The New Time in Mexico by William A. Spicer

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Dec 27, 1906

The New Time in Mexico

By William A. Spicer

The workers and believers gathered in this Catholic land also bear witness to the fact that this is a time of new power and fruitage in the work of the advent message. What does it mean that this witness is borne just at this time in the most difficult fields? in such a land as Catholic Mexico, where the work has formerly seemed to go so very slowly?

It can mean nothing else than the fulfilment of the word that came to us by the spirit of prophecy about two years

ago, that the time for the enlargement and growth of God's people had come.

It has come in Mexico, and the hearts of workers and believers rejoice to see the day. During the last year thirty-five are reported as having accepted the truth in this land. It is not a large number, it is true. But it represents a growth among the Mexicans in this one year equal to that of all the twelve or thirteen years previous.

The literature scattered is bringing fruit. Workers are being raised up. Little groups of new believers are promise of similar fruitage elsewhere as the seed is sown and interests followed up. By the blessing of the Lord Mexico has swung into the ranks of Catholic fields able to report a growing and aggressive work.

The results have come by methods which have proved successful in every other land. These new interests spring generally from the circulation of literature. The Mexican paper, filled with the message, has been scattered and sold. As people have read it, their hearts have responded. In one place a little group of Mexicans were found already keeping the Sabbath, as the result of reading, before the living preacher reached them.

These things encourage our brethren to continue the colporteur and canvassing work in all parts of Mexico. Good work has been done the past year, though more colporteurs are needed. It has been demonstrated that subscriptions can be taken for the paper in all parts. One Mexican brother has taken about twelve hundred during the last year. We must help this mission to increase its staff of colporteurs as men able to do the work are found.

Only a few years ago our missionary geography of Mexico knew but the one word, Guadalajara. Then Mexico City was added. Now we must learn a new geography of the country. There are representatives of the truth also in Torreon and Gomez Palacio, in San Luis Potosi, Tampico, Monterey, Ameca, Ceylaya, Cuautla, and one or two other points.

Our conference is only opened in Mexico City, but it needs only a first Sabbath spent with these people and workers to recognize the true spirit of the message. There is a company of thirty in the city. They have a meeting-place in the very heart of this great capital, on one of the busiest streets. With delegates from other parts, we had fifty-six at the first Sabbath meeting. Others are coming later.

Of a truth the Lord is visiting our work in Mexico with the same refreshing from on high that is reviving hearts in other fields, and preparing honest souls to receive the truth.

This talk of a new time in this work is not mere talk to say something encouraging. The definite results of the work done and the new aspect of affairs in the darkest fields demonstrate that a divine power has laid hold of things, and that the time of harvest has come.

W. A. S.

Mexico City.