British Guiana by O. E. DAVIS

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 7, 1908

British Guiana

By O. E. DAVIS

GEORGETOWN.—Since our last report fifteen have been buried in the watery grave, thirteen of whom were new converts. A spirit of love and harmony is coming into the hearts of the members, and material advancement is obvious, both spiritually and numerically. Some improvements are being made on the church property; material for a baptistery is being gathered, while two small vestries are about completed. Our Sunday evening attendance holds firm and regular, and the health studies in our prayer and missionary meetings have awakened an interest in many. It is very encouraging to see so many at service, notwithstanding the laborious duties they have to perform. Our young people were much disappointed in not being able to take up the Missionary Volunteer Reading Course, as they were unable to supply themselves with the books. Only a few are able to subscribe for the Instructor alone. We therefore substituted a study of Daniel and the Revelation, together with the Story of Daniel and the Seer of Patmos. We have finished the first six chapters of the book of Daniel, and a written examination shows very good results. The attendance is larger than at any previous time since we came to this place; many even of the older members of the church are attending these studies, and a deep interest is manifested by all.

Our East Indian school, which is supported by a brother of North Dakota, has been moved to more commodious quarters. There are now thirty-five in attendance, and good progress is being made in the studies. After recovering somewhat from the illness produced by heart trouble, I held a canvassers' drill in January; and from those who entered the work at that time we are receiving encouraging reports. From present prospects we think the book sales for 1908 will surpass those of last year. Another encouraging point may be of some interest to others also. About the time of my last report, we fitted up one of our rooms with some plain facilities, that we might be better able to combat the frequent attacks of fever and other diseases, and offered these treatments to our members. We also began to teach them some of the principles of healthful living and simple treatments, not expecting the matter to become public. However, it was generally known in different parts of the city that we had broken up the fever without the use of drugs; then outsiders came, asking for treatments. The brethren feared that I would find myself in trouble, owing to the strict laws of this colony; but knowing the medical missionary work to be a special auxiliary to the message, I did not feel I could close the door against those not of our faith, as many were inquiring about the various points of our faith. I therefore consulted a lawyer on the matter, who thought I would be clear to go ahead with the work. To be sure, I called in a member of the medical board, who heartily approved of the system, but thought the law might require me to have a physician to diagnose the cases. He referred me to the surgeon-general, and told me that his word would decide the question. I then laid the matter before this gentleman, who questioned me on several points, and on some points of our faith also, and finally informed me that I could not be prevented from carrying on the treatments, as it was a philanthropic work; he further stated that he had no desire to stop such a work, but should any of our nurses come here to practise, they would be obliged to have a registered physician head the work. We feel that some ground has been gained in this matter, and that favorable impressions have been made with some of the leading authorities of the city. Not only have nearly all of our workers received benefit, but many very respectable people also, who were not of the faith, have expressed a desire to become acquainted with our work and principles of living.

O. E. DAVIS.