Jamaica by C. H. Keslake

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 27, 1916

Jamaica

By C. H. Keslake

C. H. KESLAKE

THE third angel’s message is making its way in all parts of the country, and souls are being won to the truth. The situation, however, cannot be painted with roseate hues. The war is having its effect upon commerce, and money is difficult to obtain. Besides this, Jamaica has of late been visited by some severe storms, and much devastation has been wrought. Last August a hurricane swept the island and destroyed, it is said, ninety per cent of the banana crop. It would take the island several months to recover from such a blow; but following this there have been a number of storms more or less severe, resulting in further damage. It will cost the government tens of thousands of pounds to repair railroads and other highways of travel.

At this writing Elder Mignott and the writer are holding a series of tent meetings in Port Maria, a town in the northeastern part of the island. This is one of the many towns that suffered severely last August. It has lain in the wake of several storms since, while the rain has been almost incessant. On November 14, as the result of heavy rains a portion of the town was flooded. Our tent stood in the stricken district. The accompanying picture shows the tent flooded, with Elder Mignott and the writer standing almost knee-deep in the water. At the time the water was rushing through the tent like a river. Fortunately no damage was done to the tent, but we were unable to hold any meetings for some days afterward. These conditions have seriously crippled the interest. Nevertheless we are glad to report that some have accepted the truth and are walking in the light, and we have hopes of others.

There has recently been quite an agitation on the part of the clergy in Kingston with respect to the enforcement of Sunday by law. This has given us a splendid opportunity of presenting the principles of religious liberty before the people. The leading daily newspaper has given us from time to time as much as two columns of space. The writer has received appreciative letters from different parts of the island from those not of our faith, thanking us for giving them the opportunity of learning these great principles. Throughout the island thousands are reading our articles, and we trust that with the Lord’s blessing many will yet take their stand with us to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.

Our bitterest opponent is a legislator. He has called upon the government to expel us from the country, because we take

the position that “we ought to obey God rather than men.” This is verbatim the charge he brings against us. Just now the discussion deals principally with the question as to which day is the Sabbath, the first or the seventh.

Despite so many adverse circumstances, we are of good courage, and are anxious to do our part in warning the island.