C. H. PARKER by C. H. Parker

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 12, 1906

C. H. PARKER

By C. H. Parker

Fiji

SUVA.—Since writing of my trip to Lau, I have visited Suva, Buresala, and Suva Vou. Buresala is the place where we have our chief school for Fiji located. In the location of this school we have tried to follow the instruction of the Testimonies. It is centrally situated for all parts of Fiji. About three hundred acres of good, fertile land are connected with it. The distance to the nearest native town is three miles, and from Levuka, where the white people have the controlling influence, it is twelve miles. Two nice creeks run through the land, which give a good water-supply. The land has a good ocean frontage, presenting a pleasing view. The anchorage is good, and close to shore.

Work began on the place last April,—one year ago,—when one of the mission houses at Suva Vou was taken down and removed here, where it is now set up. Eight native houses have been erected. One is used for the printing-press, and another for school and church purposes. The remaining six are for students. We are preparing to erect a native church, which will be about forty-eight by twenty feet. This will be used for school purposes as well.

There are now fourteen students in attendance, and others have applied. One of the students is the son of one of the highest chiefs of the group. His father is one of the six native governors. Since coming to school, this boy has been converted to the truth, and is now writing to his father and mother about it.

Things are progressing nicely on the school farm, and the crops are all doing well, and by another year there will be plenty of food for the students. This is quite an essential in this place; for nothing can be done by the Fijian unless there is plenty of food in sight. If you want anything done, just make a feast, and you will have all the men you want to do it. Money is nothing, but food is everything to the Fijian. The crops that are growing are yams, taro, sweet potatoes, tapioca, pineapples, bananas, sugar-cane, pumpkins, and melons. Although we have had an exceptionally dry year, and in many parts of Fiji the crops have failed altogether, yet the Lord has bountifully blessed this place. Our students are anxious to fit themselves quickly to carry the message. Brother and Sister W. Carr have charge of the school, and are having the best of influence over the students, and the Lord is blessing them greatly. What we need for Fiji just now is three good, practical young men. Where are they? Our prayer is that God may send them.