DISTRICT 5 by R. M. Kilgore

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 26, 1901

DISTRICT 5

By R. M. Kilgore

TUCSON, ARIZ.—I remained here over two Sabbaths, some days speaking four times to the English, the Spanish, and the Chinese. The work here has been in progress nearly two years, under Brethren Black and Williams, with their wives; also Brother Serna, a Spaniard, who accepted present truth, and brought with him the larger part of two congregations, with whom he had formerly labored in the Spanish tongue—one at Tucson, the other at Solomonsville. A church was organized here a year ago, composed mostly of Mexicans, with a few Americans. Additions have kept good their numbers, a few having moved away.

The Mexican brethren, with Brethren Black and Serna, have bought lumber, iron for the roof, and made the “dobies,” with which they have built a comfortable house of worship, 20 x 36 ft. Provision is made by which it shall be paid for in full. At the dedication, which took place during my visit there, the house was well filled with those of other tongues, and songs were sung in the English, Spanish, and Chinese languages, and appropriate scriptures were read in English and Spanish.

In the center of the city, the Chinese, at their own expense, of about one hundred dollars, have rented and fitted up rooms, where they meet daily, from 8 to 9:30 P. M., to study reading and writing in the English language, and to hear the gospel of salvation. They have invited Brother and Sister Black to teach them. To this mission school the Japanese, Spanish, and other people are made welcome. I enjoyed the privilege of talking to them the simple story of the saving power in Christ.

Our workers should not be slow to enter openings of this character, where those taught bear all the expense incurred, especially so when their regular work may be carried on also.

It was decided to divide the workers here, and enter other destitute fields. Brother Serna will go to New Mexico, where he will labor, under the direction of the Colorado Conference, among the people of his own tongue. Brother Williams and his wife will select another location, and labor as the way may open. Brother Black and his wife will remain at Tucson, laboring with the church, and for the extension of the message by Bible readings and work in the mission school.

While there we sold and delivered $22.50 worth of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” R. M. KILGORE.