C. H. PARKER by C. H. PARKER

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 17, 1907

C. H. PARKER

By C. H. PARKER

Fiji

C. H. PARKER

It is some time since I have written, but that is not because my interest in reporting has lessened. The only trouble is to find the time. There is so much to do, and there are so few to help do it!

Our Fiji Mission council was held June 12-18. There were thirty-five delegates and one hundred and forty-two other persons present. It was a precious season. There was a full attendance at each meeting.

Special interest was manifested in the early morning meeting, and in the Bible study at 9:30 A. M. At these services the spirit of prophecy and the rise and progress of this denomination were studied. Every heart responded to a full faith in the organization and the Testimonies. These studies were conducted by Elder J. E. Fulton, and were clearly and forcibly presented.

We took our native brethren upon all our committees, and they were a real help to us. When the reports of the committees were read before the council, the utmost confidence was manifested in them. After general discussion by all, they were passed without a dissenting vote. Every measure was calmly studied before being passed. The prevailing spirit in our sessions was so different from that which is manifested in the

councils of the other denominations at work here, that it was the comment of all. Not a ripple passed over the calm waters of our meeting.

It was voted to inaugurate a campaign similar to that on “Christ’s Object Lessons,” for selling our book, “Tukutuku no Veigauna”—a translation of part of “Great Controversy.” I never saw more enthusiasm manifested. This same spirit was seen when we discussed the problem of carrying the truth to all the other islands of this group. The brethren were willing to give their native teachers to the work beyond, and take care of themselves. There was no question that God was directing the deliberations of our council, and that his Holy Spirit was brooding over it.

Elder O. A. Olsen, president of our Australasian Union Conference, planned to attend, but was prevented from coming by unavoidable circumstances. The labors of the vice-president, Elder J. E. Fulton, were very much appreciated. Brother and Sister Thorpe, of the Tongan Mission, were present, besides our own laboring force. We now have ten native workers here.

This good council closed with a consecration service, and a number gave themselves anew to the service of the Master. The brethren left for their different island homes with songs of praise upon their lips. One could almost imagine that that scripture in the thirty-fifth of Isaiah, last verse, was being experienced: “And the ransomed of Jehovah shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads: they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”

Everything looks encouraging for a prosperous year in the work for this people. Our only fear is that the many calls for labor can not be supplied, and the hearts that are now warm and prepared for the truth will grow cold and indifferent. Pray for us and the work here.

Buresala, Levuka.