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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Dec 8, 1904

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 81, No. 49.

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British Columbia

By O. E. DAVIS

PORT SIMPSON.—For the past year the work among the Indian people has been carried on against stern opposition, and at great disadvantage. As we did not have a suitable building in which to hold our meetings, the elder opened his house for Sabbath services. But the room was too small to accommodate more than a few at a time; besides, the native people are not inclined to go to private houses to worship.
On my return to Simpson after camp-meeting, a year ago, I found the people willing, and even anxious, to hear present truth. But as I had no place in which to hold meetings, until the president could come and look over the situation, and this step being delayed, the enemy soon stirred up the people against the truth. They called a meeting in the barracks, and considered our work. In this the pastors of all denominations took part. The matter was then brought before the Indian council, and referred to the government, requesting that I should be expelled from the reserve. The spirit of the missionaries and the natives was manifested in warnings and threats if I continued my work. On two occasions the agent of Indian affairs notified me to desist, stating that the law would be enforced to the fullest extent, if disregarded.
On full investigation by the government, the verdict was given that I had not, so far as it could see, violated any portion of the Indian Act, and, therefore, could not be prevented from carrying on my missionary and philanthropic work. Thus we see that God rules in the affairs of earth, and vindicates his truth.
In October, 1903, I organized our first native Sabbath-school, with a full number of native officers. In December following, a church was organized, four following their Lord in baptism, and two more being accepted subject to baptism. There are others who have begun the observance of the Sabbath, and we expect they will be taken into the church soon.
The following is a report of labor among the Indians: Book sales, $104.-85; pages of books loaned, 3,125; pages of tracts distributed, 4,872; periodicals distributed, 507; missionary visits, 792; Bible studies, 131; services, 102. Besides this, much has been done in caring for the sick and teaching the young. Of the eleven adults who accepted the truth, three have not yet fully separated from their former church associations, and two have given up the Sabbath; yet there is hope that with more labor these may be reclaimed.
Working for this people is much different from working for others, as they are not permanently located, but spend much time away from home, in fishing and hunting. So the effort is often interrupted by the absence of the people; and on their return, sometimes they have lost much of their interest. At present our greatest need is the establishment of some enterprise whereby our brethren can procure labor.
The prospects for this work are very favorable, and a remunerative business can be established with a small capital. Are there not some of our brethren in the States who would like to sell their property, and assist in this enterprise, thus helping to start the work in a new field? There are many of the natives in the valley of decision, who would come readily to the house of the Lord if an industry of some kind were started. In this way we could soon build a church and school, and eternity alone would tell the good results.
Elder T. H. Watson, with his family, now has charge of the work at Simpson; and, while laboring under many disadvantages as pioneers here, and having many obstacles to surmount, shall those to whom the Lord has entrusted his means fail to afford them the assistance so much needed just now? Without an industry of some kind, it is little better than useless to maintain workers in this field. May the Lord move some heart to respond quickly to the needs of his work here.
Interested persons desiring full particulars as to conditions, climate, etc., would do well to correspond with Elder T. H. Watson, of Port Simpson, or with myself, at 757 Prior St., Vancouver, British Columbia.
What we do for this people must be done quickly. We are rapidly nearing the end. Who will come over and help us?
O. E. DAVIS.