Mexico by E. W. Thurber

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 17, 1915

Mexico

By E. W. Thurber

SAN LUIS POTOSI.—How it cheered our hearts when we learned that the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering for the present quarter is to be devoted to the work in the North Spanish Union Mission, of which Mexico forms a needy and considerable part. We feel that one of the greatest needs of this mission field is a training school for native workers, to educate them to go into sections of the country where it would be impossible for a white man to work, even if there were enough foreign laborers to enter all parts of the field. Native workers have been largely responsible for our past and present success in foreign lands, and we hope that a Spanish training school for such workers may soon be a reality in this part of the world's great harvest field.

The members of our native church and Sabbath school are very happy about this offering for the Spanish work, and are especially anxious that it may help us in the erection of a church building in this city of sixty thousand people. San Luis Potosi is the capital of this state, in which there are six companies of believers. If a strong work could be established in this city, it would have a great influence upon our work throughout the state, and be an encouragement to our scattered believers. It is practically impossible to place our work upon a substantial basis without a church building. This could now be erected for less than two thousand dollars United States money, on account of the low rate of exchange, whereas it would cost five thousand dollars at the normal rate. One of our native brethren has given one thousand dollars Mexican toward the building of this church. To do this he sacrificed much; and so far as I know, it is the first gift of this size ever made by a Mexican to our work. Before his conversion he was a drunkard, but now he is a sober, industrious man, and is superintendent of our Sabbath school.

A number of substantial business men are interested in the truth, and we are praying that they will accept it. One of them speaks English fairly well. Our work has gone forward encouragingly, more especially since the last week of prayer. At that time we sought the Lord earnestly for more of the Holy Spirit, and our prayers were answered.

We have as interesting a Sabbath school as any of equal size anywhere. The offerings for missions are steadily increasing, and for the first quarter of 1915 amounted to $18.85 Mexican. We shall probably reach our goal of twenty dollars for the present quarter. All our expenses are met by special collections.

The people here love the truth, and are glad to hear of its progress in other lands. The message does much for them when once God gets hold of their hearts. We are well and of good courage; we love our work, and rejoice that we can have a part in telling this good news of salvation to others. When we read of what has befallen our workers and believers in some parts of Europe, we feel that the Lord has especially favored us, for thus far during the revolution this city has not suffered much. No battle has been fought for its possession, and no general looting has taken place, although some horses have been commandeered for the army.

The most needy fields are not always those farthest away. Bleeding Mexico needs the gospel of peace. Pray for us in our work, and with your prayers give to the Lord of the harvest a liberal offering for the advancement of his truth in this part of the vineyard.

E. W. THURBER.