T. HOWSE by T. Howse

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 26, 1911

T. HOWSE

By T. Howse

Samoa

T. HOWSE

THE Samoan field is composed of four large islands and some smaller ones. They are under the rule of the German and United States governments. The total population is about forty million. There are a large number of Chinese, besides Germans and other Europeans, and natives from other islands.

There are four denominations working here besides ours,—the London Missionary Society, Wesleyans, Roman Catholics, and Mormons. The bulk of the native population are members of the London Mission. Christianity has been established here for about seventy years, and although practically every native professes to be a Christian, they sadly lack the power of Christianity. In accepting the gospel and becoming church-members, they were allowed to bring in with them their old heathen customs, which are licentious and corrupt. This is the condition of the people in general.

We have been here a little over eighteen months, and have had some interesting experiences with the people. Quite a little of our time is taken up in studying the language, of which we realize we must have a good knowledge in order to work for the people intelligently.

There is a company of five white believers here, and four natives are keeping the Sabbath.

The little paper, Tali Moni, is meeting with success, and its monthly visits are looked for by the people. As I visit the villages from month to month, I often have opportunities to speak to the people of the truth, and they listen with great interest when I explain the Word to them.

One day I saw a native (a neighbor) somewhat intoxicated, so I spoke to him. A few days after, he called to see me, and we had a good talk together on the truth. He said he wanted to go to the kingdom, but could not give up his bad companions and habits. I then pointed him to Jesus, who will save a man from sinning if he asks him. This was a new thought to him, and he seemed helped.

Another case was a young girl who had been sick for three weeks, her physician being unable to help her. By invitation she came to us, and after ten days’ treatment the large ulcer on her arm entirely healed. She left us, renewed in strength and vigor, and with promises to give up the harmful practices of the past. She is the grandchild of the woman who is keeping the Sabbath.

Although we do not see direct fruits of our labors in additions to our numbers, we know we are winning the hearts of some, and we trust they will turn to the Lord.

While we are laboring here among these dark-skinned people, we ask that you remember the work both by your prayers and by your gifts, that the truth may reach every kindred and nation, and God’s kingdom be hastened, and some of every nation be gathered home.