p. 19 | Danish West Indies by H. C. J. Walleker

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 9, 1908

Danish West Indies

By H. C. J. Walleker

ST. THOMAS.—Since my last report to the REVIEW our meetings have continued three times a week, with a good attendance. Some have taken their stand fully for the message. We have baptized ten since coming to this field three months ago, and we feel to praise God for this manifestation of his saving power.

Our little church building, which is not yet finished, is far too small for our work in this place. Sunday night it will not accommodate half of those who come. This badly cripples our work, and we feel that the building must be enlarged at once.

CHURCH AT ST. THOMAS, DANISH WEST INDIES

It is also important that we have a place for a school, for the question of education is a serious problem to us here. The law demands that children attend public school six days in the week. This compels them to attend upon the Sabbath. Up to the time we came here, our people had been sending their children to school on the Sabbath, but when we presented the matter to them in its true light, they refused to send them longer. Then they paid a few fines, but upon seeing the principle involved in this, they refused to pay fines, and were about to be imprisoned. Denmark has a law exempting the children of Seventh-day Adventist parents from school on the Sabbath, but that law does not help us here. I appealed to the judge in their behalf, and he let them go until further notice. I have laid the matter before the school director and the governor, but do not know what the outcome will be. The governor stated, when I laid the situation before him, that he would be glad to see us open a school here. The fact is, there are no good schools on the island. All admit that the public schools are poor, and none of the better class attend them. We believe that if we had a good school here, it could be made self-supporting almost from the first.

We have no teacher in view, but are praying that God will impress some one to come. If possible, we want one who speaks the Danish language. Of course English is the prevailing language, but as all the officials and many of the leading men are Danes, it will do much toward reaching them if our teacher can speak Danish. I find that it makes a great difference in my work to be able to use the mother tongue. Any one who has a burden for the work of teaching here will please correspond with Prof. Frederick Griggs, chairman Educational Department of the General Conference. I am sure it is a good opening for the right person.

In regard to raising money to build an addition to our church, we can expect but little financial aid from the brethren here, as nearly all are very poor, so we shall be obliged to appeal to our brethren in America. We feel sure that many will be glad to aid this needy field. If so, send the money through the regular channel to the General Conference, stating what it is for.

St. Thomas is an important business center, not only for the Danish islands, but for many other islands near; and we wish to have our work well established in this place, so that we can better reach other places. Some of the best people here are deeply interested at present.

The climate is delightful, not too warm, but just pleasant, and it is practically the same the year round. So in that respect one could hardly find a more agreeable field. Brethren, remember the work here in your prayers. Address me at St. Thomas, Danish West Indies. Letters require a five-cent postage-stamp for each ounce or fraction thereof.

H. C. J. WALLEKER.