Eastern Polynesia by B. J. CADY

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

Eastern Polynesia

By B. J. CADY

SINCE our last report our workers have been quite busy. On account of Sister Nelson’s not being well, it was thought best that she change her work for a time, so she came from Raiatea to Papeete, Tahiti, where she is holding Bible readings, canvassing for our Tahitian paper, and helping in our meetings.

Brother Fowler and wife are still on Huahine. They have been putting up a building there, which is used at present both as a meeting-house and a dwelling-house. The little company of native Sabbath-keepers there seem to be doing well. One of them, after having gone without tobacco for about three months, wished to be baptized, but he said he wanted to be a free man; that he owed a store bill which should have been paid before, and he wanted to pay that first; then it would be seen that he wanted to pay his debts, and no one could say anything against him, and he would feel better about it.

Brother Paul Deane has been working for some time in a district of Tahiti called Mataiea, where he says some interest is manifested. We have received from Brother Carey good reports of his school work on Pitcairn Island.

Our Tahitian paper, Te Maramarama, is taking quite well with the people. We had three hundred eighty-six subscriptions at the end of the year. We think this is doing quite well for the first year. These subscriptions come from many of the different islands. As far as we know, all seem to be well pleased with the paper. We believe it is doing much good in getting the truth before the people. Tahitian people like news. So we give them not only gospel news, but also other current events, showing how God’s Word is being fulfilled in the world.

Brother McCoy, of Pitcairn Island, has been with us in Tahiti for the past few weeks, and has been doing good ship-missionary work. The small boat bought for Pitcairn some time ago has been condemned as unseaworthy, and sold for sixty pounds. They are in urgent need of a schooner to run between here and Pitcairn, to open up communication. The boat can be also used in our work in introducing the truth into other islands. Our present need is money to help in getting such a boat.

We are preparing to build a church soon on Raiatea. We hope to have it finished by next May, so that our conference meetings may be held in it.

Four persons were recently baptized here in Tahiti, and united with the church. This island field is a difficult one, and much of the blessing of the Lord is needed to counteract the evil influences.

B. J. CADY.