To those living away from this land of the north, the name “Alaska” seems a reminder of ice and snow. This is true in part only.
A Scene in the Northern Regions.
The country is far from being understood by the outside world, and the development of Alaskan resources in the near future will prove a surprise to many. From the standpoint of climate only, this is not a California, neither is it a land like unto Florida. It is far from being a land of sunshine, nevertheless in certain seasons of the year there are many beautiful days.
The name Alaska is taken from the aboriginal word “Al-ak-shak,” which signifies “a great country.”
Within its present boundaries lie six hundred thousand square miles of territory, awaiting the sturdy pioneer to develop its resources and carve out its future history. There is very little doubt but that the United States land laws will soon be extended to meet the wants of this old, yet new country. The early spring of next year may perhaps open up a substantial growth and development of the public lands by way of permanent settlement.
Alaska as a country is at the present time noted for its “gold and its glaciers,” and we might add its wild and beautiful scenery. In southeast Alaska, magnificent forests of spruce, hemlock, and red and yellow cedar are found, which will afford an abundant supply of lumber for domestic use. Hundreds of verdant islands cluster along this coast. The influence of the warm Japan current greatly modifies the climate here, and this, together with a soil extremely rich, offers every inducement for the cultivation of vegetables and berries.
The census of 1890 gave the white population at 4,300, but the wonderful gold discoveries of the last few years have greatly added to this number. At present perhaps it would be safe to estimate an increase of 10,000. The native population is hard to compute, owing to the divided state of the many tribes.
As a missionary field this is most needy, and difficult as well. Among the whites a state of almost complete indifference to anything religious is found. Many professed Christians, having a “form of godliness without the power,” assist in making the darkness more dense. This condition is all the more sad when we note the influence it exerts over the native mind. Naturally the natives of this country are anxious to learn, and advance to a higher life as a people. They look to the white race for an example; but that race, that has been so favored with heavenly light, has most miserably betrayed this God-given trust. Everywhere can now be seen the awful trail of the white man, along which has been sown the seeds of vice in every form. The harvest is fast ripening. “It is time for Thee, Lord, to work; ‘for they have made void Thy law.” This is true. The wicked white man, with no profession aside from unbelief, has by his life of debauchery made void every law of morality. The poor natives have fallen victims to the snare, and physical wrecks are seen on every hand. Now in this fast-darkening hour, when heavenly light is needed, many of the professed Christian ministers and missionaries are preaching from the pulpit, and teaching in every way possible, that the law of God is void. The natives are apt students, and again are being led into a snare more deadly even than the first. Already spiritual wrecks are being developed. Therefore as a mission field this is a most needy one; and “the night cometh, when no man can work.”
There is a work that must be done, for this mission field as well as every other. Will not the brethren and sisters help with their means to establish a school and small sanitarium for these dying people? Some beautiful locations are now open; but it will not long be so. The way is fast becoming hedged up. Now is the time to plant the standard of truth in this section of the vineyard, and both means and energy will be required. Brethren, let us hear from you. Who will respond?
The natives of Alaska are well worthy of labor. In the first place, Christ died for them, and in the great commission He tells us to go to them as well as to all others, and teach them. Matt. 28: 19. Again, they are a people apt to learn, and who will fully appreciate any kindness shown them. As already mentioned, they are quick to imitate, and care must be used in guiding them, as they watch every move, and make quick application. They are very industrious as far as they understand their resources. Fishing and hunting are their chief employments, and it is nothing unusual to meet with native families who during the year make as high as $2,000 dollars. What is needed to make this income a blessing to them is to teach them to use it in the proper way, and to the glory of God. There is no reason that I can see why this field should not soon be made self-supporting.
To accomplish a successful work here, it must be taken up as a life-work; in other words, Alaska is a small world in itself that must be warned. As far as climate is concerned, this is not a pleasant field by any means. Those dedicating themselves to the Master’s call must fully expect to meet many trials, and the test may prove severe when they come in contact with the storms of Alaska. However, the Lord has many precious souls in this north country, and He is calling for volunteers. Who will count the cost and say, “Here am I; send me.”
Up to this writing there have been several urgent calls from chiefs and leading men of different tribes to come and teach them and their people. If I had time and space, I could tell a most interesting story of my (only short) experience here. It is because of what I have seen and heard that I now plead for this field and its people. Any information as to present needs or future efforts and requirements will be cheerfully furnished by the writer to any interested friend who will write for the same.
May we, as God’s people, stand ready to be used in this trying hour of the sealing time. Brethren, the testing time is here, and we can not afford to take any chances now. The great sieve of God is working; but praise the Lord, the promise is that not the least grain shall fall upon the earth. Amos 9: 9.
Our first public effort has lately closed, and we have victory to report. One splendid worker has been developed, and has taken a firm stand for the message, a living interest has been aroused, and we have faith that several others will step over the line on the Lord’s side. With the Lord’s help, the sisters have done a wonderful work with the SIGNS, and the good work is still going on. The sower has gone forth to sow. The seeds of truth are falling as the “leaves of autumn,” and we are trusting in the promise that some at least will fall into good soil, and bring forth fruit. Pray for a harvest of souls in Alaska.
