p. 16 | Newfoundland by C. H. Keslake

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 29, 1906

Newfoundland

By C. H. Keslake

We are glad to report that the work in this island is progressing, although but slowly. Others can appreciate the difficulties that confront the workers here. With but few exceptions the people are affiliated with some one denomination; all are priest ridden or creed bound. Notwithstanding this, from the first our services have been well attended, and frequently our seating capacity has been taxed to the utmost. Whatever else may be said of Newfoundlanders, it is but just to say that they are churchgoers.

Although several efforts have been made to establish our work in other parts of the island, so far each effort has been a failure, at least so far as immediate results are concerned. The most prolonged effort, I believe, was made in Twillingate, the northern metropolis. Elder Tracy went there soon after my arrival, remaining until last August. He landed there in a snowstorm, and met with a very cold reception. Apartments had previously been secured for him and his family, but when they arrived, they were refused them because of Seventh-day Adventism. This was due to the opposition of certain ministers.

The circumstances were indeed forbidding—household effects piled on the wharf, and no place of shelter for himself and family, one of them a babe a few months old. But the Lord overruled in this matter. A desire to hear the truth was created, and the preaching resulted in removing a great deal of prejudice, but no further results were developed. But even this is some gain. Newfoundlanders are slow to accept anything new. I have confidence to believe that the seed sown will yet germinate, and precious fruit will be borne.

Last March it was my privilege to spend a few weeks in Twillingate. A part of the journey, some thirty-five miles, was over ice from four to five feet in thickness. Before we had gone far, a blinding snowstorm overtook us, but we had a good guide, and arrived without mishap at our destination, grateful to the Lord for his protecting care. This to me was a new and thrilling experience.

From Twillingate Elder Tracy and I went to Moreton's Harbor, where we held a few meetings, which we feel sure were effective for good. Last July I again visited Twillingate. While there I baptized a sister from Shoe Cave, who had been keeping the Sabbath for some time. In making this visit I went the entire distance by boat.

The population of Newfoundland, numbering two hundred and twenty-five thousand, is largely scattered along the coast, the principal industry being the fisheries. There are only a few places with over a thousand population, the others being fishing villages or hamlets. Only a few of these places can be reached by steamer, and none at all by railroad. No halls can be hired; tents have proved a failure on account of the cold nights even in summer; and yet these people must have the truth preached to them. At the last session of the Canadian Union Conference it was voted to supply this field with a portable tabernacle. This will undoubtedly be a great help, but its use will involve great expense. There is only one other way that we can see, and that is a missionary boat, but at present that seems out of the question. Our hope, however, is in God. He alone can open up the way.

We are rapidly coming face to face with stringent Sunday laws. The Methodist Conference has planned for a representative of the Canadian Lord's Day Alliance to come here and start a crusade in behalf of better Sunday observance. Individuals through the papers are beginning to agitate this question. Seeing the issue before us, we are planning to meet it with our literature, a good supply of which we already have on hand waiting for the opportune time.

We have now effected the needed improvements in our church-school building. We have also installed a baptistery in the church. Recently we baptized four willing souls. This ceremony attracted a large number from the city. Every available space was occupied, the building being literally packed. Even then hundreds were turned away. There are still others to be baptized. Just recently another dear soul has accepted the truth. I am giving Bible readings during the week to several who are interested, and we have hopes of some of these accepting the truth.

Elder Tracy has left this field, having connected with the Maritime Conference. Brother F. W. Johnston, a native believer who was recently graduated from South Lancaster Academy, has begun labor in this island. At present he is circulating our literature. We are fondly hoping to revive the medical work, which has been allowed to collapse. A nurse and Bible worker has been promised us, and we expect her in the early spring. I am certain that a consecrated physician could soon build up a practise, and with a competent nurse could soon be operating treatment rooms. Is there not one such among our physicians who would come in the name of the Lord and for the sake of suffering humanity? I pray that the Lord will raise up such a worker.

We are of good courage, and bespeak the prayers of God's people in behalf of the work here. C. H. KESLAKE.