Brethren in the Work of God in Europe
“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California
December 7, 1902
This letter is published in entirety in 21MR 304-305; 8T 38-40. +NoteOne or more typed copies of this document contain additional Ellen White handwritten interlineations which may be viewed at the main office of the Ellen G. White Estate.
To my brethren in responsible positions in the work of God in Europe,—
I have words to speak to you. It is time for much to be accomplished in Europe. A large work, such as has been done in America, can be done in Europe. Let sanitariums be established there; let hygienic restaurants be started. Let the light of present truth shine forth from the press. Let the work of translating our books go forward. I have been shown that in foreign countries many lights will be kindled. 17LtMs, Lt 189, 1902, par. 1
In many places in Europe the Lord’s work has not a proper showing. Help is needed in Italy, in England, and in many other countries. A larger work should be done in these places. Laborers are needed. There is talent among God’s people in Europe, and the Lord desires this talent to be employed in establishing all through this great continent centers from which the light of His truth may shine forth. 17LtMs, Lt 189, 1902, par. 2
There is a work to be done in Scandinavia. God is just as willing to work through Scandinavian believers as through American believers. We are hoping and praying that Elder Olsen will renew his courage, and grasp the hand stretched out to save him, making God his trust. He must have courage in the Lord. He must do all that he can to help his brethren and sisters in Europe. We know that the Lord will work through him. 17LtMs, Lt 189, 1902, par. 3
My brethren, bind up with the Lord God of hosts. Let Him be your fear and let Him be your dread. The time has come for His work to be enlarged. Troublous times are before us, but if we stand together in Christian fellowship, none striving for the supremacy, God will work mightily for us. 17LtMs, Lt 189, 1902, par. 4
Let us be hopeful and courageous. Despondency in God’s service is sinful and unreasonable. He knows our every necessity. He has all power. He can bestow upon his servants any measure of efficiency that their case demands. His infinite love and compassion never weary. With the majesty of Omnipotence He unites the gentleness and care of a tender shepherd. We need have no fear that He will not fulfil His promises. He is eternal truth. Never will He change the covenant that He has made with those that love Him. His promises to His church stand fast forever. He will make her an eternal excellence, a joy of many generations. 17LtMs, Lt 189, 1902, par. 5
Study the forty-first chapter of Isaiah, and strive to understand it in all its significance. God declares: “I will open rivers in the high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the shittah tree, and the myrtle, and the oil tree: I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together; that they may see, and know, and consider, and understand together, that the hand of the Lord hath done this, and the Holy One of Israel hath created it.” [Verses 18-20.] 17LtMs, Lt 189, 1902, par. 6
He who has chosen Christ has joined himself to a power that no array of human wisdom or strength can overthrow. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee,” He declares: “be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. ... I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” [Verses 10, 13.] 17LtMs, Lt 189, 1902, par. 7
“To whom then will ye liken me, or shall I be equal, saith the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number; he calleth them all by names by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong in power: not one faileth. Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, my way is hid from the Lord, and my judgment is passed over from my God? Hast thou not known, hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of His understanding. He giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might He increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fail; but they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.” [Isaiah 40:25-31.] 17LtMs, Lt 189, 1902, par. 8