Barbados by L. W. BROWNE

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Jul 20, 1905

Barbados

By L. W. BROWNE

ST. LUCY.—On the night of February 15 I spoke for the first time in the village of Connetown, in the northernmost parish of this island, where I was an entire stranger, although a native of Barbados. Here Elder Haysmer had already conducted about six or eight meetings, and therefore the attendance was good. The following night I went to another place about two miles distant from the first mentioned, and conducted service. Here, we had met with the people only once. The attendance and interest were also satisfactory here. From that time until now I have held meetings in the two places alone, owing to the absence of other workers.

There has been opposition in both places, but especially in the first named,

both in the pulpit and in the homes of the people. The minister visited the home of one of our followers, speaking to him against the truth. For the last four weeks he has been driving past our place of worship; and, stopping his buggy in front of the next house, he goes in and listens to what is being said. The evil one is working. But, thanks be to God, the victory is ours, through Jesus Christ. There are six who have taken a bold stand for truth, and desire baptism; others are deciding.

Yesterday evening I visited a man who wished to tell me of his great desire to walk in obedience to the law of God. He is superintendent of a small plantation, directly under the control of the manager. It is his duty to hire his laborers, and pay them every Saturday, also to see that work is well done. While he was presenting these facts to me, the manager came up, and without any introduction, he at once said, “If you join those Adventists, you will have to give up your work.” The man quickly replied that he was willing to give it up.

This poor man, if he should lose his position, has no trade to depend upon, and no property to support him. It would mean starvation. It is not only so in his case, but in the cases of hundreds of poor people on this island who see the truth, but have no means of support after giving up their positions. I wish some of our wealthy brethren in the States could realize what the poor negroes of the West Indies must pass through in order to keep the Sabbath. Very few, even of our workers, seem to realize these facts. As a negro, I can speak. If these things were better understood at home, many of our brethren would come to the West Indies and establish factories, etc., even at a risk, that poor, well-meaning people might be helped.

Another thing of great importance to the West Indies is the matter of education. A friend of the cause told me a few days ago that he was not satisfied with the education his children received, and would be glad if there were an Adventist school near by. May the Lord open the eyes of our brethren in the States to the needs of the West Indies, and may they volunteer to come over and help us start training-schools and academies. There is not even a church-school on this whole island. What must our children do? What must our children be?

My desire is to work until Jesus comes, if it be his will, otherwise to be found at my post when the messenger of death arrives. L. W. BROWNE.