The Work in Cuba by E. W. Snyder

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 28, 1907

The Work in Cuba

By E. W. Snyder

ALTHOUGH some time has elapsed since we last reported the progress of the work in this field, we are glad to say that this has not been for the reason that there was no progress to report; on the contrary, since our last report the work has made steady advancement, and though the progress is slow, it has given every evidence of having been wrought in God. Regular weekly services have been held in two places, besides the regular service at our headquarters in Marianao; and as a result of these efforts eight Cubans have been baptized and received into the church, six of these receiving this ordinance at our last quarterly meeting.

Besides these, there are eight others who are keeping the Sabbath, for whom we have hopes that they will gain the victory over every vice and sin, so that they may also come into communion with Christ. One of these is the father of a family of whom four were baptized, and he remains behind only because of the tobacco habit, which still holds him; however, in his testimony at this quarterly meeting he expressed his determination to gain the victory over this also, and be baptized.

The first week in October we had the privilege of meeting with the little company at Omaja, Santiago province, where we celebrated the ordinances of the Lord's house. Elder U. Bender, of Jamaica met with us, and the little company was organized into a church. We thank the Lord for this little nucleus in Eastern Cuba, as it carries our work into new territory; besides, the brethren thus organized have now a new zeal to scatter the good seed among the Cuban people of that place.

We were encouraged to see some of the fruits of the work of Brother W. J. Wilson. In company with him and Elder Bender, we visited several interested native families who had never seen a Bible nor heard a word read from God's Word. It was interesting to note the expression on their countenances as we opened the word to their understanding. Before leaving, we sold two Bibles and three books to them, and such was the interest of one man that he spent the entire Sabbath with us at the quarterly meeting held at Brother Wilson's. This man also requested us to return and hold meetings at his house, promising to invite in all the people of the neighborhood. As Omaja is four hundred and thirty-four miles from Havana, it is not so easy to leave the interests here to go so far away, yet we hope in time to be able to respond to this call. In the meantime the American brethren at that place will circulate our reading-matter, thus keeping this interest alive, with the hope that it may extend.

In fact, we are now preparing for an advance move in different places; and for this campaign we expect to use over six hundred copies of our periodicals each month. For this work Brother Detweiler has come over from Florida, and while selling Spanish books he is getting a good start in the Spanish language. He and our native helper, Brother Cruz, expect to give their time to the paper work, and it is planned thus to give the message to the city of Havana.

One incident will illustrate how easily an opening may be secured here for meetings. Brother Cruz, while visiting from house to house, found a family interested in the Bible, and before leaving, arrangements were made to hold a meeting, which we did last Thursday night. On assembling we found about twenty-four present, and all paid good attention. At the close we took an expression in reference to further meetings, and the desire for their continuance was almost unanimous.

As regards their interest in the message, the degree of missionary spirit possessed, their faithfulness in observing the Sabbath and in the payment of tithes and offerings, our Cuban people are not behind the rank and file of our people in other countries; and as we have seen something of the power of the truth in freeing the people from their vices, we are encouraged to believe that the Lord is about to do a great work for the Cuban people.

If any of the readers of the REVIEW feel that they would like to participate in the work of this field by a donation toward the payment of the papers and tracts used, they may be assured that their donations will be thankfully received, and the money will be applied as they direct. All who donate toward the special expenses incurred, will also receive a copy of our circular letter which is issued from time to time, giving

news of the progress of the work.

As United States domestic postage rates rule here, a post-office order for any amount may be purchased at any money-order office in the United States, payable at Havana or Marianao. To save all difficulty, we recommend that money thus sent be made payable to the writer, at Marianao, Cuba.

E. W. SNYDER.