Jamaica by Hubert Fletcher

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 21, 1906

Jamaica

By Hubert Fletcher

It will be of interest to note the progress of the work in this island. Although we have three superintendents besides the conference president to look after the work, we have more calls for laborers than we can fill. The more than fifty churches and companies scattered throughout this island are chiefly the result of the work of the lay members.

Through their visits to other districts, the scattering of literature, etc., they create interests, and in most cases conduct meetings until a worker is sent to their help. For instance, a certain church, hearing of some Scotch and Irish labor immigrants living about fifteen miles away, visited them and held a meeting. The people were delighted, and requested that they should return. Arrangements were made to visit them every Sunday for some time; after a while some decided to obey the truth, and one of our ministers was invited to visit them, and as a result seven were baptized. At present we have only one tent operating in the field. But calls for baptisms and meetings are coming continually; also companies are springing up like beacon lights here and there. The lay members are doing good work.

On the eighteenth of May it was my privilege to visit the Glengoffe church. This is a fine church, with a neat church building on the summit of the mountain. About five years ago a man who was working at his trade in a distant parish had the message presented to him through a tract that was sent to him by his brother. He was convinced, and after several years returned to Glengoffe, his native home, when the convictions of the truth came to his mind with such force that he could no longer resist. He then decided to obey, and told his intention to a friend, one of the leading men of the district, and handed him a tract on the Sabbath question.

The brother kept the next Sabbath, and a week later his friend joined him. The news soon spread throughout the district, and a storm of persecution was raised by relatives, friends, and foes. But persecution always strengthens the believers, and establishes the work of God. One by one others were added to their number through their zealous and faithful work. They were visited by brethren and workers from time to time, until they built themselves a church. This was destroyed by the hurricane of 1904, but was afterward rebuilt. This building soon became too small, and an addition was made. But the influence of these brethren was not confined to their own district. The bread they cast on the waters was found after many days. As a result, there are believers in Harthill, Luner, and Florence Hill. All these are the result of the lay members' work. It is indeed encouraging to see the zeal and faithfulness of those who are coming in at the eleventh hour.

I buried one soul in baptism. The ordinances were celebrated, and a very profitable occasion was enjoyed. My prayer is to be kept humble before God, and for divine strength to bear the responsibilities laid on me, so that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together. HUBERT FLETCHER.

Linstead.