p. 17 | Newfoundland by A. E. Lemon

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 24, 1903

Newfoundland

By A. E. Lemon

THE tract campaign is on here in good earnest. As soon as the brethren took hold of the work, the Spirit of God became more manifest in the church. Over three thousand pages of tracts and over eleven thousand pages of other literature were circulated here in the month of January. Besides this, a government daily paper has opened its columns to us for articles on health reform, and we have already had several truth-bearing articles published. The same paper has published an article from us, giving a synopsis of two of Elder Farman's lectures, setting forth the last warning message in no uncertain tone, under the heading, “The Great Event Near,” and taking up half a column. This paper has a circulation of five thousand. The editor of another paper has also asked for articles on health topics. Thus the truth is being placed before the people.

Elder H. J. Farman gives three lectures a week in one of the largest halls in the city, and the interest is good. The members of the church are nobly doing their part to hold up his hands.

In Twillingate, where Elder Farman labored last summer, the interest still continues, even in his absence, and there are prospects for a good work there in the future. Many are being educated in the message by correspondence.

The work of the Newfoundland Health Institute, as shown in the financial report for December 31, shows that in the seven months during which the institution had been running, there had been given 1,619 treatments, the charity work amounting to $327. The net earnings were $1,266.48, and the net gain was $542.14. On account of the low price of fish, the staple product, there is a general financial depression in the island, which is poor enough even in times of prosperity. This depression has kept many from patronizing the institute; and with the additional effect of the long, dull winter season, it is more difficult to make the work successful. However, the young institution is pulling through the crisis, free from debt, and ready to enter on the coming season's work. May it hold up the standard of truth, and lead many to accept the gospel of health.

As in all British fields, the people here take hold of the truth slowly. But we have been careful to present the message in a way calculated to lead them gently, and not stir them up to prejudice and opposition. In this way the prejudice that once existed has largely melted away, and the people are more easily approached. The Spirit of God is working with both laborers and people. The last warning message is being carried to all parts of the colony, and this field is getting ready for the coming of the great King. The headquarters of the work here is at 282 Duckworth St., St. Johns, Newfoundland. A. E. LEMON.