Jamaica by W. J. Tanner; Ella E. Tanner

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 14, 1902

Jamaica

By W. J. Tanner; Ella E. Tanner

PORT ANTONIO.—The cause of present truth is moving steadily onward here, in spite of strenuous opposition. The enemy is working hard to make us appear ridiculous and odious in the eyes of the public, by prompting his agents to publish misrepresenting articles in the island papers. We need a printing press, a school, and a health institution, to give stability to the work. These would be a blessing to our own people, as well as to those not of our faith.

Our cause in this island is illustrated by one of the economic conditions. There are many good roads throughout the island, and the more prosperous inhabitants use strong drays and wains to transport goods from place to place. The poor peasants, however, cannot afford such conveniences. They are passing by while I write, with large loads of fruit upon their heads. These burdens, which they call “head loads,” frequently run up to one hundred or one hundred and fifty pounds, or even more. It can be readily seen at what disadvantage they labor when they are compelled to follow this method of transportation. Yet our position in Jamaica is very similar. The fruits of labor spring up quickly, and there is need that each department of our work be established here. As it is, the ministers are doing it all after the “head load” plan—literal head loads, and heart loads too, of care, of anxiety, of plans as to how one can do the work of two or three. Although they will not own it, some are growing weary. These words are not written in a complaining spirit; they are written to beseech our brethren in America to be wise, and send one now, rather than be compelled to send two by and by. Since April I have baptized twenty-seven persons, and held one series of meetings. Another baptism will be held soon. At present we are holding quarterly meetings, and looking after the church building among the companies. The companies on this side of the island (northeast) are largely the fruits of Brother G. F. Enoch’s labors. When he was called away, he left three churches in the course of construction. These we are erecting as fast as means and material can be gathered. Since coming here, we have begun the work of alteration on our church in this place. We hope in due time, with the Lord’s blessing, to have a more neat and pleasant place of worship in this important center.

We are very busy, and are glad to be so. Our health is good, and our hopes bright.

W. J. TANNER, ELLA E. TANNER,