The Work in Mexico by G. W. Caviness

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 10, 1916

The Work in Mexico

By G. W. Caviness

DURING the last two years, the work in Mexico has passed through very serious conditions. In 1914, because of the unsettled and revolutionary condition of the country, all the American workers came out and were in the United States for about five months. Near the close of the year they returned, but they had not much more than got settled and begun the work again when still more serious conditions came on. Mexico City itself was shut in, besieged, taken and retaken at various times. The workers stayed and continued printing our papers, although it was impossible to send them out to the subscribers for a few months. A little after the middle of 1915 the way opened up again, and the papers were sent on to the subscribers, but with more or less irregularity because of the lack of communication with the different parts of the country.

Notwithstanding all the difficulties, the year 1914 was the best year for the paper. The monthly issue averaged 8,634. We do not yet know just what the average was for the past year. The present year has opened up quite well for the paper, and while we are printing both our papers in the United States, Mexico sent us first an order for 3,000 Las Señales de los Tiempos and 2,000 El Amigo de los Niños in clubs, besides the regular subscription list. In a letter received from there recently they have increased their order to 5,000 Las Señales de los Tiempos and 3,000 El Amigo de los Niños. If the other fields which receive the paper would do as well, we should soon have to print a very large edition of our truth-filled Spanish papers, which have always been our most successful evangelical workers.

The canvassers for the papers are having wonderful success in Mexico. One aged Mexican brother who is now nearing the threescore years and ten, has been working on the papers for two or three years, making a living, but frequently has been in very straitened circumstances. Recently we were informed that he came to the office and paid three hundred dollars in advance for papers to be sent to Guadalajara. When one understands the nature of the Mexican,—who seldom ever has anything ahead, but is behind, if he can possibly borrow,—and also appreciates the difficulties in the country at the present time, he will realize that this case is but little short of miraculous.

Our Mexican brethren have remained quite firm during these troublous years. One or two companies have suffered from apostasy on account of politics, and a few have found it so difficult to make a living that they have given up the Sabbath. But from all the rest word comes that they have held on faithfully, not only holding their own, but that quite a number of new converts are ready to be baptized and join them. I have in my possession the names of more than fifty who are asking for baptism; besides these I know of quite a number of others who have not sent in their names as yet.

Not one of our brethren, so far as I am aware, has lost his life during these years on account of the revolution. Although the country is not yet entirely settled, we believe our heavenly Father will overrule matters so that there will come a time of comparative peace, at least, in which the message will be carried to a few honest hearts that will receive it. We earnestly long for this time to come soon, and ask the prayers of our brethren to this end.

G. W. CAVINESS.