The Work in Australasia by J. E. Fulton

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 10, 1912

The Work in Australasia

By J. E. Fulton

J. E. FULTON

We have had much to encourage us recently in the Australasian field. In many places there has been a deep interest to hear the truth, and some of our evangelists have had excellent success. Our missionaries in the island fields are also reporting progress.

Two council meetings have recently been held,—one in Tahiti for the Society Islands and the Cook group, and one in Fiji for western Polynesia. Brother J. M. Cole, who attended the Fiji council, writes very enthusiastically. He tells of the interest on the part of the natives to be in attendance, giving one instance where forty-five natives came in a small three-ton boat. Others walked long distances to attend the meeting. One native sister carried her child many miles on her back. Brother Cole reports that the first meetings were excellent, and that the native brethren greatly enjoyed the feast of good things.

The writer attended the meetings in eastern Polynesia. In Tahiti the Lord was present with us, and we believe the workers have been greatly encouraged. There have been some difficult problems to solve in that field, but we believe that God has been helping his servants, and we look for brighter days in the future.

Brother C. H. Parker, who was appointed to open work in the New Hebrides, stopped for a month or two on Norfolk Island, but the interest was so great in the revival meetings that he held there that his stay was lengthened from two months to four; and when he was all ready to go, the steamer could not take on passengers or freight on account of a storm, so our missionaries were left there another month. This was no doubt in God's order, for the meetings continued with interest, and Brother Parker baptized thirteen before he left.

The interest awakened by Brother A. H. Ferris on Lord Howe Island has been followed by Brother and Sister Meyers. Several have taken their stand for the truth. The Sabbath-school has

thirty members, which number is about one third of the population.

Cheering reports come to us from the tent efforts in Auckland, New Zealand, where Elder J. Pallant and a corps of workers have been laboring for some time. The interest has steadily increased, and quite a number have accepted the message. Several of the meetings have been held in one of the large halls, where large and attentive audiences have been secured. From Wellington, New Zealand, Brother W. Westerman reports that about ten have taken their stand for the truth.

Our city missionary in Melbourne, Australia, Elder J. H. Woods, has also been successful, under the blessing of God, in bringing out a company. This will be of interest to the first laborers who came to Australia, as the first meetings were held in Richmond, where Brother Woods has been laboring. This is one of the evidences of the vitality of the message. The truth does not wear out, but is ever fresh. God is raising up standard-bearers everywhere.

The interest also among the Sydney churches is growing. The evangelistic efforts in this city are under the direction of Pastor R. E. Burke. In some places special efforts have been put forth with success, and individuals are joining the church, “such as shall,” we trust, “be saved.”

The ministerial institute in Victoria was a most enjoyable season. The Spirit of God was present, and the workers enjoyed the studies. It was a time of drawing near to God, and of renewing our vows of consecration. It was the first meeting of the kind held in our home field, and we believe it was a success. Others will follow, the next one being in New South Wales, to be held in connection with the Australasian Missionary College.

Elder Morris Lukens, one of the vice-presidents of our union, reports excellent camp-meetings in West Australia and in South Australia. He also tells of the progress of the work in the South Australian Conference, of which he is president. Some of the laborers have had good success, and one church has been organized.

“Pilgrim on the road to glory, Pressing toward the heavenly prize, Mid the ills that now disturb thee, Mid the dangers that arise; When the way is dark and dreary, Rugged, filled with vain alarms, When perplexed, exhausted, weary, Trust the ‘Everlasting Arms.’”

God will not be hurried. The building of a Christlike character is not work for a day. Experience can not be acquired without experiment. Patience must have her perfect work. Triumph now would be premature and petty; but the way of faith and patience is the way that leads to victory, which shall be part and parcel of the final glorious triumph of the Son of man.—I. O. Rankin.