Hawaic4i by C. D. M. Williams

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 3, 1908

Hawaic4i

By C. D. M. Williams

The island of Hilo is about two hundred miles southeast of Honolulu. Recently we went to this island to visit some of our members, and to see others who were interested in the truth. We obtained quite good insight into the needs of the work, and hope that the plan which has been devised will enable us to scatter the pages of truth more extensively than has ever been done before. We now have literature in several languages, and with it we hope to reach a class that has never been reached. The islands contain about seventy thousand Japanese, twenty thousand Chinese, thirteen thousand Portuguese, and seven thousand Spaniards, besides many other nationalities.

In the languages mentioned we have periodicals, so we have decided to introduce these papers among them, and are having some success, especially among the Chinese and the Japanese; although the Japanese are rather slow at buying, we are able to sell a few papers. Something is also being done among the Portuguese and the Spaniards. We secured forty-two subscribers while on the other island, and have also received a number of subscriptions. I hope to give this place a thorough canvass this week, then go to other towns on this island, and then to other islands. Traveling expenses are very high. So far we have had to pay one dollar for a bed, or from two dollars to two dollars and a half a day. In one place we were able to secure a room for three dollars a week, but that was an exception. It is almost impossible to find a house where accommodations are to be had, and when such a place is found, exorbitant prices are charged for all other things.

While in Hilo, I baptized two brethren, and they, with one sister who had previously been baptized, were taken into the church here on my return. There are also two others who I hope will soon go forward in baptism.

We had the Pacific fleet with us for a short time, and some of the sailors were given leave of shore for forty-eight hours. One of these was once a nurse, but had given up the truth and joined the navy; but the Lord has not left him. He has seen the error of his ways, and for some time has been trying to serve the Lord to the best of his ability in his unfortunate position, and in doing so he has interested others in the truth, and one young man has taken his stand for it. These two young men were with us over the Sabbath, and enjoyed their two nights rest in our home. These boys will both be out of the navy soon, and expect to begin work for the Lord as soon as possible.

C. D. M. Williams.