FROM JAMAICA TO TRINIDAD.
By George F. Enoch
From Mission Board Correspondence. Our last few weeks of labor in Jamaica were spent in making a special effort on our church buildings. We were much hindered in our work by the unusually heavy rains. Yet we are able to praise the Lord for what was accomplished in spite of hindrances. The brethren and sisters have taken hold of the work with a commendable spirit, and surely merit the sympathy and prayers of our brethren and sisters in other lands. We had desired to have baptism in each company before leaving, but rain prevented. However, we had two, one in John's Hall, where fourteen were baptized; the other at Sherwood Foust, where five went forward in the same rite. Before going farther south, we bade farewell to the brethren and sisters in Portland, to spend a few weeks in the mountains of Jamaica, to get the benefit of their bracing climate, and also to labor for some of the isolated companies. We spent one Sabbath with Elder W. J. Tanner and the new company at Grove Town. They are straining every nerve to build a house of worship where they can worship the Lord according to the light of the Third Angel's Message. We found them of good courage, fully resolved to keep the banner flying until Jesus comes. I then went up to Troja, where a few were keeping the Sabbath as a result of reading, and of the faithfulness of some of the lay members. Our limited time was spent in studying the fundamental principles of the message. The Lord drew very near, and all were comforted and strengthened. Sabbath morning, September 28, Elder W. W. Eastman buried ten precious souls in a watery grave. The baptismal scene made a deep impression in the community. I also labored for the company at Above Rocks one week. It is cheering to see the zeal and courage of these brethren and sisters who are faithfully holding up the light in these mountains. May the Lord continue to bless them richly. Tuesday, November 5, we bade farewell to Jamaica, the scene of so many conflicts and victories. This beautiful island, with its thirty-one Sabbath-schools, and a score of church buildings, either dedicated or in the process of erection, with all the busy activities connected with the proclamation of the Third Angel's Message, holds a large place in our affections. It was with genuine sorrow that we took our last look at her shores before night closed in upon us. May the Lord bless the work, sustain the workers, and save many of her people. Sabbath morning we arrived at Barbados, and were glad to meet with a good company of Sabbath-keepers. It is encouraging to know that the standard of present truth is being planted in so many parts of the world. Tuesday, November 12, we arrived safely in Port of Spain, Trinidad, after a pleasant voyage. Port of Spain is undoubtedly the prettiest city in the West Indies. Friday, November 22, Elder W. G. Kneeland, Brother Raymond Crowther, and the writer, went to the village of El Mamo, about twenty-two miles east of Port of Spain, to hold a few meetings, dedicate the new church buildings, and organize the company into a church. Of their own selves, with but little assistance from the Mission Board, these brethren have got out all their material, and built a neat little chapel, with tapia walls and a timit roof. Sabbath we organized a church of sixteen members, and Sunday morning six were baptized. Sunday the church was dedicated. Elder W. G. Kneeland preached the dedicatory sermon. The question of church buildings is a most important one in Trinidad. We have begun the building in Tunapuna, and are pushing it forward as fast as means will allow. Our members there are few, but all have a mind to work. I would that I had the power to place before our people the need of a church building in Port of Spain. This beautiful city, standing at the gateway to Venezuela, with its mixed population, affords an opportunity for extensive missionary operations, and should appeal to us. Yet we are struggling on in miserable quarters, far from representing this great message in its true light. The brethren and sisters are poor, but have taken hold with a will, and are lifting all they can. The government requires a fireproof building, and land is very high. Who will render us assistance? When we see the progress of the work under such adverse circumstances, and with so few facilities, should it not stir us to renewed energy and self-sacrifice?