WALTER G. BOND by Walter G. Bond

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 3, 1910

WALTER G. BOND

By Walter G. Bond

Spain

WALTER G. BOND

It has been some time since I sent a message to the REVIEW from Spain, but it has not been because of a lack of something to report, for the work is onward here. No doubt you have all heard of Spain’s recent troubles, and the outbreak here in Barcelona. During the last week in July, in this city alone, forty-eight large churches and convents were burned, and hundreds of people were killed and wounded. We are glad to report that none of our members were injured. However, several of our acquaintances and friends were killed. For some time we were unable to hold any meetings, or even to visit the interested ones. But God was looking after the work, so that on August 21 we had the privilege of baptizing nine dear souls in the Mediterranean, just outside the city. It was a blessed occasion. A young man who was present was greatly impressed. He was a slave to tobacco, but after witnessing the baptism he took out his package of cigarettes and threw it into the sea. He had tried many times before to stop smoking, but all to no avail. He says that since that day he has not had the slightest desire to smoke. We trust that he will yet obey the entire message.

For many weeks in Barcelona there was an almost constant “reign of terror.” More than fifteen hundred suspected persons were imprisoned during the first two weeks in August. Many of these are still waiting to learn their fate. Some have been banished, and many have been shot. Public feeling is still running high, and it is believed by many that the worst is not yet passed.

In October my brother and I visited a small company in the province of Teruel, where he had been several times before. God specially blessed our efforts while there. Three men were baptized by my brother, and another, a Baptist, was accepted on former baptism. Many others seem deeply interested. My brother has also baptized a few in the city of Valencia. And here in Barcelona, in a public washhouse (lavadero publico, as it is called here), three more converts were baptized, all of whom were sisters.

A few days ago I received a letter from a woman in the province of Zaragoza, asking that some one be sent to baptize her. She had heard and accepted the truth here in Barcelona, but went away before having opportunity to be baptized.

We were very much pleased to have Elder N. Z. Town with us the last weeks of September. ‘He held an institute with our workers here, and I believe we were all benefited. All seemed to enjoy it. He gave special instruction on “Coming King.” I believe that the book work will prove a success here. Mrs. Bond has about twenty dollars’ worth of orders as the result of three hours’ work. We have made application to the government for the permission to enter “Coming King,” but as yet have not received an answer.

We are indeed thankful to have a part in this message. Our courage is good, and we are determined by God’s help to do faithfully the work he has entrusted to us.

About three years ago a box of “Patriarchs and Prophets” was sent us from London, but as we had no permission from the government to enter them, the authorities would not deliver them to us, and, besides, endeavored to fine us for an attempt at illegal traffic. The government seized the books, and declared its intention to burn them, but God was watching over them. In some manner the proprietor of a certain second-hand book-store obtained possession of them and put the books into circulation. So these have reached their destination in spite of the opposition. Surely the wrath of man is made to praise God. When you pray, do not forget to mention before the throne of grace the cause in benighted Spain.

Barcelona.