p. 6 | The Philippine Islands by J. E. FULTON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 3, 1916

The Philippine Islands

By J. E. FULTON

J. E. FULTON

A Wonderful Opportunity

THERE is perhaps no place in the world where missionary opportunity looms larger or results are greater, or where the prospects are brighter, than in the Philippines. First of all, there are nine million very attractive and intelligent people in these islands. Secondly, these islanders, who for centuries have been kept by Catholicism from the light and advancement they naturally deserved, are now wonderfully awakened educationally, politically, and religiously.

About the time of America's occupation of these islands, Archbishop Aglipay, a Filipino, headed a great schism from the Roman Catholic Church, about three million joining him in forming a new church known as the Independent Catholic Church. While the forms of worship were much the same as in the old, there was one great step taken by the new church; namely, the giving of the Bible to the Filipinos in their own language. This was no doubt in the direct providence of God. Tens of thousands are reading its glorious truths and turning toward the light.

At the present time the opportunities to present the message are unnumbered. Doors are open everywhere, and the calls to our leaders and native evangelists are so numerous that they cannot possibly be filled. To those who bear the burdens in these islands such conditions grow distressing when it is realized that these doors of opportunity entered would mean a large influx of members. This seems certain, for wherever our workers pitch their tents or otherwise conduct meetings, churches are being raised up. Never did it seem so true that the harvest is great and the laborers are few. And the situation thus presented becomes the more distressing when we consider that these grand opportunities which are ours today may pass away from us tomorrow.

A Case of Great Urgency

On arriving in Manila from Australia, the writer was invited to speak at the Manila tent mission conducted by Evangelists Emelio Manalaysay and Guillermo Dionisio. Being near headquarters, these native brethren have the benefit of the good counsel of Pastor Finster. The tent was crowded, and hundreds were standing, all giving the best of attention. About thirty yards away an opposition tent had been pitched, but the attendance there was small.

Pastor Finster tells me there are four companies in Manila, and between two hundred and fifty and three hundred members. Then there are as many more scattered in different parts of the Philippines. To visit these companies, to instruct and conduct quarterly meetings, is more than Pastor Finster can do.

He has no ordained minister near him. He has no treasurer, and must look after the business interests of the mission. He is editor of the magazine, and must take an oversight of the translation of tracts and books. He must also look after, instruct, and advise his corps of native evangelists. Soon a school will be established, and it will need his counsel for some time. All this is too much, and ought not to be expected of any man. A young, able, ordained minister who is tactful and kind is urgently needed in the great, promising, and populous Tagalog district, of which Manila is the center.

Wonderful Interest at San Pablo

About fifty miles from Manila is the large and prosperous town of San Pablo, of about twenty thousand people. Here another tent has been pitched, and Pastor Finster tells of a wonderful revival there. About one hundred and thirty have already signified their desire to be baptized, and have been instructed accordingly. Evangelist Bibiano Panis, our native evangelist, is in charge. He frequently has audiences of a thousand people, and though the testing points of faith have been presented, the tent cannot contain the throngs that come. What glorious results! May God keep his servants humble and loyal.

Good Reports General

Wherever we have workers, or wherever our canvassers touch, good results are following. Success is attending the work in the northern or Ilocano district, over which Pastor Hay has charge, and where Evangelist Leon Rhoda has lately gone to labor. From Panay, where Pastor Adams is laboring, we have encouraging word, and also from the island of Cebu, where Dr. Fattebert has his station.