p. 24 | Fiji Training-School by J. E. FULTON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 2, 1908

Fiji Training-School

By J. E. FULTON

MANY of the readers of the REVIEW are aware of the fact that we have a training-school for native workers in Fiji. We believe that God has been leading in this enterprise, and it will be interesting to all our brethren to recount some of the experiences in getting this work started.

We had considerable difficulty in finding a suitable place. We desired to get near the center of the group in a healthful location, but it seemed that every avenue was closed. Suitable property was held at a high price, and little was available at any price. Good locations have long since been taken, and the properties usually available are far from the sea coast, and would be undesirable for a school. Yet we did not wish a place in a large town, or very near one. We knew what the Testimonies say about locating schools and institutions of other kinds in the country. We wanted the youth away from the influences of their native towns. We had many seasons of prayer over the matter, and at last our minds turned toward a certain location. We made inquiry, and received word that we could not have the property, that the owner did not wish to sell or lease. We kept on looking for a place but a little later received word from the owner of the property we desired that he would lease it. We were very thankful indeed, for we were sure that the Lord had guided; and now, to make a long story short, we leased the property. In making out the lease the owner was willing to give us a long term; but after it was made out, he became sorry that the term expressed was so long, so he decided that he would sell to us. His first price was fifteen hundred dollars, but later he agreed to take twelve hundred fifty dollars. This has been paid, and we have the property. It is an excellent place of nearly three hundred acres, central in location, and has a good harbor. It is some distance from any native town, so that the students are away from the contaminating influences of town life; yet it is near enough of approach to the surrounding towns to enable students and instructors to do missionary work. The soil is excellent, and there are a number of acres planted to cocoanuts, which bring in several pounds every year. There are two small fresh-water streams on the property, which increase the value of the place.

There are two European dwellings, which have been built since we took possession of the property, a printing-office for our little Fijian paper Rarama, a native-made school building, a church building, and ten cottages where the students are domiciled. These cottages are all of native architecture.

The object of this school is the training of native workers. But it is not to train workers for Fiji alone. Our school has a broader field before it. We are training workers also for the “regions beyond.” Our native brethren have received with enthusiasm the thought that they can be used to carry this message to other fields. We have now about thirty at the school, mostly young men, though some are of a somewhat mature age. All of these have some branch of the work in view, and some are looking to other groups outside of Fiji. Already one young native from the school is on his way to New Guinea as a missionary. Brother and Sister Carr, who have had charge of the school in Fiji for some time, are going to New Guinea, and this student is accompanying them, to assist in the work there.

Special attention is given in this school to teaching the principles of present truth. The common branches are not neglected, however, but are taught fully. The missionary features of our work are kept before our students, and we are pleased to note the interest taken by them in seeing the work advance.

Opportunity is given the students from time to time to go to the different towns to distribute literature, sell books, and visit the people. Good has already resulted from their labor. We know of one family that was brought into the truth as the result of missionary work put forth by one of the students of the Buresala school.

Our little paper is printed at the school. Some of the students assist in the printing, and so get a knowledge of this kind of work. The young man who is going to New Guinea knows considerable about printing, and when that work is begun in that new field, he will be ready to assist.

In bringing our school to its present condition, there has been some very hard work done, some “sowing in tears.” Many of the experiences might be interesting would space permit to relate them. But we believe that all will recognize the Lord’s hand in this work. We have a great field. There are many thousands to warn, and we believe that this school will be the means in God’s hand to bring the truth before many isles of the South Seas, isles that “wait for his law.” Pray for the work and for our workers.

J. E. FULTON.