Italy by Chas. T. Everson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 7, 1907

Italy

By Chas. T. Everson

ROME.— We are glad to say that the Lord has helped us to learn the language, to the extent that we are able to hold meetings, Bible studies, etc., or to do about what we are accustomed to do in English. Our efforts have proved of some avail, for the Lord has heard our prayers for this priest-ridden people. We have not gathered out a large number of souls as yet, but the Lord has given us some foundation-stones upon which to build; and as the foundation is the first thing, and the most important, in a field, the material gained corresponds with the needs of the hour. All of those that have thus far been gained for the truth are educated people, and such as can give standing to the message. Among them we number three professors and one school-teacher, all of whom are very talented in their particular line.

We have just opened up a school here from funds sent us by the young people of southern California, and from the good beginning already made, it bids fair to become a strong factor in the development of the work in this place. The Catholics depend almost entirely upon their educational work for gaining converts and holding their prestige. They scarcely ever preach, but work away at the school problem, for they know that it brings the greatest returns for the time and money expended. We should learn some lessons from them, and enter the educational field and fight the battle out with them on their own ground. Our day-school has not begun yet, for we must have the papers from the government; but our evening school is open, and we have twenty-nine enrolled, with new ones coming at almost every session. CHAS. T. EVERSON.