West Indies by D. E. WELLMAN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Aug 31, 1905

West Indies

By D. E. WELLMAN

ST. JOHNS, ANTIGUA.—We spent seven weeks in St. Thomas on our church building. We pushed forward the work as rapidly as possible, so as to leave the building in a safe condition for the time it will have to stand unfinished. I was the only workman, aside from our brethren, who know very little of the trades. The building is twenty by thirty-six feet.

While there, I held four services each week. The interest increased from the first, with ever-enlarging crowds. We felt regret at having to leave them for a time, for I am sure there are souls to be garnered in that city. I baptized one person in St. Thomas.

What we shall be able to do for our needy field, is a most trying question. We have three places for every man, and the number of calls is increasing, and our hearts are made to bleed as we learn the crying need everywhere. Since returning to Antigua I have had hardly a moment to myself. Work here in the city and country has been constant. Yet our hearts are glad, and we rejoice as we see souls liberated from the bondage of sin to serve the living God.

Brother Mathews has been doing good work in developing those who had signed the covenant before we went to St. Thomas, and three others signed while I was absent. Most of these new ones are the result of our tent effort at Johnson’s Point, Antigua. One was baptized before I left. Eight were baptized Sabbath, July 1, in our font here at the city church, eight more in the country, in the sea, Sunday, July 2. A promising young lady united with us on profession of faith, having previously belonged to the Christian mission. The interest is still good at Johnson’s Point. The crowd present at the baptism was the largest I ever saw. While some were amused, a far larger number were deeply impressed, and some were in tears. Of those receiving the rite at Johnson’s Point, nine were men.

D. E. WELLMAN.