Mississippi by H. G. Thurston

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Oct 15, 1903

Mississippi

By H. G. Thurston

September 8 we left Fresno, Cal., for Vicksburg, Miss. We found lodging in the hospitable home of Brother F. R. Rogers, who for several years has labored faithfully in the Southern field. His wife, also a competent teacher, has stood nobly by his side through persecutions and hardships. God has blessed their work, and has shown them many tokens of his constant and loving care. They have been closely associated with the Southern Missionary Society, which has already accomplished a grand work in Mississippi.

In this State, with more than one and one-half million human souls, there is a great work to be done. As yet there are but three organized churches, six companies, and some scattered Sabbath-keepers within the territory.

On account of the color line the expense of carrying on aggressive work is about twice as much as in most conferences, two tents and two companies of workers being necessary; and where companies are brought out, and schools established, it requires two schoolhouses, with teachers for each, and two church buildings. As much as some may wish otherwise, the color line must be observed by the workers, or their influence is gone. Before coming to Mississippi, we could not appreciate this as we do now. But notwithstanding all the difficulties, and the peculiar conditions, God is moving upon hearts; and we confidently expect a bountiful harvest of souls in the near future.

Several schools have been established, one of which is an intermediate school. The last mentioned was really started as a result of the donation of the citizens of Quitman, a small place in eastern Mississippi. One hundred and sixty acres of land and nearly five hundred dollars were given, and our brethren felt this to be an indication that a school should be started. A schoolhouse was built last year, and now a dormitory to accommodate about twenty students is being put up. After the donation of the people had been accepted, the only thing to do in order to show good faith on our part was to go ahead and build. Although money among the believers in Mississippi is scarce, yet hearts outside the conference are being touched, and so help comes. If the people of our strong conferences and churches could see the situation in the South, help would be sent, that with great haste the work might go forward. Any of our people who wish to assist a worthy enterprise in a needy field will please remember the Eshcol industrial school of Mississippi.

This field needs some faithful and efficient men to join those already here. The field is open, and has scarcely been touched. It is but the next-door neighbor to our strongest conferences, and do not the needs of millions of darkened souls appeal most touchingly for help? If workers are sent and supported by our sister conferences, will it be a hindrance to the home work, or a blessing both at home and abroad? Those who come must be men and women willing to sacrifice. They must expect to find inconveniences. They must expect to find a harder field than they leave; but they will find many honest souls who desire to learn. They will have some sweet experiences, and will be able to comprehend the sacrifice of Jesus as never before. Come, brother preachers, and help us—you who can endure hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. We wish to see some strong white churches raised up. If our older conferences will send us men, and support them for a year or two, we may expect to see, in the near future, a good, strong conference where but a small beginning has been made.

There is also an excellent opportunity for canvassers, and there should be at least fifty in the State of Mississippi. The worker who must have conveniences and luxuries may be disappointed. Let workers come because the field is needy—and yet so near, just over the fence as it were. Let men come who will not be discouraged, men who have faith in God

and his message to mankind. Such men can do an excellent work canvassing in Mississippi. Such will succeed, and win stars in their crowns of rejoicing. Any one whom God shall impress to enter this field, or who may desire any information which we can give, will receive a prompt reply to any questions asked.

In closing, we might add, land is very cheap, good land selling in many places for a few dollars an acre. Lumber is also cheap, and country produce high. Rents in the cities are high.

H. G. Thurston.