p. 17 | W. H. SEBASTIAN by W. H. Sebastian

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Dec 8, 1904

W. H. SEBASTIAN

By W. H. Sebastian

Mississippi

YAZOO CITY.—Having been called to Yazoo City on the third of November, to look after some business for the Southern Missionary Society, I remained over Sabbath with the church at that place, which is the largest company of colored believers in the State.

The brethren and sisters had planned a special season of fasting and prayer for November 5, as a recognition of the recent action of the fall council of the General Conference Committee, in behalf of the colored work in the South. In fact, all the colored companies in this State observed the day as one of fasting and earnest prayer, that this important occasion might bring to our minds and hearts, a true sense of our responsibility toward this work. We had a grand meeting, and all seemed “of one accord.”

A brother from Greenwood, fifty miles north of Yazoo City, met with us. He expressed a desire to become a member of the Yazoo church. Two months ago he visited the church here during my absence, and since that time I received a letter from him in which he expressed a desire for baptism. He was impressed to visit Yazoo again November 5; so, after a few words of examination, some of our company walked a mile to the Yazoo River. The brother was baptized, and we all returned to the church praising God. The Lord added the brother to the church, after which we had a good, spiritual meeting.

The brother passed to us a small-sized bag; and after pouring out its contents, I counted $19.50, which we were informed was that the brother had laid away for the Lord. The Lord has said: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”

This brother is the only Sabbath-keeper in Greenwood, and I am glad that God has placed a light in that city. We hope the Lord will send a laborer to that place before long. I see many cities apparently ripe for a harvest of souls; but the laborers are few, and the work is great. The colored work surely needs the prayers and support of the brethren and sisters. We need means and workers. But we are grateful for what has already been done.

The work among our people in this State is progressing. Our mission schools are accomplishing a great work. Many young souls have been brought into the Sabbath truth, and have learned to love their Saviour, as a result of the efforts put forth in the mission schools. I believe that the message and the work will now grow rapidly among our colored people, and prepare many of them to meet the Lord.