The Friendly Islands by E. E. Thorpe

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 24, 1907

The Friendly Islands

By E. E. Thorpe

THE mission of Seventh-day Adventists to these islands began some twelve years ago. About 1895 Elder Hilliard and his wife came as witnesses, and held up the banner of truth amid the prevailing darkness. Dr. M. G. Kellogg also lived in Nukualofa, Tonga, building the mission house. Like the apostle Paul, Brother Hilliard worked with his own hands, carpentering, etc., thus lightening the expenses of the mission. Sister Hilliard conducted a school, the memory of which to-day is held in good repute. In traveling around here, many have introduced themselves to us by saying they were taught in Sister Hilliard’s school. Many families in Tongatabu became acquainted with our truth through the labors of Brother and Sister Hilliard. Brother and Sister Butz labored with them for a little while, and were then left in charge of the field. A church of twelve members has been raised up. A few others partially accepted the truth, were baptized, and attended the church, afterward giving up. We have one Tongan Sabbath-keeper as a result of these labors. Sister Butz got into the homes and hearts of the people by ministering to the sick, which work has been appreciated.

Some tracts have been written and translated, dealing with the second advent, the love of God, baptism, tobacco habit, etc. These have been freely distributed in Tongatabu and some of the surrounding islands, including Lefuka, Haapene, and Eua.

The mission property consists of the church building, school building, and mission house, which stand on about two acres of rented government land.

The church-school, under the labors of Sister Ella Boyd, has done and is doing commendable work. The school has been filled all the time, and, through the blessing of God, has the best reputation of any school in Tonga. The present enrolment is twenty-four. Some of the students are doing very encouraging advance work.

The present outlook for our work here in the Friendly Islands is encouraging. To our minds, at least at present, future plans consist in doing educational work among the children. We shall endeavor to increase our church-school membership and to keep our standard high, giving the children the best education possible. We propose also to open a night-school for young men. We are endeavoring to introduce the sale of our health foods.

One of our brethren, W. Palmer, who has a good command of the language, having lived in these islands for over twenty years, has begun to translate the larger portion of “Bible Readings” into the Tongan language. There is a demand for such a work among the people. The native ministers here often go to our brethren for their Sabbath’s sermon. We believe that a book like this would sell readily. We shall have to work in faith, as far as its publication is concerned. Brethren and sisters, the Lord’s work in these darkened islands needs your prayers. Great light has shone upon Tonga, but as yet the people sit in darkness. E. E. THORPE.