South Sea Islands by Mrs. Carrie Stringer

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Michigan · Apr 15, 1902

South Sea Islands

By Mrs. Carrie Stringer

MRS. CARRIE STRINGER

DURING our pilgrimage in the isles of the sea, in working for the Master, we have met with varied experiences, associates, and circumstances; but the promise, “Lo, I am with you alway, from even unto the end of the world,” has forever been ours. In times of perplexity, which in loneliness and trials, it has been our comforter. Christ is a rock and a fortress to his people. The privations, inconveniences, and trials one may meet among a people of strange and heathenish customs and beliefs only strengthen his desire for the future and better world,—the home with one language and one God,—the home where changes never come.

Traveling across the broad waves of the mighty deep, as one approaches these dots of land dispersed in the great Pacific, one might imagine himself entering a land of Edenic beauty. Nature is continually clothed in her garment of green. The waving palms and climbing vines, interspersed with fragrant flowers; the fertile valleys, producing a variety of foods with little or no cultivation; the rushing rivers and babbling brooks, with the broad, blue ocean surrounding all, afford a beautiful scene of the handiwork of God.

Lot, when viewing the fertile and beautiful plains of the Jordan, beheld in them a location for an ideal home. These islands are likewise very attractive; and like Sodom, Lot’s chosen home, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness are here. The sins of Sodom reached unto heaven, and God, who is a consuming fire, could bear with her no longer. These islands are fast becoming Sodoms, but there are a few honest souls scattered through them. As Lot was torn from his home of ease and luxury, so the few honest here must be sought out, and as “a brand plucked from the fire,” they must be rescued before the great and final destruction, which is near at hand.

The messengers sent to warn Lot did not have a pleasant and easy time. In the darkness and wickedness of that great city, their lives were in jeopardy. God is able to save to the utmost, and he changes not—“the same yesterday, and to-day, and forever.” He had a tender watchcare over his messengers. He protected them from the wicked throng that compassed the door of Lot’s house; and, as we are delivering a message in a dark and wicked land, the same tender watchcare is ours.

The work is being cut short in righteousness. Self-denial, love for souls, diligence, and perseverance are essential. “Every trial brings us more patience, and patience brings experience.”

The dark earth is being lighted by the angel of light. Satan also will transform himself into an angel of light. He who would assist others to distinguish between these two lights must himself be guided by wisdom from above, and this comes by prayer. While false light is being scattered broadcast by Satan’s devices and deceptive schemes, the true light from above is also penetrating these dark corners, and a few are being separated and tried.

Our numbers are small, but the Lord is not slack concerning his promises, and during the week of prayer here in Papeete, we enjoyed much of the good Spirit in our midst. The workers are all being blessed with good health and courage. New Year’s day several of us went around the island to Paca, to meet with the brethren and sisters there. As we assembled to worship the Lord, a collection was taken up for the benefit of the new church which they expect to erect soon. This little company numbers about fifteen. They are not blessed with much of this world’s goods, and the week previous a severe wind and rain storm passed through the island causing much destruction to their crops and to some of their homes, but they brought an acceptable offering of fifty-two dollars, Chilian coin. During the storm in that vicinity the Protestant church was completely ruined. On New Year’s day a large concourse of people assembled at their place of gathering, to raise money to erect a new church. There were about five hundred present, and they raised only seventy-two dollars, Chilian money. It is the love of God that constrains us, and makes us cheerful givers.

During the last month we have had with us Brother McCoy, of Pitcairn Island. We were indeed glad to hear once more from the brethren and sisters of that lonely isle. During the past year, only one of our many periodicals, a copy of the Signs of the Times, found a landing there. It was a welcome friend. Those living in the continents, and especially those near the heart of the work, know not what it is to thirst for a knowledge of the progress of the work and of the welfare of those who are proclaiming this last solemn message. “As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.” Nearly two years have been a blank to the Pitcairn Islanders as far as a knowledge of the work is concerned, but we are glad to hear a report that there are honest ones

there who are progressing in the faith, and earnestly striving for the victory, hoping soon to be united with God’s people in a home where there are no separations.

The work is onward in the islands. While some are being tried and sifted out, others are coming in. The aim and desire of our life is to let our light shine more and more unto the perfect day.