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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Jan 19, 1905

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 82, No. 3.

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Tonga Islands

By E. H. GATES.

On my recent trip among the islands, I spent four weeks in the Tongan group. Though the number of believers is small, a good work has certainly been done for them.
The value of the work done in a field can not always be computed by the number who profess to accept the truth, but by the transformation of life revealed in individuals, and by the unity and love existing between members of the church. While all has not been accomplished that could be desired, there is much to cause gladness of heart.
Thus far, most of the believers in Tonga are white people. Most of the natives are professed Christians, and in the past very few have had any interest in present truth. Sins of every description are practised without restraint. For a few months past, however, Pastor Butz has been holding native services in the church at Nukualofa, evenings after the Sabbath. I had the privilege of speaking several times on the second advent and the judgment. The church was well filled with students from the government school and others.
A native man was baptized some months ago, and has made good spiritual progress. A good interest seems to be springing up among them. During my stay, a sister who came from Norway several months ago, was baptized by Brother Butz. While waiting in Sydney for the steamer to Tonga, she attended a service conducted by Brother Woodford on the domain, but could not understand a word of it. Soon after reaching Tonga, where she was united in marriage to one of the new converts, she accepted the truth with rejoicing.
Several young natives from the cannibal islands of New Britain have been attending the meetings, and show a real interest. A young colored man from the West Indies became impressed with his need of salvation, and attended the evening services. One Sabbath he came twelve miles to attend our meeting. A few days later Brother Butz and I visited him at his home. He told us he wanted to be a Christian, but did not know how. When we told him how to receive Christ, he unhesitatingly accepted him. Tobacco had been put away, as the result of a dream given him, before we met him. Other reforms were accepted without question. He gave me an order for The Signs of the Times and a Bible.
Our brethren at Nukualofa have erected a mat schoolhouse, and are anxiously waiting for a church-school teacher. Several outside children wish to attend our school.
Our brethren are generally faithful in paying tithe and making offerings. Their annual gifts of this kind will probably reach seventy-five or eighty pounds. Love and harmony exist among them, and the prospects for a good work in the group were never brighter.
Brother Butz is planning to get out some needed native tracts. He will also hold meetings in adjoining towns and in other islands of the group.
E. H. GATES.