Our Voyage to the Philippines by M. SCHOWE-CALDWELL

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 30, 1908

Our Voyage to the Philippines

By M. SCHOWE-CALDWELL

M. SCHOWE-CALDWELL

At many of the Australian railway stations, our eyes have often rested upon the well-known advertisement containing the words, “The East is Calling.” It is indeed calling—calling for the truth, which alone gives light. This impresses one vividly in looking at these dark-skinned people, who, sad to say, have not been uplifted by the example of the white man.

After leaving Brisbane our first call was at New Britain. It was refreshing to view the land with its tropical richness of green. But one’s attention is drawn from this picture to nearer scenes. The wharf was thronged with natives, a strange sight to one unaccustomed to it. It was here that we spent the second Sabbath on the voyage. In the morning we took a quiet stroll on the shore, passing through a cool cocoanut grove. On returning we viewed a very strange scene. It was market morning; numbers of native women and girls had gathered from the surrounding neighborhood, bringing their products, which they exchanged among themselves. What a scene and a chatter! Without an exception, women and girls were smoking, and chewing the beetle-nut. Their products consist of yams, bananas, cocoanuts, pa-paias, melons, besides much of which we knew nothing. The remainder of the Sabbath was spent on the “Waldemar.”

New-year’s morning our boat arrived at Friedrich-Wilhelmshafen, German New Guinea. A little after sunrise we were alongside the wharf. Securing a boat, we, with two other missionaries, set off to visit the nearest mission station. This mission is owned by the Rhenish Lutherans, and is pleasantly situated on a small island. Our boat was noticed, and we were heartily welcomed as we landed. At once we were surrounded by children. We learned that school was just over for the day. It was then about 9:30 A. M. A church built of iron,

with plenty of ventilation, served for the schoolroom. The children were gathered in, and at our request sang for us. It pleased them very much when we sang in return the familiar hymn, “Jesus Loves Me.”

Close by the mission are some native dwellings, and here we learned something of their home life. The houses, consisting of only one room, are built off the ground about three or four feet; the walls are of bamboo; and the roof of cocoanut leaves. Here live not only the family, but beneath each home live the swine and dogs. The surroundings were very unclean, and we little wonder that so many are troubled with sores and skin diseases. From inquiries we learned that this mission had been in operation for fifteen years. The converts number twenty-seven. As far as outward appearance goes, one can not see the change, for they still smoke and chew. We are led to ask, “Is the whole gospel taught them by precept and example?” We trust that some day these poor people will learn more of the saving power of the gospel and of the special message for this time.

On this trip we visited two new ports of call, one being Iloilo, situated on the island of Penay. Next to Manila, it is the most important town in the Philippine group. We were interested not only in seeing the town, but in learning much that would be of use in view of our future work. It is an old town. A railway of twenty-five miles has been constructed, and eventually will cross the island. For the purpose of extending this railway, we landed eight thousand railway ties from Australia.

During our voyage we experienced some rough seas and strong winds, with rain. Considerable anxiety was felt, especially at Manila, concerning our boat. But, though seven days behind, we arrived safely, and all were well. We are now in our field of labor, which is not an easy one. We ask your prayers, that much may be accomplished. With God all things are possible, and to him alone we look.

Manila, P. I.