Hilo, Hawaiian Islands
By Mrs. Robert McKeague
We find so much to do in this city that we have not yet found time to answer the many good letters that we have received from the homeland. We are the only workers in Hilo, and there is so much work to do that we are unable to meet the many calls that come to us. One of the little boys in our Sabbath school refused to go to his grandmother’s on a vacation because he did not want to miss one of the lessons. We are giving Bible readings at three places in Olaa, several miles in the country. The outlook is very encouraging. A number are convinced of the Sabbath, and are trying to keep it. One is a schoolteacher, a very refined lady. The principal of the same school is convinced of the truth, but is finding it harder to yield. She has subscribed for our papers and buys our books. We always receive a hearty welcome at the home of one old lady, who tries to show her appreciation by giving us fruit when we call. As we become known, the people are beginning to discover the object of our work, and some opposition is arising. Acting on the advice of the priest, one lady burned her $5 copy of “The Great Controversy,” which our canvasser had sold her. But this is only an evidence that the Lord is using us, for which we are thankful. It is much easier to carry on our Bible work in the country than in the city. We are also giving treatments five miles out of the city. The people seem to appreciate our treatments, and we have some of the most influential persons in town on our list. As the way opens, we talk with them on religious topics and give them literature. The richest man on the island is a regular reader of the Signs of the Times, and believes in the soon coming of Christ. We are very much in need of some papers in the Filipino language for our jail work. We took a trip recently with friends up to the volcano and watched for a while the boiling lava. The lake has risen until it is only five hundred feet below the surface. It is burning, hissing, and throwing out rocks—a most wonderful sight. In some places the banks are sliding into the crater. While we write, the city is all astir preparing for a big civic convention. We are still praying for some one to come to help in the medical work, so we can give more of our time to the spiritual interests. Remember our work in your prayers.