The Day of Opportunities in the Philippine Islands by L. V. Finster

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 21, 1916

The Day of Opportunities in the Philippine Islands

By L. V. Finster

THE Filipino people had been kept in darkness and ignorance of the progress of other parts of the world until the American occupation of the islands.

Even their maps represented Spain as occupying the larger part of Europe. They were taught that the only Christian people in the world were the people of Spain, Mexico, Italy, and a few other small nations; that the American people were not Christians; that disease, plague, and calamity could be banished by calling upon the saints, and holding processions in their honor. Penances and indulgences were the order of the day.

But with the arrival of the public school system, the establishment of hospitals, and the campaign on sanitation, these conditions have changed. The young people now know something of the world, the cause of disease, and the history of the past. This knowledge has caused them to lose faith in the church that has kept their people in such superstition and darkness for so many years. It also influences the older people, although many of them still continue in the old forms.

All are now grasping for knowledge. They are willing to listen to the preaching of the Bible, although in the past it was impossible to obtain a hearing. At both our tent meetings this year, we have had from three hundred to one thousand in attendance every night, and most of these are from the Roman Church. We could have hundreds of such meetings if we had money and men to put in the field.

Now is the time to work in the Philippines. If we fail to improve this opportunity, I fear each succeeding year will be harder for our work. Many islands of this group have not as yet been entered by any Protestant church. May God help his people to arise and enter these wide-open doors.

L. V. FINSTER.