p. 16 | Jamaica by A. N. Durrant

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 15, 1908

Jamaica

By A. N. Durrant

AT our last conference session in January, it was decided that this conference be divided into five districts, in each of which an ordained minister shall reside and devote his time to the development of the work, both in the churches and among those who are not of our faith.

The writer was appointed to labor in district No. 1. This district is composed of three parishes, and has an area of seven hundred nine square miles, and a population of one hundred thirty-eight thousand. We have twelve companies and churches in this district. Most of these are of eight and eleven years’ standing. There are only two respectable and substantial church buildings. The other companies meet in sheds and very close rooms, some not larger than ten feet square. Many have been trying to build for years, while others wish to start now, but because of the hard times in this island, it seems like a hopeless undertaking unless we get help from outside. Many of the old companies were in a weak condition spiritually, hence I have been trying to help them reach a higher plane, and to the glory of God alone, marked results are to be seen in many places; backsliders are being reclaimed, and many weak hands strengthened.

At Bigwoods, where a suitable house was built some five years ago, the company was almost broken up. Seeing the condition, I sent notice through their leader that special evangelistic meetings would be conducted for a week. I went at the time appointed, and in spite of rain almost every day, we had good gatherings from the outside, and best of all, the Lord came graciously near. Hearts were broken, and some asked for prayers and instruction, while sixteen signed the covenant. The news of the revival spread for miles around, and many came from other villages. I continued the meetings for nearly two weeks, and it is marvelous to hear from the lips of many how the message reached their hearts. Some are from other religious denominations, and only a few days before were bitter enemies of the truth. Backsliders are coming back like prodigals. O the glad times we had while showers of the latter rain fell!

If we could get help to build places of worship where these little companies are, how soon we could give the message to

the people of this island. Elder J. A. Strickland, who is now in Washington, D. C., raised up a little company at Montego Bay, through great perils, shortly after landing here five years ago; but as he was taken away soon after, no permanence was given to the work. The company since that time has been meeting in a small room, while they have been trying to raise funds for a building, but only one hundred dollars has been raised. The world looks down with contempt upon this cause, although many promise to attend our services if we get a better place of worship. Our abject poverty and our few numbers offer nothing but discouragement.

Dear brethren, pray for us in this island, that God may give us wisdom to follow his leadings to a triumphant finish.

A. N. DURRANT.