p. 17 | Mexico by Geo. M. Brown

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Mar 10, 1904

Mexico

By Geo. M. Brown

We are glad to report that the Lord is blessing the seed sown in this hitherto apparently unproductive part of the vineyard. Never before have so many letters been received from interested ones who are reading the El Mensajero, and are anxious to help in circulating it. Our literature is doing its work, but, O, what a pitifully small amount we have compared with the great field that is to be covered! The revision of “Steps to Christ” is now finished, and we hope that it can be published soon.

We have two or three good men, who understand the Spanish language and are ready to enter the field as colporteurs, but we have no means to sustain them in this work, and no adequate supply of literature for them to use. Brethren, how long shall we have to wait for this means? Your liberality in giving to the missionary offerings will answer this question, which is a vital one to those who are struggling along in mission fields. We have received from friends in the United States about one hundred dollars American money for our printing-office. For this we are very grateful, but we need at once about four hundred dollars more to put up our little building before the rainy season begins in May. This little printing plant is free from debt, is dedicated solely to the work of printing the message, and will surely be a great factor in getting the truth before the people of Mexico. Are there not some who read this who would esteem it a privilege to invest five or ten dollars, or even more, in this institution, which by the blessing of God will be a beacon-light whose rays will lighten many a darkened mind?

Brother Bodwell has been working in the States of Puebla and Morelos, with his usual success. He finds many of the people who desire to learn the truth for this time. Brother Placencia visited Guanajuato and neighboring towns, securing quite a number of subscriptions for El Mensajero. He was forced to retire from the field on account of a fever, from which he is now nearly recovered. Brother Harriman has been working for the paper and books in Tacubaya, with good success.

I spent a few days during the week of prayer at Guadalajara, and was much pleased to find that some of the sanitarium workers who had been in a back-slidden condition had taken a new start for the kingdom. The meetings were well attended by all who were able to be out. English services were held at the sanitarium, and Spanish at the mission, each evening. The consecration service, in which all participated, was especially

marked by the presence of the Lord.

A Mexican who was a patient at the sanitarium recently began the observance of the Sabbath, and went to his home determined to be true to all the light he had received. He said he could not sell wine and tobacco any more (he kept a small store), and would eliminate these articles from his stock. If he proves faithful, as we believe he will, he will be a light to the people around him.

The sanitarium patronage was light at the time of my visit, but the institution was paying its running expenses. Some plans were laid by the sanitarium board at its meetings held while I was there, which we trust will place the finances of the institution on a better basis. The medical mission is having a better patronage than for some time in the past, and is more than paying all expenses for rent, nurses, and incidentals.

Brother M. V. Erkenbeck has been doing faithful work in Guadalajara, with literature, visiting the penitentiary and the homes of the people. He has found some who really desire to know the truth.

The annual offerings of our brethren in this field amounted to three hundred and twenty dollars Mexican, which is a little more than one hundred and forty dollars American money. With the approval of the Mission Board, we wish to use this in the production of literature. Brethren, pray for the work in this great field. GEO. M. BROWN.