TRINIDAD by W. G. Kneeland

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

TRINIDAD

By W. G. Kneeland

EL MAMO.—At this place, November 23, Brother Geo. F. Enoch, who had just arrived from Jamaica, and myself had the pleasure of dedicating the second house of worship erected by us in Trinidad.

El Mamo is a small country village about five miles from Arima, and twenty-one miles from Port of Spain. Although the brethren there are poor in this world's goods, by using the native materials and donating their labor, they were able to erect a neat chapel with but little outside help, free from debt.

The work was begun here about a year ago by two of our native brethren who carried books and papers with them to distribute among the people as they went about their regular business. Their faithful labors, aided by a few days' help from Elder Crowther, enabled them to become intelligent on the fundamental principles of the Third Angel's Message. Six received baptism, and a church of fifteen members was organized. The ordinances of the Lord's house were celebrated, and the rich blessing of the Lord was with us as we communed together. The success of the work at this place is an illustration of what could be accomplished in many towns and villages in Trinidad and Tobago, if we were only prepared to follow up the opening providences of the Lord.

We need more persons who are qualified to explain the truth in a simple way to the people, and by both precept and example show them how they can obey the commandments of God and still support their families. We need a fund from which to loan our brethren small amounts to assist in building. When we enter a new district, almost the first question is, “Have you any church building?” If we have not, we are at once classed with the traveling missionaries who have often brought disgrace on the cause of Christ. Nearly all the halls rent at prices beyond our reach, and much prejudice exists against holding meetings in private houses. Before our work can be permanently established, buildings must be erected in all parts of the islands. We have lost much already by our delay in securing land in the important cities. Rents are very high. Since the mission was opened in Port of Spain, nearly enough has been expended in rentals to build us a suitable place. At Port of Spain we should begin to work for Venezuela by opening the work among the traders and wealthy people who come here in large numbers when there is a revolution in their own country. At Tunapuna there are many intelligent East Indians, some of whom have already joined with us. We trust that the building we are trying to erect there will result in opening the work among the eighty thousand in this island.

Are there not many of our brethren who already have comfortable churches who will esteem it a pleasure to invest in church buildings for the West Indies? May we each have wisdom to know and do the right. W. G. KNEELAND.