British Columbia by O. E. Davis

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Feb 4, 1904

_British Columbia_

By O. E. Davis

PORT SIMPSON.—Again the Lord has broken the enemy's ranks, and the ensign of Jehovah is now set up in this place. Little more than one year ago I arrived here, not knowing how long I should remain, or the possibilities for carrying forward the work; but as the Lord opened the way, I have followed, simply yielding myself to him to do his will. From a human standpoint, the outlook was very discouraging, there being nineteen persons who were in some way connected with the mission work when I came. There has been much strife and opposition from the missionary element, as well as from some of the natives themselves. But the Lord has fought the battle, pressing it even unto the gates, and has established the banner of truth in the enemy's stronghold.

Friday, Dec. 11, 1903. Elder J. L. Wilson, president of the conference, administered baptism, and organized the first Indian Seventh-day Adventist church in British Columbia. The following Sabbath the ordinance of humility and the Lord's supper were celebrated, this being the first time in the Christian experience of Port Simpson that these services were conducted according to the Scriptures. Several times I have been warned and threatened by the opposing element, who, when finding their words unheeded, have appealed to the agent of Indian affairs, but receiving no satisfaction, have recently laid the matter before the government authorities, hoping to have me removed from the place; but we continue to move forward with the work God has given us to do, waiting the result.

The way in which the people listen to the truth, and help in the meetings, is very commendable indeed. Their hearts are warm with the love of God, and they are anxious to help their people to see the truth. Not being able to get a building in which to hold meetings, I have finally resorted to open-air meetings, which are largely attended, notwithstanding the inclemency of the weather. On one occasion I counted more than one hundred and fifty natives, seemingly anxious to hear the message. But those who are acquainted with this climate can well imagine the inconvenience in holding open-air meetings during the rainy season in this country. With the people huddled together in groups under umbrellas, or in the shelter of some building near by, and the speaker drenched with rain and snow, and chilled with the piercing wind, the situation is anything but comfortable, yet the evidence of good being done is too great for us to discontinue our efforts.

We need a building to hold meetings in, and soon we must have a teacher, and open a school for our children, some of whom are in the Methodist home schools, and can not keep the Sabbath. We must get them out, but we must first have a building for school and meeting purposes. I do not wish to make this a general call for help, but are there not some who would like to lay up a little treasure in heaven by sending us a contribution, as God has prospered them, that the Indian may have a place in which to worship God? Remember this is a very small conference, and in its infancy, the entire membership not so large as many churches in the States, but our territory is large. May the Lord move some hearts to help us.

We need more workers and more means. Who will come over and help us? If you can not come, will you send your money? If you have not any means, will you kindly send us tracts, and the Signs, Life Boat, and Little Friend? Please ask God how much he would have you give to help build the first Indian church and school building in British Columbia.

O. E. DAVIS.