p. 16 | Cuba by E. W. SNYDER

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 30, 1907

Cuba

By E. W. SNYDER

Some time has elapsed since we last reported concerning the work in this field; this has not been, however, because there were no interesting experiences to report. On the contrary, we have seen that the message is bearing the same good fruit in the lives of some of these poor Cubans that it does among others of more favored lands.

The brother referred to in a former report continues faithful; and like Andrew of old, he has a burden to take the truth to his own kin. Through his efforts the way was opened for meetings in the home of his sister, where for several months we have held one service a week. The result is that four have begun to keep the Sabbath, and in all, we now have eight or nine Cuban Sabbath-keepers. About one half of these have come directly from the Catholic Church, and it is interesting to note their progress in the truth step by step as their prayers to the Virgin and saints have given way to supplication directed to the Heavenly Father, while wall text cards have been substituted for their Catholic pictures and images. Having taken the Bible as the infallible word of God, a single text in proof of any doctrine is sufficient for them. This has been shown by their readiness in accepting tithing, healthful living, and the spirit of prophecy. As a class, we find the Cubans to be liberally disposed toward the cause with the little means they have.

Nearly all are now paying tithe, and one brother, a barber, testified that before he paid the tithe, his work went hard, and his earnings scarcely sufficed to meet his needs from day to day, but the first day after he paid the tithe, his earnings amounted to three pesos, and recently he informed me that his tithe for one day amounted to seventy-six cents. Another brother has just lost his position for the truth's sake, and although he has a family of six dependent on him, he remains firm. His request to his employer that he be allowed to continue in his employ, having Sabbath free, was not granted. The faith of this brother is therefore still being tested, but he is confident that a change for the better will soon come.

We are told that under Spanish rule a Cuban without the influence or backing of some Spaniard could have no admittance to the schools, therefore it is not unusual to meet with Cuban adults who do not read or write. The school system of the present is rapidly changing this situation among the rising generation; however, the prevailing illiteracy renders work with the publications difficult. We have found that the most favorable way to begin work is to open meetings in as many places as we can; but this requires means with which to pay for rents, lighting, and seating; and while the Cubans are liberal, they are poor; therefore we must look to our more favored brethren at home for help.

Are there not those who will feel it a privilege to come to our aid? To any one having means for this field we would say that at any money-order office in the United States a money-order may be purchased payable in Havana or Marianao; therefore we request that any money for Cuba be sent direct to the order of the undersigned, and a receipt will be sent by return mail.

For the benefit of any brethren intending to come to Cuba, we would say that in order to avoid paying duty on your goods, you must make a manifest and secure a consular certificate for the same, otherwise on all goods not brought as baggage you will have to pay the maximum rate of duty. This also applies to any goods, new or old, sent by bill of lading to this country. The maximum duty applies to all goods whose origin is outside of the United States, while all United States goods enjoy the minimum tariff; but in order to get this low rate, a consular certificate must in every case accompany the goods. All goods that have been in use for a year or over come in free, but if not brought as baggage, they must have the consular certificate. The immigrant in order to bring in his goods free must be here in Havana to sign in person. If he is away in the country and can not do this, he must pay the duty. For this reason it is better to bring all possible as baggage, or to ship it so it will arrive with the owner of the same. Thus loss of time and railway expense are avoided. At every point of departure along the coast of the United States there are Cuban consuls who will issue the above certificates gratis. Confidence in the country is being restored, and we see the steady, onward march of development. Many Americans have come to share in this prosperity, and we trust that some of our brethren at home whom the Lord calls may also come. Those who come with a burden for souls and the spirit of the Master will receive a warm welcome.

E. W. SNYDER.

Marianao, Cuba.