An “Errand for the Master”

Late in 1900 Mrs. White made her home at Elmshaven near Saint Helena, California. A few months after getting settled, she visited the near-by churches and institutions. When there was opportunity, she paused in the busy program to do a bit of personal work, such as she did one Sunday in September, 1901, as she and those with her drove from our college in Healdsburg to her home:EGWMR 120.16

“On our return we called upon a family by the name of Lighter. They live about half way between Santa Rosa and Healdsburg, and seem to be in limited circumstances. Sister Lighter’s father, a very old man, is quite feeble. The physician thinks that he will only live a short time. A few months ago he accepted the truth, but he has not yet been baptized.EGWMR 121.1

“We were glad to do an errand for the Master by visiting this family. Willie read the comforting promises of God’s word to the sick man, and I presented the afflicted one to the Great Physician, who is able to heal both soul and body. The family were very thankful for our visit. I know that they were comforted.”—Letter 126, 1901.EGWMR 121.2

We do not find Mrs. White pressing or urging unduly in her personal work. She did not make herself a nuisance. When she found an interest, or created one, she tactfully followed it up.EGWMR 121.3

Missing train connections by just five minutes in 1904 at Milford junction, the group of workers en route to Berrien Center, Michigan, found that they must wait five hours. To relieve Mrs. White of the tobacco smoke in the station, search was made for a near-by home, where she might rest and wait. She and her two helpers were welcomed by a Mrs. Muntz. Mrs. White describes her visit in these words:EGWMR 121.4

“Mrs. Muntz is an elderly lady, and is a Dunkard, or a German Baptist. She is a very pleasant woman, and seemed to enjoy talking with us. She says that she respects all Christians. I spoke about the work we are trying to do, and her face brightened as I told her something of our efforts to do missionary work. She told me that were her husband living he would enjoy talking with me; for he was a very religious man and a great reader. I told her that I was a writer of books, and employed several helpers, and she was much interested.EGWMR 121.5

“While we were talking, a young woman with a child in her arms came in, and we soon found out that she was a Seventh-day Adventist. She was much interested in what I told them about our work in Washington and other places. She is the wife of the night operator at Milford junction, and the only Sabbath-keeper in the place, I think.EGWMR 121.6

“Another neighbor came in during the evening, and in the course of the conversation asked me if I would explain to her about the Sabbath. I began by reading a text in the first of Genesis. Then I read the fourth commandment. When I had read this, they said, ‘Yes, but Sunday is the seventh day.’EGWMR 121.7

“I explained to them that Sunday is the first day, and that the day called Saturday by the world is the seventh day. Then I read the last six verses of the thirty—first chapter of Exodus, where the Sabbath is clearly specified as the sign between God and His people.EGWMR 121.8

“I had not time to say much, but what I read was sufficient, I hope, to lead them to search the Scriptures for themselves. I told them that Christ kept the Sabbath, and that the women rested on the seventh day, ‘according to the commandment,’ and on the first day of the week brought spices and ointment to His sepulcher.EGWMR 121.9

“I read several other texts, and Mrs. Muntz wrote down all the references as I gave them. Before we parted we had a season of prayer together, and they seemed to appreciate this greatly... This was our experience at Milford Junction. We think that perhaps our delay was in the providence of God. It may be the means of arousing an interest in the truth.”—Letter 163, 1904.EGWMR 121.10

So, in the midst of a busy program of speaking and preparing literature for the church and the world, the messenger of the Lord took time and found opportunities to give Bible studies, to speak a word in season, and have prayer, or give out truth-filled literature in a personal effort to help those around her.EGWMR 121.11