Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 21
October 23, 1969
NUMBER 25, PAGE 8,9b

Don't Come To South Africa If You Can Help It

Helen Williams

You have heard the admonition of the old preacher when asked by a young man how to become a preacher. He said, "Don't preach if you can help it" This advice struck me as applicable to coming to South Africa, or any foreign field, to spread the Lord's kingdom. Do not come if you can help it.

I couldn't help it. You say, "Do you mean that your husband forced you to go?" No, not at all. He would never have made the decision to come if he thought I was not wholeheartedly behind him, because he said that the greatest adjustments, the most planning and work would be on my shoulders — the packing, the small decisions of what to part with, the resettlement of the family in the new home, learning to keep house in strange surroundings, helping the children to adjust — these would be my problems.

Our interest in South Africa started eighteen years age. We wanted to come then. People said we needed more experience. The South African government said they were not interested in preachers from the church of Christ at that time. So our plans were put on the shelf like many a far away dream. Three more children came along to add to our two already. This was reason enough that the dream should stay on the shelf, we told ourselves. Husband seemed to be needed where we were.

The experience came. The hard kind that comes with sorrow, trouble, many prayers. Temptation on my part — the temptation to wish that my husband was the kind who had an eight-hour job and then could come home and forget about work. I wonder how many preachers have quit because of this temptation on the wife's part? I learned that the Lord does work all things for good to those who love the Lord. I learned that there are Christians in name only and there are those who are the salt of the earth as the Lord commanded. Also there are those who are weak who can be strengthened by patience and teaching. At any rate, there is always work for the preacher wherever he may be working — with a small group of Christians or a large congregation.

Through these years I had many excuses for not going to South Africa. Yes, when we sang "If Jesus goes with me I'll go — anywhere, "I thought I meant it. Yes, anywhere as long as I didn't have to go in an airplane or a big boat — I am frightened of those methods of travel. But, one day a preacher who spent twelve years in South Africa came to visit us. In getting acquainted with him we asked how many children he had. When he answered "Five," my heart sank. That was my best excuse. After all, we couldn't think of taking five children overseas. Think of their schooling, adjustment, etc. I knew the schools were excellent in South Africa, but, of course, it was not home. After listening to his sermon on taking the gospel where there were so few workers that everyone is needed so very much, and finally being honest with myself as to whether we could go or not, I realized that if I were to be able to face God at the Judgment I must make an effort to do this work. I had no doubt about my husband's wishes. I must confess I still was not excited about going — I just felt that I had to in order to be honest with my Lord. You must realize that I am not a brave individual. The thought of a plane trip still terrifies me, but I decided that if we crashed I would be going the right way and not be like Jonah in the storm.

Now, about one and a half years later, I feel a great thankfulness that I have been allowed to share in this work. I have not done anything great or very different from what I would be doing at home in the U. S. There are still calls to be made with my husband, classes to teach to the children, hospitality to be extended, home affairs to be kept running. Naturally, as in any new place, there are adjustments to be made to new surroundings. Things are different here in many ways, but people are still people and they need to have the gospel preached to them or they will never learn the good news. The difference is that there are so few workers. My husband feels that he is where he should be — working harder than he's ever worked before, but happier, more content because he's here instead of having that vague feeling that he should be here but isn't.

As I said, I came to South Africa because I had to. Someone was needed here. Someone is still needed here. There is so much work to be done that the ones here cannot do it all. I wonder who might be reading this who has in times past had a dream of going where the laborers were so few? You've been seasoned by the experiences of your work, you've learned how to keep on keeping on when the results looks so small, you wonder why you've had to undergo all these trials. It might have been to prepare you for this work. Think awhile of the people over here who know only the traditions of men instead of the freedom in Christ. Think of how blessed you are that someone has taught you the joy of salvation. We need your help over here. We would like for you to come over and help us. No, friend, don't come to South Africa if you can help it. But if you just can't keep from coming, we're here to welcome you with open arms!

— 56 Maud Street, Florida, Transvaal, Republic of South Africa.