“Prepare Thyself for the Ministry”
Ethel Bailey (1918-2000) – she sometimes added “Jr.” to her name, because her mother was also named Ethel – was born into the Church, in England, in 1918. She was one of those fortunate members who benefitted from the presence of James H. Wallis who came to the European Mission in 1931 after long and persuasive petitioning by Presidents James E. Talmage and then by John A. Widtsoe – the patriarchal office is normally restricted to organized stakes, and there were no stakes in England then. Ethel tells here how that patriarchal blessing helped her decide what to do when she was called as a wartime missionary.
As a child I had a secret desire to fulfill a Mission, abroad for preference, for the idea of a Mission in my own land did not appeal to me or offer much experience. As I grew up that desire also grew, and I decided that, now that I was earning my own living, I would save and prepare for that ambition – my Mission.
The war came, bringing with it disorder and sadness. The ambassadors of the Lord, our Missionaries from Zion, were suddenly called home. I then realized that my childhood desire was no longer foremost in my mind, for I thought that now my own Branch would need my help, and so it was up to me to do my best. For a while I was content with that idea and happy in the knowledge that, even though war was on earth, I could still worship my God.
In November, 1940, the call came for me to go on a short-term Mission. My father gave me the news on a Wednesday evening just after finishing work. He pointed out to me the sacredness of such a calling and expressed his desire that I should answer the call. Immediately my mind was at work and thoughts of all kinds flashed through it. How would my mother carry on without my help; my work in the Church, who would do that? And then, of course, I was working in a Government controlled factory, and would not be granted leave. No, I decided that I could accept the call later on, so that same night I expressed my feelings to my parents. They did not argue or force me into any decision, but told me to make it a matter of prayer.
That night before getting into bed I took out my patriarchal blessing, and carefully read it through. One paragraph struck me very forcibly, and I read and re-read it. ‘Prepare thyself for the Ministry, for the Lord has need of handmaidens with thy ability to help spread the gospel in the earth.” “Bear thy testimony with boldness and those who hear thee shall have faith planted in their hearts.” Somewhat ashamed, I went down on my knees and asked the Lord to help me in my decision. I awoke next morning and straightway I felt all eager and excited; my mind seemed calm, and I knew the Lord had heard my prayer: and my decision – well, I was ready to leave any time for a Mission. My family was happy, and from everywhere came help and advice. My firm readily granted me a leave for as long as the Church needed me, and when I returned my job would be there.
Two weeks later I was set apart, and a week after that I left home for the Liverpool District, and was assigned to labour at Preston. Naturally, life became strange and somewhat difficult, but ever in my mind was the advice given to me by my parents, and always before me was the blessing given to me by he Lord’s anointed. My companion was one of the best, and always we shared our troubles and joys, and through working in harmony together our Mission became easy.
Thank you for sharing this! I appreciate hearing her experience in her words.
When did missionaries begin applying for mission service instead of receiving surprise calls?
Good question, HokieKate — I don’t know. Most of my work ha been up through the 1951 death of George Albert Smith, and the “surprise” calls were still occurring then.
Twentieth century calls weren’t entire surprises, in the same sense they were in the era of Brigham Young where an elder might hear his name read from the Conference pulpit. Calls were usually issued privately, by mail, and probably weren’t total surprises since bishops and stake presidents who suggested that the First Presidency call so-and-so as a missionary probably had often already discussed the possibility with the elder. But that’s still a far cry from a missionary seeking the call himself through an application process, isn’t it?
I love this. I’m sending this to my missionaries.
Beautiful story; thank you for sharing. I did not realize that British Saints were being called on missions, short-term or otherwise, during the war! I wonder how other people would have seen her, walking away from a “war-effort” factory job. Undoubtedly it would not have been favorably as all were called upon to give all their effort for the war. Her desire of being a missionary was being handed to her at a time that she had to choose between a mission and supporting her country. But as C.S. Lewis repeatedly said during the war (my paraphrase), peoples’ spirit need greater help during war.
The British women who served as missionaries during the war kept the Church functioning during those years — not only proselytizing but keeping the members cared for, and the meetings going. Most did not serve full time (some did), but in addition to their daily work.