p. 18 | School Work in Cuba by Ida Fischer-Carnahan

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 2, 1912

School Work in Cuba

By Ida Fischer-Carnahan

For some time we have been planning to write something of our work here, but have always waited, for fear we might overestimate the work. As in all Spanish fields, we have a class of people for whom to work who can not be counted upon, yet it has been satisfactory to know that we have found some who are proving faithful and developing into good steady workers.

We began school in the spring of 1909 with an attendance of nine American children. In spite of trials and perplexities which have come up the work has gone steadily forward. At the present time we have an enrolment of twenty-nine. Our outside attendance is better this year than it has ever been. We have not so many in the home as formerly, but what we have are older students. We are arranging as fast as we can to make the school one for only young men and women who will take hold of the truth and prepare for workers. This coming year a one-year course will be arranged for those who desire a quick preparation for field work. An opportunity will be given for practical work under teachers, in preaching, Bible work, and canvassing. A good course in hydrotherapy, common diseases, and treatments will be included in this workers' course.

We are now in a place where we can offer good accommodations to those who desire an education in one of our schools, and there are competent teachers in both the Spanish and the English language. The same line of work, based on the same system as that of our schools in the States, is carried on here. The rates are seven dollars a calendar month, and three hours of work in the cane-field for the men and domestic work for the women.

During the past month we have sent three workers into the field, who are doing well. This summer a good company is planning to go out for three months. Several are awaiting baptism, all of them young men and women Cuban students. We feel thankful that God has blessed us in our work by giving us precious souls. Two of the young women are standing firm amid the opposition of their families. The influence of the school is being felt for many miles around. One young man walks eight miles to attend Sabbath services. He became interested through the influence of one of the students who is not in the truth, and through the sending of a New Testament to his brother by one of our workers. He is accepting the message as fast as we can give it to him. He has ordered several dollars' worth of books, and is lending his papers and talking the truth to his friends.

During the coming year we can furnish accommodations for good steady young men who may desire an opportunity to work part of their way through school. Those wishing this will please write their conference president or secretary, giving good references, who will communicate with those in charge of the school. We ask that your prayers may go with us.

MRS. IDA FISCHER-CARNAHAN.