Haiti by A. F. Prieger

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 30, 1915

Haiti

By A. F. Prieger

A. F. PRIEGER

Brother E. A. Curdy and I recently made a trip to St. Marc, where I baptized eleven converts, and organized a church of fifteen members. Returning by way of Port au Prince, where we celebrated the Lord’s Supper with the little company of faithful believers, we found Brother Curdy’s oldest son, Clark, sick with the dreaded intestinal fever. Nine days later, at the age of ten years, he was laid to rest in the cemetery at Cape Haitien, until Jesus shall come to gather his own. Thus our joys are often mingled with the sorrow of loss of loved ones, and we are constantly reminded that this present world is no continual abiding place.

Brother Curdy and his family soon after left for Port de Paix, where several candidates have long been awaiting baptism. Most of them had been brought to the knowledge of the truth through the labors of Brethren M. N. Isaac and J. J. Baptiste, and members of the Port de Paix church, which is indeed a shining light in that part of the island.

On October 14 I visited the company, and found them well instructed and ready for baptism, and Sabbath morning twelve were buried in the watery grave, to rise as new men and women in Christ Jesus. That the angel of the Lord was present was clearly manifest in protection from a large shark which came near during the service, but did not disturb us. I had my back toward it, and so did not notice it; but the natives saw it. They said it was the first one they had seen in that vicinity for years, and they felt sure that we had been divinely protected.

During a testimony meeting in the afternoon, three others decided to give their hearts to God, and they were baptized the next day. Among them was a young man who was driven from home when he decided to follow Jesus. He is left without means, but we hope that he will remain faithful and devote his life to the giving of this message.

In the evening we had a meeting, and almost half the money needed for a church building was subscribed. Many gave their rings and necklaces and other jewelry, to be sold. The money thus obtained is to be used in building a house wherein to worship God. So anxious were the people to assist that the sisters volunteered to help carry the stones for the building. In my thoughts I compared this with the passage in Ps. 110:3, and I wondered if the time is not near when we shall see this spirit throughout our ranks. May the Lord grant it.

Peace is not yet reestablished in Haiti. Only in the largest coast cities are conditions quiet. What has occurred here

recently, shows what may yet be expected everywhere. I can clearly see that it is much more difficult and dangerous now to present the message than it was before we left for our furlough. Yet some are glad to receive us. The Lord has permitted many to be wounded and bruised, so that they have come to the place where they feel the need of sympathy and hope. May the Lord grant that in the presentation of this message we may be filled with more love and longing for souls, is my prayer. Pray for the work in this troubled field.