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Porto Rico

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 15, 1910

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 87, No. 37.

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Porto Rico

By Wm. Steele.

AFTER my return from Santo Domingo in February, I began work with our Spanish paper, the Centinela de la Verdad. In three months, spending what time I could, with the Lord's help I was able to collect over five hundred dollars in subscriptions.
The first of June we began meetings in Arecibo. The first week we had a good attendance; but soon the enemy was aroused, and his efforts had their effect upon our work. However, some are very much interested. A young man who had preached two years, accepted the truth and was baptized. We believe that in a little time he will make an excellent worker. Others desired baptism, but we thought best to have them wait awhile. The Porto Ricans are a difficult people to work for. They are unstable in character, and think nothing of changing their religion as one changes his coat. But there are many honest souls among them, who really desire to know what is truth, and are willing to obey it.
One man who lives twelve miles in the country, attended the meetings as often as possible, walking the whole distance. Another who lives in Manati, the second town of Arecibo, attended some of the meetings, accepted the truth presented, and now is telling it to others. He had preached four years. As soon as the church heard of his conversion, they offered him a position if he would leave the Sabbath. He had received thirty dollars a month. He is very poor, but he made arrangements for his wife to visit her parents, in order that he might not be at any expense while preaching the truth without pay. He will work for our mission among the country people, and we believe will do much good. All his friends have turned against him, telling him he and his family are disgraced. But they are full of courage.
Brother Cochran, one of the canvassers who came to Porto Rico in March, began work with the Centinela after studying the language only two months. He has done well with the papers, and at the same time has made good progress in learning the language. The Lord will richly bless all who will dedicate themselves without reserve to his work.
WM. STEELE.