A Man of Possibilities

by Anna Galeniece

Wolcott Littlejohn was a happy and healthy boy who enjoyed reading. He dreamed of becoming a lawyer like his dad, and his parents cheered him on. His dad was so proud of his growing son! 

But one day Wolcott started feeling sick. He told his parents, “I don’t feel well.” His caring parents took him to the doctor, who diagnosed Wolcott with chronic rheumatism. This illness began to affect Wolcott’s eyesight severely. It became difficult for him to continue his education. Even though he really wanted to keep learning, he eventually had to leave school. 

Although he was losing his eyesight, Wolcott remained a happy young man. The illness could not stop him from his passion for knowledge and usefulness. With the help of his friend, Wolcott opened a bookstore in Allegan, Michigan, and became its manager. He masterfully performed his job. 

While still in college, Wolcott heard Adventist preachers discussing the Sabbath as a biblical day of rest. This topic caught his attention. Then he received a copy of the Adventist magazine The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald in 1855 and started reading it.

“Wonderful message! It’s a clear biblical truth!” His heart and mind were overjoyed. It was a turning point for Wolcott. He began a careful Bible study during the following years. This brought him to the Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1866. 

Joseph Bates, one of the church leaders, approached Wolcott in March 1867. “Would you like to publish an article in the Review?”  It was a surprising proposal, and Wolcott did not hesitate for a moment. He agreed right away! He wrote not one, two, or three articles. He wrote 11 articles about the special blessings of the Sabbath day! These articles were published in the magazine in the following months, helping others understand how important and wonderful the Sabbath is. “I must be baptized,” decided Wolcott. “I cannot share the Sabbath truth unless I am a Seventh-day Adventist.” And he did just that on August 10, 1867. 

Despite his disability, people noticed many possibilities in this man. And it was not because he was gifted, but because God’s love poured out of him. “Brother Littlejohn, we have observed you for some time. Even though you can’t see, you are very useful to God. He has blessed you with many gifts, including writing and sharing the gospel. Have you thought of becoming a pastor?” asked church leaders. “I would be very honored to accept this call,” responded Wolcott. 

The blind Wolcott Littlejohn became God’s instrument and served the church for many years as a pastor, teacher, editor, author, administrator, and even president of Battle Creek College. 

You might wonder how a man who couldn’t see was able to do so many amazing things. Even though Wolcott Littlejohn was blind, he didn’t let that stop him from serving God and His church. He shared his love for God with all his heart, mind, and soul! He truly believed that “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).