New Mexico by J. A. LELAND

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 14, 1909

New Mexico

By J. A. LELAND

THE work among the Mexicans of New Mexico is very favorable at the present time. It was my privilege to visit the church at San Marcial, December 10-13. As the brethren are scattered over a considerable district, it was thought best to have meetings at three different places. In the morning we had a meeting with the brethren at Valverde, in the afternoon at Los Ranchos, and in the evening at San Marcial. At the first place several not of our faith came to the meetings, and two of these expressed a determination to keep the Lord’s Sabbath. This gave us courage, and we hope soon to see them unite with the church. The brethren at the other places manifested a deep interest, and we were glad to note a good spirit among the members.

After the meeting on Sabbath night we took the train for El Paso, Tex. This is a great city in which almost nothing has been done to spread the knowledge of the third angel’s message. One Mexican brother lives here, and through his efforts others have been interested in the message, and some had expressed a desire to be baptized and to unite with the church. We arrived in this place on Sunday morning, and found the brother referred to at his home. He notified all his neighbors, and we soon had a house full of interested persons. It was too good an occasion to let slip, and so we had a Bible study. My mind was led to study the subject of the gifts of the Spirit. It proved timely, as some had been disturbed over the subject by one who had formerly professed to be an Adventist. We held meetings daily for about ten days. It was our privilege to organize a Sabbath-school of twelve members. Several expressed a desire for baptism, but after further study it was thought best to give them time to arrange some matters that might be a cause for criticism on the part of those without.

We were obliged to return to Albuquerque to attend to some matters that were urgent. The brethren in El Paso were of good courage when we left, and were anxious to have us return at the earliest possible moment. This we promised to do. The work for the Americans has just been opened up by Elder H. L. Hoover and two Bible workers. We hope to see much fruit for the Lord in this place. Brother Fee has been here for some time canvassing, and has been able to present the truth to many by means of the printed page.

There is much prejudice here to be overcome, but the good example of Brother Torres, our Mexican brother, has done much to open the way for the presentation and acceptance of the truth by many of the Mexican people. The Catholics have circulated, here as elsewhere, the story that we worship a large black goat. This makes it necessary to use the prophetic chart with considerable care, that they be not strengthened in this idea. At first some of the brethren seemed loath to have me put up the chart, but by using it with care we were able to make the prophecies much plainer to them.

Brother Nelson remained in El Paso to canvass among the Mexican people. He has done a good work among them during the past year, and we hope that the seed he has sown by means of the printed page will yield a bountiful harvest for the Master. The field is large, more than half the population being Mexican, and the laborers are few. We pray the Lord of the harvest to raise up laborers in this home field that is truly a foreign field. J. A. LELAND.