Ceylon by Harry Armstrong

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Mar 2, 1905

Ceylon

By Harry Armstrong

COLOMBO.— The Lord is blessing us in opening up the way and bringing us in touch with a good class of people, and we are indeed thankful for these evidences of divine favor. Each month during the light of the moon we have a special week of meetings in our bungalow, and the attendance and interest are steadily growing. Several are now deeply interested, and we are very hopeful for the future of the work.

We find, however, that it is much slower work here in the East than in our home land. The public meetings are much more difficult to arrange for, owing first to the climate, and then to the customs of the people. And then when one is confined to the European or burgher element, the difficulties present themselves, such as government appointments, etc. These things, however, do not in any way deter us from pushing on in the work. I understand that we are here to find the difficulties and solve them, to surmount all the stumbling-blocks, and to make of them stepping-stones on our heavenward journey.

We are anxiously waiting upon God to strengthen our hands with more means and more workers. We are sorry that, owing to the depleted condition of our treasury, we can not have means for the opening up of the work in a more public way. If only we had sufficient means to begin a public effort, we should be so thankful. Halls are very costly here, and contributions are generally small. I can not think of anything that would answer our need so fully as a good, large tent, perhaps sixty by forty feet. I think we could secure a full attendance all through the season. And what a glorious thing it would be to preach these grand truths to the multitude! [Funds for a tent have since been donated, and the tent is now in preparation.—ED.]

This evening I intend to speak in the heart of the town, in the open air. I feel that I can not rest while so many are without the knowledge of these truths which have made us the remnant people of God. The Lord has given and is giving us his divine approval, and we are enjoying perfect health. We never loved the message more than we do now, and our hearts burn with the love of the truth.

We do ask you to kindly remember our situation here, and “as much as lieth in you” send relief, so that the work may make speedy advancement. Burma, India, and Ceylon are needy fields. They are white and ready to harvest, but the laborers are few. Our prayers ascend for the work now in progress in Washington.

HARRY ARMSTRONG.