Fiji by J. E. FULTON

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 29, 1902

Fiji

By J. E. FULTON

OUR hearts are rejoiced as we read of the progress of the work in other fields, and we are sure that the readers of our church paper will be pleased to hear that the work is progressing in these islands. The Lord has been working for us, and the hearts of many are filled with a desire to know the truth.

A new company in another part of these islands has lately begun to obey the truth. They have borne some opposition, and so far have stood firmly, notwithstanding the threats of some of their chiefs. We trust that they may remain faithful. This company are in the most eastern part of the Fiji Islands. The truth was first carried there by the Rarama, our little monthly Fijian paper. Later our native preacher, Brother Pauliasi Bunoa, went there and circulated the tracts and papers, and preached a number of sermons.

From another section we received a letter from a native who says that he is keeping the Sabbath all alone. He sends in a subscription for the Rarama, and asks that some one go there to preach.

A few half-castes are keeping the Sabbath. Others are anxious to learn. Some wish us to take their children and educate them. A native ordained Wesleyan preacher has lately sent his eighteen-year-old son to us to teach. This was a surprise to us, but we know that the Lord is working on the hearts of the people.

Our little launch will soon be finished. We hope to receive the engine from the States before long. We need this boat very much to go from place to place and from island to island. We are indeed thankful that contributions have come in so freely. We have now received about six hundred dollars. The native brethren have given over one hundred dollars toward getting a new boat. This is a big lift for them. Money is not easily obtained. A Fijian laborer gets about one shilling a day.

Our brethren are now planning to erect a church building. They have been saving means for this purpose for some time. I think that they should have help. This building is greatly needed. Perhaps some who read these lines may be impressed to help our brethren in this work and enterprise. If so, they may send their missionary gift to the Foreign Mission Board, stating the object for which it is given; or the tract society would no doubt forward the donation.

Remember us, brethren, in your prayers. Pray that the health of the laborers may be sustained, and that the work may go forward with power.

J. E. FULTON.

April 1.