Cuba as a Mission Field by J. A. JOHNSON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 6, 1908

Cuba as a Mission Field

By J. A. JOHNSON

J. A. JOHNSON

The call for help comes from all over the world at this time. Cuba, the fairest and best of all the West Indies, joins in this plea, and we doubt if anywhere in the world there is a more needy, or, indeed, a more promising field for missionary effort than here in Cuba. We have often heard some of our brethren and sisters talk about going to Africa, India, China, or some other land far removed from home and friends, little realizing what it means to go into a foreign country, among strange people speaking a strange language. Yet we are glad to know that many have done so, and the Lord has been with them and has wonderfully blessed them; and he will be with and bless every one who heeds the call, “Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right, I will give you.” It is right that we should stand ready to go wherever the Master calls us. Just now poor forsaken Cuba is calling loudly for help. Who will heed the call?

It is now more than eight years since Cuba achieved her independence, and the door of opportunity was opened; and yet, so far, but little has been done, owing to the lack of laborers and the means to send them. Urgent requests are constantly coming to the Mission Board for help that it can not give, however much it would like to do so, because the workers and the means are not forthcoming. Why should not some of those who are anxious to do missionary work in foreign lands launch out as self-supporting missionaries, and come to Cuba? We know of no place in the world where such an undertaking can

be made with less danger, less risk, and more certainty of success. In the first place, this island lies right at our doors, and it does not cost much to get here. The climate is such that nothing is required for fuel, except for cooking. The expense for a house is small, as nothing but a roof and a single board wall is needed. The land is so rich and productive that it is only necessary to touch it with the hoe or other implement, and it produces an abundant harvest. All the citrus fruits, bananas, pineapples, cocoanuts, mangoes, mammees, the papaya, and scores of other varieties of fruit, grow as if by magic, as do also a great variety of vegetables of almost all kinds grown in more northern climes, such as sweet potatoes, yams, okra, peanuts, and even Irish potatoes, —the latter not so well, but in great abundance. The raising of sugar-cane is one of the leading industries, and a very profitable one. Wages are from $1.50 to $2.50 a day.

We mention these simply to show that it is an easy matter to make a living here. Some have had fears that if they should go out as missionaries, they might be in danger of starvation. Not so here, if they will work. Land may be had at a cheap price, and on good terms. Five or ten acres are sufficient for a good-sized family.

Now a word about the Cuban people. They are not, as many have supposed, semi-savages. On the contrary, they are kind-hearted, generous, and peace-loving. They are as intelligent as the average of mankind, and eager and anxious to learn, embracing every opportunity for intellectual improvement. The one thing they need above all others is the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, and now—just now—is the opportune moment in which to give it to them. We shall never have a better opportunity than just now. God has gone before, and hearts have been prepared for the message. Who will come among them “shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace”? Who will say, “Here am I; send me”? We need teachers who will come here and teach them to read and write, and give them instruction in other branches of education. There are thousands who could not read their names, if they saw them in print; how, then, can they read the Word of God? The policy of the Catholic Church is, and always has been, to keep them in ignorance, knowing that if the people became enlightened, they could not be controlled by her. Jesus said he came to set at liberty those that were bound, to strike the shackles from off the hands and feet of those who had long been held in chains of bondage. We believe this applies in a literal, as

well as a spiritual sense.

You and I can help to do this, by giving these people the message for this time. One very effectual way is to come here and live the truth among them. To preach the truth is good; to live it is better. Precept and example give emphasis to the word spoken. You can preach a powerful sermon without saying a word, and that is the kind of preaching you can do, even though you are mingling with people whose language you do not understand. The heart is quick in understanding, and the Holy Spirit is a powerful agent, and understands the language of the soul.

Here at Omaja, in Santiago province, we have a nice little growing American colony of about two hundred fifty people. We are situated on the main line of the Cuban Railroad, ninety miles east of Camaguez, about one hundred six miles west of Santiago de Cuba, and about ninety miles west of Antilla, the main port of entry from New York and the north. We have daily mail, passenger and freight service from both ways, a good American public school (and will soon have a Spanish school), American store, and a large sawmill. There is also a small church of Seventh-day Adventist people here, and a Sabbath-school. A land company has offered us a nice tract of land for school purposes, free. Now what we want is a teacher, also a number of God-fearing, man-loving, earnest Christian families, to come and help us.

There is a good opening for a doctor, who could do a good work here. Cuba is sure to become a great winter resort. Even now many people come here for their health; and as the island grows, there will be opportunity to help them in a medical way, thus preparing the way for giving them the truth. A good bakery is also needed.

Last summer Elders E. W. Snyder, of Havana, and U. Bender, of Jamaica, gave us a short visit, which we very much enjoyed. The fruits of this visit have already appeared among our Cuban friends. We have been informed that one lady is keeping the Sabbath as a result of work done at that time, and her husband expects to begin its observance soon. One or two other families are very much interested. They have bought Bibles and other books, and have been supplied with papers, which they like to read. These interests must be followed up. Brother Snyder has a good interest in and around Havana, four hundred miles west of here, and can not come to this place often. We pray that God may bless his work there. All over the island there are like opportunities. We know there are many of our brethren in the north, living on rented farms, working hard to make a living. Why can not some of them come here and get a few acres of land? A large farm is not needed. Living the truth, scattering the pages that contain the message, you can help these people, and at the same time help yourselves. Any one interested can write to Elder E. W. Snyder, to Brother W. J. Wilson of this place, or to the writer, and we will be glad to give all the information we can.

Omaja, Cuba.