p. 18 | An Interesting Trip in Fiji by A. G. Stewart

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Apr 1, 1909

An Interesting Trip in Fiji

By A. G. Stewart

During the last three weeks it has been our privilege to visit the companies of Sabbath-keepers scattered throughout Colo, or the hilly country of Fiji.

Owing to difficulties in climbing the steep hills, only Brother C. H. Parker and the writer, with a few of the students, made this hard but interesting tour. More than once were we led to think of the parable of the shepherd away on the mountain tops in search of the lost sheep.

Colo is a very picturesque country, consisting of high hills covered with luxuriant vegetation. Some parts are not timbered, but are covered with tall reeds and coarse grass. Interspersed throughout these hills are deep gullies, at the bottom of which lie beautiful streams of clear, cool, running water. Coming from under the rocks, it reminds one of the “smitten rock,” where the Israel of God were watered in the wilderness.

The climate in Colo is much cooler than in the coastal districts, and in the cooler months fires are necessary to warm the dwelling-houses.

The natives in this district are a little more crude in their manners than those on the coast, and many of the older ones can neither read nor write. However, they are desirous of improving the privileges which are now possible for them to enjoy, and several of the young people are entering our school at Bureasala.

We visited eleven companies, organized one church, baptized three brethren, and gave instruction concerning church and missionary work. We found the brethren of good courage, and anxious to help in forwarding the work.

One dear old brother, who is almost blind, has been distributing papers and selling books in the surrounding villages. Although he has no one to lead him in these narrow, native paths, he has asked that more books and papers be sent to him, saying, “I intend to stick at it.” Truly an unseen hand is leading this dear old soul.

We were glad of this privilege of speaking to our brethren upon the importance of the school work as a factor in the training of workers; and as a result several young people have decided to enter the school the present year. Pray that the Lord may continue to bless the work in this field.

A. G. STEWART.