A Place Called Oakwood

2—Spared for Huntsville

Date: February 23, 1904
Location: St. Helena, CA
Source: Letter 99, 1904
Status: Parts published

Context: Edson and Emma White, always intensely interested and involved in the affairs of the black work, receive counsel from Mrs. White on choosing Oakwood leadership.

Dear children Edson and Emma,

Yesterday I received a short letter from you, and this morning I found another under the door of my office room. PCO 92.1

You ask in regard to the work of Brother Rogers. The light that has been given me is that, with good helpers, Brother Rogers would be an excellent man to work out the Huntsville School problem. But there is a great lack of genuine workers, and the question comes, Can Brother Rogers be spared for Huntsville? I wish we had many such men-men who would fear God and glorify His name. I can see light in Brother Rogers’ being connected with the Huntsville School as a general helper. But it often happens that men filling such positions are depended on to do the work, while those who are more closely connected with the school fail to do their utmost to improve their capabilities, to make steady advancement, holding every inch they gain. PCO 92.2

The Lord has a man somewhere to take charge of the Huntsville School. The position is a difficult one to fill. It requires a man who will work patiently and kindly, yet firmly, exercising authority, yet without harshness and severity. God would have someone begin in the right way at Huntsville and put his ingenuity to the tax to make the work a success. PCO 92.3

Keep repeating the words, “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance.” We must be more diligent students of the Word of God. We must eat the Word, as represented in the sixth chapter of John, making its divine principles a part of the life. PCO 92.4

Are we not inclined to look on the dark side and to talk unbelief? The Lord wants us to help one another, to build one another up in the most holy faith. Many may talk discouragingly in regard to the Huntsville School, but do not let this lead you to look at the school in their light. There is a bright side to the picture. Try to find it. In a humble, prayerful, consecrated spirit, talk the matter over together, and light will come in. PCO 92.5

I have no definite instruction to give you in regard to Brother Rogers. I dare not speak definitely in regard to matters that I do not understand. The Lord will guide you in counsel if you will seek Him with the whole heart. But there is one thing that I am able to say. It would hardly do to confine Brother Rogers to the Huntsville School, when he is able to fill a wider sphere of usefulness. PCO 92.6

I believe that the Lord will help you to adjust these matters. Cast your souls upon Him in faith, and you will see a way out. Seek counsel of Him, and He will surely bless you. PCO 93.1

Abridged