that I would at this time call the attention of brethren who contemplate moving to the Southern field. There are hundreds of rural communities here which have not as yet received the warning, and will not hear it until some self-supporting missionary carries it to them. Scores of such workers are urgently needed. To those who feel a burden for this needy field, I would offer a few suggestions. Unless you have children whom you must educate, I would not advise you to settle where there is a Sabbath-keeping community, but seek a locality where the truth must be introduced, and sow the seed both by word and by act. One consecrated family by consistently living the truth and doing house-to-house missionary work as often as is possible, will in a short time see an encouraging result from such labor, and will in this way establish a work the influence of which will never die. If you have children, be careful to keep them under control; much harm has been done the cause of present truth in the past because of failure in this respect. There are openings everywhere in this field for consecrated men and women whose only desire is to let their light shine. The people are social and friendly, very kindly disposed to those who exhibit a friendly disposition toward them, and will gladly welcome you into their neighborhood regardless of religious beliefs. In many places land may be obtained at small cost, and homes built very cheaply. Water is excellent, and the climate very healthful. While the soil is not very fertile, it readily responds to proper treatment, and with intelligent industry can be made to produce all the good things which man requires. It is not a section where one can accumulate a bank account in a short time, but one that presents a splendid opportunity to do missionary work. This is what I am doing at the present time in a new field. My buildings are on both sides of the county line, which runs through the land on which they are built; and there is not a Sabbath-keeping family in either of the two counties, except ourselves. I feel that this is my last work. I am growing old. I have spent most of my time during the last forty-eight years moving from place to place, always locating where the truth had never been introduced. If in the history of our work there was a time for men and women to find their place and fill it, that time is now. How can we sit carelessly idle, knowing that the time is fast shortening, and that the judgments of God are abroad in our land? No one is excused. The humblest child of God can be instrumental in the salvation of many souls. Now is the time to pray, as the Lord has commanded us, for laborers to enter the vineyard. The harvest is white; the laborers are few. It is not necessary for all to be preachers. The truths for our time, lived out and simply told, will, by the blessing of God, bring the promised reward. D. T. SHIREMAN. Toluca, N. C.