Nassau, Bahamas by J. H. SMITH

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 18, 1913

Nassau, Bahamas

By J. H. SMITH

J. H. SMITH

It has been some time since we sent to the readers of the REVIEW a report of the progress of the work in this part of the harvest-field. We are sure that all those who are looking and longing for the coming of Jesus are anxious to know what advancement the gospel is making here, for it is not until “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations” that we can expect the Saviour’s advent.

For your comfort and encouragement we are glad to be able to report that the work of the gospel is onward here. There seems to be a kindly feeling on the part of most of the people toward the truth. We find many who are glad to converse on Bible subjects and upon those things which are of interest to their souls. It is our experience that the people here in Nassau are not so easily reached by sermons as by daily associating with the faithful representative of the message.

This is a city of churches. We never saw another of its size with so many. Many of them are massive structures. The form of godliness is greatly in evidence, but the power thereof is sadly lacking.

Our Sabbath-school attendance has increased considerably the past month. We feel that those who will lay aside their work on the seventh day and mingle with us in our Sabbath services, will soon be with us on all points of the faith. Four have already avowed their purpose to do this.

There are two papers published in the city, one a daily and the other a semi-weekly. The editor of the daily paper has shown himself to be quite friendly, and has expressed a willingness to publish articles on our faith, provided they are written in such a way as not to arouse controversy. We have already sent him considerable matter, which he has accepted, and we have more ready to send. We spare no pains in getting these subjects written up in such a way that they will be read with interest by the public. We hope to retain the privilege of using this paper to give the message to the people of these islands.

The little church here has been holding services in a rented hall, but its members now feel that the time has come that they should have a building of their own in a more convenient part of the city, which will be a monument to the faith. We feel quite sure that such a building will add greatly to the success of our efforts to win souls, as the idea prevails that we are a transitory people and will soon cease our efforts, and that what we have done will soon go to pieces. If we erect a church building, it will be an evidence to the public that we are here to stay. Although this church numbers only a score, and all its members are poor, yet they have about one thousand dollars on hand with which to build, and the lot on which to erect the building. The plans for the house are already prepared, and work will begin in a few weeks.

For several months many of the reliable citizens of Nassau have been requesting that we help them establish a school in which their children will be given a more thorough and broader education than that given in the public schools. This matter has been presented before the Mission Board, which has looked with favor upon it. These men expect to begin erecting the school building by the first of the year, if our people will cooperate with them. They are willing by the first of the year, if our people school entirely in our hands, and desire

that we shall use our own text-books.

There are many openings to present the message in some of the outlying islands. Thus we see that the Spirit of the Lord is going before us to prepare hearts to receive his truth. This gives us courage in our work.

Nassau, Bahamas
J. H. SMITH — Nassau, Bahamas J. H. SMITH