Philippines by J. L. McElhany

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 12, 1907

Philippines

By J. L. McElhany

MANILA.—We had been here but a short time when we saw that one of the best openings for missionary labor was in sending literature to the teachers. Scattered throughout all the islands, many of them away from all white people, and with plenty of spare time, we felt that we ought to make a special effort in their behalf. We started in to do what we could, and have carried it on as best we could under the circumstances. We sent notices to the REVIEW and Signs, asking for literature, also wrote to different ones who we thought could help. In this way we have received and used a large amount of papers, etc. Each month the work has grown, until now it makes such demands on our time that it keeps us busy. The only limit to the work is the supply we receive, and the

amount we can do in sending out literature. There is a great field for such effort, and just at the present it is the most practical way of laboring. We would like to put reading-matter into the hands of all who can read English. To do that would require tons of literature. But as fast as the ammunition is sent, we will expend it, not only among the teachers, but all classes. The seed sowing must come first, and the Lord will give the increase.

The first bundle of the five hundred copies of the Signs subscribed for us for six months, arrived this morning. With the other papers we are receiving, it will keep us as busy as we can possibly be to keep them moving into the field. But the Lord will do his part in helping and blessing. The schools are just reopening after the summer vacation, and in a few days I shall receive a full and revised list, with all teachers’ names and addresses. We shall devote the entire club of five hundred to the teachers, and the other papers we shall use among other classes.

At the present time we are both quite well. Some time ago Mrs. McElhany was not at all well. We thank the dear Lord that she is much better in every way, and we trust that her health will continue good. The climate here is enervating. Last night it was so warm and sultry that we were in a continual perspiration. The hot season will soon be over, and then it will at least be more tolerable.

In this field we are made to realize that we are not fighting flesh and blood. In these pagan-papal lands the devil certainly has control. You can have no idea of the darkness that prevails, without coming in contact with it. Eph. 6: 10-20 has been impressed on my mind by the Holy Spirit as the very best instruction for us here. That is the basis of what could be made a wonderfully powerful missionary sermon. Verses 18 and 19 contain our request for your prayers and those of all the brethren.

J. L. McELHANY.