Society Islands by L. A. Roth

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Dec 10, 1903

Society Islands

By L. A. Roth

PAPEETE, TAHITI.—During the month of June I noticed, not far from our little home in Pirea, an old man, who made his abode in a little shanty. I visited him, and found that he was an old United States soldier. Little by little I won his confidence, and learned that he had been a Christian in the past, but everything did not go very smoothly, and he had yielded to the enemy. He was planning to leave for the States. When I talked to him, just before going away, about his soul's salvation, he said, “It is no use; I am a lost man. I have gone too far; there is no redemption for me.” Again and again I told him of Jesus and his willingness to take away sin, and make a new man of him. I quoted to him Isa. 1:18. For four hours the Lord helped me to strive against Satan, who had taken possession of his heart, and then I went home, leaving the result with Jesus. I invited him to our church service before going away, and he came, and his thirsty soul was abundantly refreshed with the water of life.

The next day I made him a present of some of our papers and tracts, and invited him to visit our church in Oakland, telling him where the services were held. I received a letter from him on the return trip of the steamer which carried him from the island, which gives strong evidence that he has accepted the Lord as his Saviour. Another person who has been in a backslidden state made a new covenant with the Lord, while living with us. She later returned to her home, and has stood firmly against much opposition. L. A. ROTH.