Ellen G. White: The Lonely Years: 1876-1891 (vol. 3)

Outreach in Missionary Endeavor

As the weather mellowed, and it did quickly, James and Ellen White could not refrain from engaging in local evangelistic ministry. They quickly assessed the needs. On December 4, Ellen White, prefixing her appeal to Battle Creek for literature, wrote: 3BIO 105.3

We cannot go in any direction in Texas but we see covered wagons of movers. Some are real nice people. We want a full supply of publications to give them. Thus we may sow beside all waters.—Letter 58, 1878. 3BIO 105.4

And she wrote of an item that had appeared as follows in one of the Dallas newspapers: 3BIO 105.5

“To the editor of the Dallas Herald: The undersigned citizens of Dallas city would esteem it a favor if your journal would extend to Elder James White and his most accomplished wife an invitation to lecture in this city. The attendance may not be large, since this is our busiest cotton season, but we have no doubt that an appreciative audience will be present at any appointment that might be made. Respectfully, James B. Simpson, A. H. Sheppard, Thomas Field, W. L. Cabbell, G. Beaumont, and others.”—Ibid. 3BIO 105.6

The editor complied; he called attention to the item and then declared: 3BIO 106.1

“We cordially comply with their request, and express the hope that even in these busy times an hour may be spared in listening to what the distinguished lecturers may say. It is to be hoped also that Elder White may be induced to build a sanitarium in Dallas similar to the one in Michigan which has attracted such worldwide interest.”—Ibid. 3BIO 106.2

This invitation took on real significance when two days later they learned the identity of the men who signed the request. Of this she wrote: 3BIO 106.3

Mayor, first; banker, lawyer, ex-Representative to Congress, present Representative in Congress, physician, and many others. We shall go in February when the tent can be pitched and a crowd got out to hear.—Letter 59, 1878. 3BIO 106.4