Classic Poem

There are many desert places,
Far beyond the sea,
Where the unenlightened races
Hunger for the gospel plea.
To those far-off wildernesses,
Long with vices overgrown,
God the Father sends, and blesses
Ministers to save His own.

If we cannot go there, preaching
Jesus who was crucified,
We can send a message, teaching
That for them a Saviour died.
We can help to lift the sorrow
From some brother in despair;
We can help to make the morrow
Of some sister bright and fair.

There are souls in many regions
Round about us, famishing
For the Bread of Life, and legions
Know not Jesus as their King.
If we cannot go and feed them,
We can lend a helping hand,
Send a messenger to lead them,
And fulfill the Lord's command.

Let us give in fullest measure
As the Lord has prospered each;
Let us open heart and treasure
As the Holy Scriptures teach.
Let us send the proclamation
That the Word of Life is free
To the sons of God's creation,
Both at home and o'er the sea.