Visit to Porto Rico by H. C. J. WALLEKER

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 28, 1911

Visit to Porto Rico

By H. C. J. WALLEKER

On November 3 I left St. Thomas on the French steamer "Quebec," in company with Elders U. Bender and Wm. Steele. Brother Bender proceeded to Haiti, and I remained in Porto Rico with Brother Steele. Arriving at San Juan Sabbath morning, we remained there until Sunday morning, when we boarded the train for Mayaguez, where we arrived the same afternoon. It is a beautiful ride along the coast, while at times the road winds up through the hills and cañons. Brother Steele has been in Porto Rico about two years, and the Lord is blessing the work there. A large number of our books and periodicals have been sold in the island. Two young men from the States — Brethren Cochran and Raff — came down to canvass a little over a year ago. The Lord has wonderfully blessed them in selling our literature, and in learning the language. It was a pleasure to meet these brethren, who are very enthusiastic over their work of carrying the truth to those who are sitting in darkness.

While at Mayaguez, Elder Steele baptized ten believers and there are others keeping the Sabbath who later will go forward in this rite. In the country out from Mayaguez, they are holding meetings at different places with good interest. One afternoon Elder Steele and I went six miles up into the mountains to hold a meeting. We visited several families on our way, who treated us very kindly, and seemed to be interested in the truth. When within a mile of the meeting-place, some of the young people joined us; and as we were going along the road, they sang their beautiful Spanish hymns.

We also visited our Adventist doctors who are on the island. Dr. Otis and his wife are located in a small country place, and are doing a good work. Next we went to the large central sugar-factory, where Dr. Morse and his wife are located. Dr. Morse has charge of the hospital for the company, and besides has a free dispensary in another town, which gives him a great opportunity to come in contact with many persons, and to sow the seed of truth.

We then went to Ponce, and spent a few days looking for a suitable place for a mission. Elder Steele expects to move there early in January. November 18 I left Ponce for St. Thomas, and arrived here the next day. My earnest prayer is that God may continue to bless the work and workers in Porto Rico.

H. C. J. WALLEKER.

St. Thomas, Danish West Indies.