Pitcairn Island by J. R. McCoy

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Jun 23, 1904

Pitcairn Island

By J. R. McCoy

I AM thankful to God that the way has opened for us to have direct communication with our workers in other parts of the world, by receiving our papers and letters regularly. We do not seem so far behind as we used to after the “Pitcairn” stopped coming on her missionary errands. We feel quite in touch with our brethren and sisters in the field at large. I esteem it a great loss to miss one copy of the Review or of the Signs of the Times. They reveal to us wonderful things that are to be in these last days of this world's history. Truly, the only hope for this earth now is the soon coming of Christ. This is a blessed hope. When shall we see it fulfilled?

I often meet sea captains stopping here as they pass on their way to Europe or elsewhere, who are interested in reading our papers, and believe that we are right regarding the Sabbath and the soon coming of Christ. I have found this a grand place for ship missionary work, better even than San Francisco. The men are sober from the vile habits and practises of city life. I usually divide my scanty supply of papers with them. We desire to spend our lives in the service of God, for that is the only thing worth living for now.

We are so close to the home land now that rocks and reefs abound on every side. It is even so in Pitcairn. By these we know that the journey's end is almost here.

Although always at war with the wiles of the enemy, I am not discouraged. I am thankful to God for the armor and weapons he has prepared for me, and for all who are willing to wear them.

Eight of our young people were baptized as the result of Brother Cady's work here. The meetings held during his short stay did much good. I am sorry he could not stay longer with us, but the duties of his own field demanded his presence. He left here on a French missionary vessel, arriving safely in Mangareva, Jan. 1, 1904, leaving later on a French man-of-war, for Tahiti. He took with him two of my daughters, and a son-in-law and his three children, to labor in his field. J. R. McCoy.