Philippine Islands by L. V. Finster

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 1, 1916

Philippine Islands

By L. V. Finster

The last year we baptized 235 persons in the Philippines. Our book and periodical sales for the year amounted to $2,678. Brother Wallace's house is completed, and he is moving in. We are having splendid meetings in connection with our two tent companies, and we hope to be able to double our membership again this year.

I have just returned from a motorcycle trip of seven hundred miles. I was glad to find a good work started in the Ilocano field. We have four or five young men who are having good success in selling our one Ilocano book.

We must have another ordained minister to help in the Tagalog field. To carry the general supervision of the field and look after the interests of more than five hundred people, is too much for one man. These ten companies must be visited at least once a quarter.

Many new converts are coming from heathenism and from Catholicism in ways so providential that their experiences are similar to those of the early apostolic church. One man one hundred and thirty-four years old was baptized and united with the church. This is a remarkable manifestation of divine power to break through superstition and change the current of one's life at such an advanced age.

A lad of fourteen years accepted the call to follow Christ, and for more than two years has remained true and loyal although for each service that he attends he is severely punished with the rod, deprived of the noonday meal, and compelled to sleep on the floor at night without covering. This boy expects to enter the training school at Manila when it opens, where he will receive a training in preparation for the Lord's work.

L. V. Finster.