General Conference Bulletin, vol. 1
REPORT OF FOREIGN MISSION SECRETARY
F. M. WILCOX
(Continued from page 260.)
THE ISLANDS
Steady progress has been made in our island work, both in the Atlantic and in the Pacific. GCB February 21, 1895, page 261.1
West Indies. — In February, 1894, a work was begun in the most southerly of the West India Islands, Trinidad. An interest had previously been awakened in this island by literature sent out from the office of the International Tract and Missionary Society. In connection with our work in this field came one of those sad experiences which are incident to pioneer missionary work, especially work in tropical climates. Our representative was brought low by yellow fever, and, after a short period of suffering, succumbed to the disease. His death, however, did not end the work. Some thirty are now rejoicing in the truth as the result of the labor put forth, and although no one has yet been found to follow up the work, the believers in Trinidad are firm. GCB February 21, 1895, page 261.2
In Kingston, Jamaica, a church of some fifty members has been organized. Several other growing companies have been developed in other parts of the Island. The Sabbath-keepers are manifesting a commendable missionary spirit in labor for others. Many calls for labor have been sent in, and in several cases from leading native pastors. One of these pastors, a man of promise, has fully espoused the cause. Some eight or ten canvassers have been at work during the past year, and their book sales have been encouraging. The church at Barbados, in the Windward Islands, has had reason for rejoicing in seeing some half dozen additions to its membership during the last year. The little company at Antigua, of the Leeward Group, is holding out faithfully. GCB February 21, 1895, page 261.3
Canvassers were sent to the Bahama Islands early in 1894. Several hundred books were sold, and many openings for public labor presented themselves. Several were left rejoicing in the truth, and a deep interest to hear the presentation of the Message exists in the group. GCB February 21, 1895, page 261.4
Newfoundland. — Mention should be made in this connection also of the deep interest that has sprung up in our work in Newfoundland. This in part is due to the sale of publications by canvassers which were sent out by our Board. Some Bible readings have also been held by the brethren who went to that field. Ten adults have taken their stand for the truth. GCB February 21, 1895, page 261.5
Polynesia. — In Polynesia, organized effort has been going forward at Tahiti, Raiatea, Raratonga, Norfolk, and Pitcairn islands. At Tahiti there are some seventy Sabbath-keepers, and a church of twenty-three members has been organized. A good work has been done in translating tracts and pamphlets into the Tahitian language. A hand press has been utilized in printing. The mission school at Tahiti has been closed, due to the fact that French colonial law requires school-teachers to be French born. At Raiatea a good foundation has been laid for the work. A school numbering over 100 has been carried forward. About twelve have begun the observance of the Sabbath. GCB February 21, 1895, page 261.6
SUMMARY
The following general summary will show something of the combined results of our work in other lands during the last year:— GCB February 21, 1895, page 261.7
At the time of the last General Conference, two years ago, our churches outside of America numbered 108, with a membership of 3524. Since then twenty-three additions have been made to the list of organized churches, and the foreign membership has been augmented by 1215 new members, giving a present membership of 4739. These additions have been about equally divided between the two years, there being an increase of 582 for the year ending June 30, 1893, and a gain of 633 for the year ending June 30, 1894. GCB February 21, 1895, page 261.8
There has also been a corresponding gain in the number of laborers. Two years ago we had thirty-seven ordained ministers and eighteen licentiates laboring in countries outside of the United States and Canada. At the present time these numbers are swelled to fifty-six ministers and thirty-three licentiates, a total gain of thirty-four laborers. GCB February 21, 1895, page 261.9
But this by no means represents the increase of laborers in foreign lands. In all, 127 laborers of all classes were sent out by the Board during the years 1893 and 1894. In this list were ministers, Bible-workers, teachers, medical missionaries, canvassers, and several who went as self-supporting missionaries. For the year ending with 1894, sixty-five laborers were sent out by the Board, and twenty-three countries were included in the field of operations. GCB February 21, 1895, page 262.1
As has already been reported, there has been an encouraging gain in missionary receipts from the home field. Our people are better realizing the magnitude and importance of the work committed to them. There is a world to be warned, a message to be given. Our means, our lives, and our all should be laid upon the altar of God’s service. But in all our future labors, we may realize that the God of Jacob is our helper. GCB February 21, 1895, page 262.2
Norfolk and Lord Howe’s islands have recently been transferred to the jurisdiction of the Australian Conference. The work there has necessarily gone forward slowly on account of prejudices. A foundation has been laid, however, and the Message is beginning to affect hearts. The last cruise of the “Pitcairn” was one of the most successful voyages yet completed. Laborers were left at Raiatea, and others were located at Raratonga, Pitcairn, and Rurutu. At Raratonga, especially, many encouraging experiences are reported in connection with the medical work that is being carried forward. Like nearly every other region, the openings for labor in this field are apparent on every side. The calls for medical missionaries are many and urgent. GCB February 21, 1895, page 262.3