p. 12 | Haiti by Albert F. Prieger

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 19, 1914

Haiti

By Albert F. Prieger

ALBERT F. PRIEGER

WE think a great deal of the steadfastness of Job, who said, “What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?” (Job 2:10;) and also of Paul and Silas, against whom the multitude rose up, and the magistrates commanded to beat them. “And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely: who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.” Acts 16:23-25.

This is really the spirit of a true child of God, who knows that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Rom. 8:28.

For nine months Haiti has been in the throes of a revolution. Our colporteurs had to stop work on January 1, and hide in the mountains, where many of them are at the present time, presenting the words of life to those with whom they come in contact. In many places our members are scattered likewise, but come together on the Sabbath, even meeting in their church buildings, leaving some children outside to watch. Should soldiers come to arrest them, they scatter, and assemble again as soon as the danger is past, to proceed with their lessons.

The Lord has done marvelous things for us. Whenever it was time to send the Sabbath school lessons into the interior, it has thus far been possible for the mail carrier to send them out, but immediately afterward the way was again hedged in by revolutionists. One brother was caught three times to be shot, and every time those around him were killed and he himself escaped unhurt. He is helping the wounded.

Another brother was sent to prison to be shot the next day, but the opposing party came and released him. We were much concerned in his behalf, as he was a valuable helper among his people in the interior. Yesterday we received word that four of our brethren were captured and tied with ropes, to be drafted into the army; but they stoutly refused, saying that God has taught them not to kill any man, and that they would die rather than kill some one else, it being their mission to save men’s lives, not to destroy them. We are wondering what the outcome will be. They have not yet been baptized, and there is no chance for me to get to them.

Last year the Lord permitted me to baptize one hundred and seven candidates. The last nine months it has been impossible for me to visit even the nearest church; so that while we hear of new believers and candidates for baptism, we are compelled to wait, trusting these dear ones to the care and keeping of the Lord. Nine are waiting in one place, ten in another, eight in another, four in the interior, and three close by, besides many scattered ones. While we are thus patiently waiting for a further manifestation of God’s power, we ask the brethren in the homeland not to forget their brethren in unhappy Haiti. Pray for us that while the evil days are upon us, we may be faithful and steadfast unto the end. At the same time praise him who is purifying unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Cape Haitien, September 22.