It has been seven months since we turned our faces toward the Philippine Islands to begin our foreign missionary life in response to the call of the last General Conference, and we thought that a short account of ourselves and our work might be appreciated.
THE CLASS OF SIX CEBU BOYS, OF PHILIPPINE ISLANDS
Five weeks of the seven months were spent in making the long journey from Iowa to Manila, a journey which will long be remembered by us. We were very glad to reach the end, and as the steamer entered Manila Bay early in the morning, we were on deck with our hearts full of curiosity and expectation, and a desire to be at work in our new field.
We spent nearly three months in the city of Manila, becoming acquainted with the people, surroundings, and climate, studying the language, and helping with the printing work; and these were indeed pleasant days. As soon as advisable, Elder Finster assigned the new workers to their fields of labor. Accordingly we bade farewell to our friends in Manila, and sailed to the island of Cebu, which is between Manila and the equator. We arrived safely in the city of Cebu, the third largest city on the islands, two days later. Our first evening here will never be forgotten.
As we sat on the deck of the steamer, looking over the city’s low buildings with a beautiful background of high mountains, and as we watched the busy people on the street and docks, we felt as never before our dependence upon God. We were alone in a strange land, and among strange people. The next day we found a suitable house, and in a few days were settled, and very grateful for divine guidance and protection.
After two weeks of study, I began canvassing, and from that day the Lord has blessed us abundantly, and we have become self-supporting. The canvassing work here is very interesting and profitable. I have been working mornings only, studying the language in the afternoons, and giving Bible readings in the evenings, and in eight weeks my orders amounted to 530 pesos.
I have nearly finished my first delivery of “Home and Health,” and have lost only two orders. I thank the Lord for this, as the islands are passing through a time of political unrest, and money is quite scarce.
We soon came in contact with some intelligent young men and women, and they became our friends. We have had a class of six boys, and also a class of girls, studying the Bible with us since we came here. Two have already decided to obey the truths for this time, and several others are progressing well in the way of everlasting life. Truly the harvest is ripe in the Philippines. Young people are breaking away from the Catholic Church, and we must reach them soon with this message or the results will be very sad. We believe that the young people will have an important part in the finishing of this work.
