Norfolk Island by S. T. Belden

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Sep 22, 1904

Norfolk Island

By S. T. Belden

As there has been no report from Norfolk Island for a long time, perhaps the readers of the REVIEW would like to know how the work is going here. I should be glad to tell you of many additions to the church; but instead of this, we do not number as many as when organized,—three having moved away, and two fallen asleep in Jesus. Since then we have had two additions. At present there are only thirteen members.

There are ten other adults who keep the Sabbath and consider themselves of us, who, having been sprinkled in infancy, can not as yet be made to see it their duty to be baptized. They attend meetings, and most of them pay tithes.

Our Sabbath-school numbers thirty-seven. We are in much need of a church-school. There are children enough to warrant our starting one. These now attend the public school, where they learn more evil than anything else.

We have just been having our week of prayer, which has been an occasion of profit and blessing. The offerings amounted to $12.25. This may seem small, but it is very hard to get money here; all are poor.

There is not much outside interest, though there are some who will read our books and papers, and I have taken quite a number of orders for Australasian Good Health. The bitter prejudice that existed against Seventh-day Adventists at one time has died out, and all are friendly. Many say they believe the coming of the Lord is near, and have confessed that the seventh day is the Sabbath, but they do not see the importance of keeping it. We are hoping and praying that the Lord may yet lead them to see the necessity of obedience. Mrs. S. T. BELDEN.