p. 8 | The Work in Fiji by J. E. FULTON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 18, 1910

The Work in Fiji

By J. E. FULTON

J. E. FULTON

In May we held a general meeting, calling together our brethren and sisters from the different islands and districts in Fiji. A month or two before this they were visited by a very severe and disastrous hurricane, and we feared that many would be kept from attending. While this was the case to some extent, we were gratified to see, at the first meeting, many who had come from the different islands and districts, so that we really had a larger meeting than on any previous occasion. Like our camp-meetings and conferences in more civilized countries, our general meetings in Fiji have been of great benefit to our brethren. Some made a real sacrifice to attend, and the Lord did not disappoint them.

On the Sabbath we had a revival service, and many were cheered. Some gave their hearts to God for the first time, and others who had been somewhat on the background, had their spiritual strength revived. Seventeen were baptized at the close of the meeting. Some of these had been waiting for baptism for some time, as no ordained minister had been with them since Brother C. H. Parker left for his new field of labor.

Although the work received some set-back on account of the hurricane, we are pleased to note that in a most remarkable manner the Lord has protected the interests of the workers in this field. Some damage was done, but not so much as was at first thought. Our mission schooner arrived the night of the hurricane, with Brother and Sister B. J. Cady, who had on board all their household effects. As it was late when they arrived, their goods were not removed. During the night the hurricane came on, and the boat was wrecked. Brother Cady and his wife lost very heavily, and all the workers sympathized deeply with them in this trying experience. The boat was not so badly damaged as we at first thought, and by the repairs made by Brother Whippy, a boat builder, the schooner was made seaworthy, and was used at the time of our council meeting.

At the training-school at Buresala, Fiji, we have now about forty young persons who are under training, all making good progress. This is very encouraging. The Lord has certainly led in the establishment of the work there, and we expect to see good results. In fact, we already see the benefit from our school in some who have left there to connect with the work in the different native towns. One young man from the school is now laboring in New Guinea, and another man and his wife are under appointment to join the work in that field soon. In connection with the school we have a printing-office. Here tracts and a little monthly paper are printed, and at the present time an edition of “Early Writings,” which we have translated into the Fijian language, is in press. This we believe will be a great blessing to our native brethren. Last year a small book on physiology, in the native language, was translated and published, and the greater portion of this edition has been sold. A few copies have been reserved for our students in the Buresala school, who use it as a text-book.

There are many encouraging things in connection with our work in Fiji.

Burwood, Australia.