ROBERT E. STEWART by Robert E. Stewart

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 23, 1915

ROBERT E. STEWART

By Robert E. Stewart

From the Philippines

A NUMBER of months have passed since we sent our last report. We are in good health and enjoying many blessings. All our needs have been supplied, our efforts have been blessed, and the goodness of the Lord has followed us daily. Truly the Lord is gracious to those who devote their lives to his cause. As a Provider, he never fails; as a Helper, he is always near; and as a Counselor, his way is always best.

By the time this report reaches you, it will have been two years since we turned our faces toward the Philippines. These years have brought many and varied experiences, but, after all, we can say, with the apostle Paul, “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” We cannot tell what may come in the future, but we do know that we must work harder and have greater experiences than in the past, for God’s message is going rapidly, and that means that his servants must make greater efforts in his service.

When I reported last, we were just beginning colporteur work in the island of Cebu. The island province of Bohol has been entered, and canvassed with “Home and Health,” and we have now just entered the province of Negros Oriental.

This is the third province of the four assigned to me to canvass; the fourth is the island of Leyte. These four provinces belong to the group called Bisayas, which includes also the island of Panay and the province of Negros Occidental, also the island of Samar. In the first four provinces, the same dialect is spoken, so we have a large field to work. Evangelistic work must be carried on also as soon as the books are placed in the hands of the people.

We now have a small book on the prophecies of Daniel, and we recently held our first canvassers’ institute, with five young men in attendance, at Argao, Cebu, where Dr. Fattebert is stationed. Brother Floyd Ashbaugh met with us and gave much valuable help. As fast as the way opens we will train young men and get them into these four provinces, where the people are living in darkness and superstition.

About the first of next year, I hope to begin with “Patriarchs and Prophets” and cover my territory again, then follow with “The Coming King.” The native boys, in the meantime, will work with the cheaper book in the dialect, as only a few can be reached with an English or Spanish book. The Filipinos are very desirous of becoming educated, and books are in demand, especially among the young people. The outlook for the canvassing work in the Philippines is very bright. The young men who are canvassing on the island of Luzon, near Manila, are having very good success, and the work has just begun.