Newfoundland by F. A. TRACY

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Nov 16, 1905

Newfoundland

By F. A. TRACY

In company with Brother J. R. Johnston, I left St. Johns August 2, for Twillingate, an island twenty miles from the mainland of Newfoundland, yet part of its territory. After laboring in St. Johns one year, I found the sail along the picturesque coast a most delightful change. Twillingate is called the northern metropolis, as it is the largest “outport” in the north of the island.

We passed several icebergs on the trip, and some raised their spires about one hundred feet in the air. As we looked on nature’s delicate architecture, and felt the refreshing breeze, made cool by this mountain of ice, we thought of the great privileges we enjoyed in living in such a favored land, while in the paper before us we read of the suffering from the severe heat in America. The word of the Lord in Job 37:22, 23, came with new force into our minds, also. Coming into Twillingate, our steamer dodged several small bergs, and was at last berthed at the wharf.

Although they are in sight of ice nearly all the year round, yet we found a very warm-hearted, intelligent people. We were forcibly reminded of the fulfilment of the Scripture, “Knowledge shall be increased,” when “many shall run to and fro.” These northern ports, even to Labrador, receive calls from a line of steamers recently built in England, modern in every way, and as fine as any of their size afloat. Thousands visit these shores, now that facilities are provided, and many receive a shock when they find that the people here are ahead of some of their visitors; they are eager for every new thing in the way of advancement.

The friends were anxious to hear once more the message for to-day. Their interest had been aroused by a series of meetings held there some years ago by Elder H. J. Farman. We accordingly had two services in the Congregational church, which was opened for us. The few days spent here, while the boat went farther north, gave us an opportunity to get better acquainted with the people. There are several who have a live interest in present truth, and manifest a desire to have a laborer locate there for an aggressive effort. We are working to that end, and trust that Satan will be unable to snatch away from them the impressions of the Holy Spirit.

On our way south we hoped to see some whales, but were disappointed. They are rapidly disappearing from the coast, as many factories are operating, and have specially constructed steamers to capture them. Besides the valuable oil obtained, the meat of the whale is prepared and shipped away, and some have said it is hard to distinguish it from beef.

Once more we entered the “Narrows” of St. Johns, and as the city loomed up before us, we realized how dear this old town and its little company of believers are to us. A thrill of joy was felt in our hearts, as, looking at the REVIEW, first page, we read, “There will be no surrender.” What cheering news to those so far from the center of our work!

We have been expecting another laborer for this field, and our spirits were dampened when the missionary reading for September told us that funds were so low that Prince Edward Island could not expect a worker on that account. However, we soon learned that the Lord gives us more than we can ask or think. A prominent interested man, on learning of our need, sent word, and afterward told me on the street, that he had five hundred dollars for me whenever I wished to get it. He has since handed me a check for the full amount. Brethren, we had a real missionary meeting, and all agree that the reading was worth five hundred dollars to our work in Newfoundland.

Last month two of our young ladies left us to take the nurses’ course in Melrose, Mass., and two more go in September. We trust these will develop into strong workers for the harvest that is ripe.

Several of our members have recently sold a number of denominational books—about sixty dollars’ worth. One sister, in the time she could leave her household duties, sold seventeen dollars’ worth. About five hundred dollars has been spent on church improvement, and, with the donation of five hundred, makes one thousand dollars that has been raised in the field for the local work in one year. I have had the privilege of baptizing one, who united with us. Others are almost persuaded to go forward.

As we look back over one year’s work, we thank God for what the members have accomplished, and for the evidences of his leadings. Yet there comes a pang of disappointment known only to workers in this message, as we see so little fruit for our labors. We go forth into a new place, trusting that God will yet use us in bringing many to a saving knowledge of the Redeemer.

We are anxiously looking for Brother Keslake, believing that the Lord has great blessings in store for us, and that we may be used in fulfilling the Scripture, “And they shall come from the . . . north, . . . and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.” F. A. TRACY.