The Message in Spain by Frank S. Bond

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 10, 1907

The Message in Spain

By Frank S. Bond

FRANK S. BOND

OUR hearts are made glad as we read from week to week of the progress of the work in all parts of the great harvest-field; and we are thankful that some fruit has begun to appear in Spain, as a result of the efforts put forth here.

During the month of August seven dear souls went forward with their Lord in baptism, and one week ago last Sabbath another sister took this important step.

My brother and his wife are faithfully toiling on in Barcelona and surrounding places.

One month has now passed since, with my family, I came to Valencia. I am thankful to announce that during this month we have become acquainted with several persons who seem much interested in the message for this time. Some of these have come to our home for studies, and we are hopeful that, by God's blessing, they may be persuaded to take their stand for the truth.

As we come in contact with those who style themselves Protestants, who are members of various popular churches, and see how little difference exists between them and those who make no profession, we long and pray that this third angel's message, which causes a complete reformation in the life of every individual who accepts it, may soon be heralded to every city and village of this dark land.

A short time ago, while on a trip through southern Spain, I visited one of the native Protestant ministers in the city of Malaga. During our conversation he in some way referred to 1 Cor. 3:16, 17. I then explained to him how I often apply those verses, and thus drew out the information that he is a user of tobacco. He went on to show me the imaginary good he derives from smoking. He writes for a denominational paper, the title of which is El Cristiano (The Christian). He says that often when he is writing, and can not get the thought he wishes, he begins to roll a cigarette, and the thought comes to him with a bound. I suggested how much better it would be to pray under such circumstances, rather than trust in a cigarette, but he did not seem to take very favorably to that thought. Just imagine the articles of a paper entitled The Christian being inspired by the deadly nicotin of cigarettes! What combination could be more pleasing to the enemy of all righteousness? Wine is also freely used by almost all Protestants, so called, in Spain.

I am thankful for a part in proclaiming a converting message. The psalmist declares, “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.” How thankful we are that a few sons and daughters of the land of the Inquisition are demonstrating the converting influence of that law! Last week two of our colporteurs came to Valencia, and have begun a thorough campaign of this city. They are selling the tract entitled “The Signs of Our Times.” I have spent some time selling this tract, since coming here, with good results. Pray that these brethren may meet with success.

We are often compelled to think of the greatness of Spain's population. Her territory is small, but she has almost one fourth as many people as are found in the whole of the United States of North America. That country has hundreds of workers, and I am very thankful it has; but here we are hardly a handful, and O, the need is so great! Are there not some in the home land who feel that they should sacrifice the comforts of home, and the companionship of loved ones and friends, and come to this needy field to work for souls? If there are those who think of making Spain their future field of labor, and have any questions with reference to the country, we shall be pleased to do our best to answer them. We ask an interest in the prayers of all God's people, that we may know just how to meet these people.

Valencia.