Missionary Visit Among Colored People in Mississippi by W. H. Sebastian; M. C. Strachan

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Sep 29, 1904

Missionary Visit Among Colored People in Mississippi

By W. H. Sebastian; M. C. Strachan

Mississippi

HUNTLO.—Acting upon an invitation extended to us by the pastor of the M. E. church at Huntlo, we visited that neighborhood, and spent seven days laboring with the colored people who were scattered over the plantations in that vicinity.

The people were truly glad to have some one talk with them in their homes and in the fields, and instruct them and help them to a higher plane of Christian living. We had the privilege of bowing in prayer with some by the roadside and at the plow handle, thus presenting them to the Saviour of all mankind.

While our visit was enjoyed by the people, yet many were rather suspicious of the “new doctrine” we brought, and they told us that the white people would have to lead out in the matter before they dared take a step.

It was sad to see the condition of the people in those out-of-the-way places of the swamp. Many of them live in an atmosphere of modified slavery; that is, their liberties and privileges appear to be bound up in the hands of the overseers (or riders, as they are commonly called) and the plantation owners; and all their movements must be countenanced by their white superiors. We were told that we were in danger of being driven from these parts if it were known that we were teaching the negroes to quit their work on Saturdays, while they were in their busiest season with the crops.

After distributing some papers, tracts, and cheap books, we left the dear souls in the hands of God. We have since received a letter from one family who have become thoroughly convinced of the Sabbath truth, and they ask us to pray that they may be given courage to obey. Let those who read these lines join us in this prayer.

W. H. SEBASTIAN, M. C. STRACHAN.