Chapter 8—Letter to a Missionary Wife in Africa

“Sunnyside,” Cooranbong

April 27, 1898

Dear Sister_____,

We were distressed as we heard of the death of your husband in the far off land of Africa and you may be assured that you have our sympathies. We are anxious to hear from you in regard to how this affliction affects your relation to the work. We feel so sad that when labourers are so few, we should lose two of our missionaries. This is a sad blow, which you must feel deeplyTSA 75.1

We would be very much pleased to see you, after so long a separation. Will you please write to us in regard to your own health and the Mission, which has so recently been bereft of its workers. We desire so much to know the particulars of your husband's sickness and death, and also of Brother Carmichael's death. In our papers we have read the history of that field, and of your missionary labours. You have had Christ with you in all places, and at all times, and all paths are holy to them that walk with Him. As His representatives, you have suffered with Him. You have suffered deprivation in a foreign country. You have been saddened by the sight of poor wretched beings dying around you for want of food and clothing.TSA 75.2

Throughout His life on earth, Christ was a divine missionary, and His love for souls was not quenched by hunger, thirst, or weariness. He was the world's greatest Teacher. He came to seek and to save that which was lost. We will rejoice in that we can be labourers together with God, that we can be humble instruments for His use. He flashes the light of His own pure, heavenly truth into the chambers of the mind, and into the soul-temple of the needy souls who long for that light and truth that He alone can impart.TSA 75.3

Oh, how thankful my soul is in your behalf, that in your bereavement and trial that the One who was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, who was often hungry and thirsty, can take in all your wants, your trials, your suffering, your loneliness. The Lord Jesus is your helper, your restorer. The Giver of all blessings will comfort and bless and strengthen you and all who suffer in doing His work.—Letter 32, 1898.TSA 76.1