FIJI by C. H. Parker; M. G. Parker

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 24, 1900

FIJI

By C. H. Parker; M. G. Parker

Suva Vou.—By his stately steppings the Lord has been going out before us, and his arm has brought salvation time and again. Many perplexing questions arise, but the Lord is mighty in counsel, and we have many precious experiences in allowing the counsel of heaven to prevail. The Lord is using Brother Fulton with power. Searching messages have been borne, and as a result hearts have been turned to the Lord, and filthy and evil habits have been cast aside. Eleven Fijians and one white person have been baptized, and eight more will be buried with their Lord this coming Sabbath. A week ago last Sabbath, Dec. 9, 1899, the ordinances of the Lord's house were celebrated, and it was an occasion of deep heart-searching, refreshing, and outpouring of the Spirit of God. The ceremony was very touching. The roko (a leading king of Fiji) washed the feet of some of his servants. His heart was overflowing. A high chief's wife, who had never heard a sermon from one of our ministers, was in; and, after hearing the Scripture read concerning feet-washing, she wished hers washed. Everything passed off pleasantly.

The mission house becoming too small to accommodate all who attended service, Brother Fulton, on moving his house here, rebuilt it so that the main part could be used as a church. This has been dedicated, and it affords a pleasant place of meeting. Our Sabbath-school numbers forty.

Brother Cole, who was our first missionary here, with the help of some of our brethren on the coast, has given us a hand printing press, which is now set up; and when we receive more type from Sydney, we shall begin printing leaflets for the work here. Brother Fulton has composed a few hymns in Fijian, some of which he has set to tunes in "Hymns and Tunes." These will be put in book form as quickly as circumstances will permit. We see many promising openings for work; but, as in all other parts of our Master's vineyard, the cry comes, Where are the men and the money to enter them? Brethren, much rests upon you at home. The Lord keeps a faithful account with each of us, and he expects us each to do all we can. Nothing less will fulfill the requirements of the present hour. Are there not many times when, in your household expenses, attire, etc., you could save a penny, a nickel, or more? Shall we who are pledged to God for life and eternity, we to whom has been committed the most solemn message that mortal lips have ever uttered, see the cause of God lack for men and money? May God help us all to put an emphatic No to this question, in every thought, word, and action. Come, brethren, let us all put our shoulders to the wheel and give a lift, and continue so doing till the Lord says, It is enough. Jesus is soon coming. Every circumstance in the world emphasizes this fact. May God help us to show our belief by our everyday example. C. H. AND M. G. PARKER.