The Mexican Work by W. L. Black

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 12, 1903

The Mexican Work

By W. L. Black

Arizona

The Mexican Work

WHEN the work was begun a little over three years ago in southern Arizona, we endeavored to labor among the Mexican population also. The Lord first opened the way for us to present the message to them by means of an interpreter. As a result of the work thus started, two strong churches have been raised up, comprising nearly fifty souls, with one Mexican minister, Elder M. Serna, who has been laboring in New Mexico the past seventeen months. After accepting the message, he awakened much interest through correspondence in various parts. In New Mexico there was an urgent call for him to come and give the truth to those with whom he had worked in his previous ministry, while connected with the Methodist denomination. His work has been quite fruitful there, having raised up one church and three other strong companies in various parts. During his absence, my wife and I have done what we could among these people, to elevate them to a higher standard in the message, and, at the same time, to continue our work among the Americans. The Lord has blessed me in the study of the Spanish language, so that now I am able to speak to them in their own tongue.

About one half of the population of Arizona, with the exception of the Indians, are Mexicans, and the other half are Americans. It appears from this

that the work should be promulgated among both nationalities as one, as far as possible at the same time. If an American and a Mexican worker could labor together, then the work among the Mexican people could be elevated to the proper standard, and the whole field be warned at the same time, thus saving time and expense. Greater plans must be laid to meet the needs of this nationality, since eighty millions of these souls are waiting to hear the sound of the third angel’s message.

The interest that is being manifested among them shows that their doors are wide open, and that the Macedonian cry is calling all to service. The testimony of God’s Spirit has told us that now is the time to enter this part of the great harvest field, and that delay shall be no longer.

Since coming to Nogales, we have entered upon the work among this people. Elder Serna returned from New Mexico to assist me for a time, and to visit our other churches. So far we have had public meetings in a hall for three weeks, with fair interest. Some have taken their stand for the truth. Among these is a Mexican minister, Ralph Acosta, who had been preaching for the Methodists up to the time when he accepted the Lord’s Sabbath. He is an intelligent young man, and we believe he will make a good worker. We hope to see others soon decide to walk in the way of God’s commandments.

Elder Serna tells me of two other ministers in New Mexico who have accepted the truth, and are ready to proclaim the message. One has preached twenty-five years, and the other seven. He says that they are good, honest brethren and faithful workers. We trust these brethren will find a place to work among the millions that must hear the message. Elder Serna is well versed in the truth on all points, and if these brethren could be with him through one or two series of meetings, I am persuaded that they would do efficient work for the Master.

As far as literature is concerned, we are very crippled, having but few tracts and small books in this language. We need the message translated and put into pamphlet form, being illustrated and made attractive in every way for the purchaser. Large books and high-priced literature can not readily be sold to such humble and poor people. My heart aches to see them in their dire needs, and especially their need of a living and indwelling Saviour. When we think of the great responsibility that rests upon us as a people, because of the great light that God has given us, and that the blood of souls will be laid to our charge if we do not impart to those who are in darkness the same light that God has given us, it behooves us to be up and doing.

W. L. BLACK.