The Cause in Fiji by J. E. Fulton

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 14, 1903

The Cause in Fiji

By J. E. Fulton

J. E. FULTON

During the year 1902 we had many evidences of the working of the Lord upon the hearts of the people in these islands. The literature and the preaching of the word of past years are now bearing fruit. A number of companies in different parts of the group have begun to keep the Sabbath, some as the result of reading our little paper Rarama. Scattering literature in different parts of the group has been our work there for the last two or three years. The results are now, to some extent, apparent. We are very much encouraged.

We have been hampered in our printing work. Our little paper has been published on a small lever press, which is large enough to print but one page at a time. This has taken much time and labor. The Lord has opened the way for us to have a larger press, the Avondale Press having kindly donated one to us. For this we are very thankful to the Lord. We shall now be able to print two pages at once, thus saving much valuable time and wearing labor in that hot settlement climate.

Brother C. H. Parker is located in the eastern part of the group. He writes that his time is fully occupied in the many and varied duties that fall to the lot of a missionary. Brother and Sister Parker have many difficulties that we in this country know nothing about. They have been compelled to live where, to say the least, it has been very uncomfortable. I am afraid that it may be very trying on their health. Let us pray that they may be sustained. The Mission Board has decided to procure better quarters for them.

Brother Currow has a very busy life, visiting different parts, printing the paper, preaching, and of late he has been tied down by a school for children and another for young men. A very cheering report comes of the work in his district. Brother Currow calls for help in erecting a church which our brethren are building there. The cause is a worthy one.

We have a young native Fijian attending the Avondale School. He is a Christian, and we believe that he will become a worker for his people. The Lord worked wonderfully in opening up the way for him to come. We have had a very hard time getting native students from the islands because of the strict supervision the island governments take over the natives, so that they are not allowed to leave. Again, the Immigration Restriction Act of the State of New South Wales is equally as strict. So the way has been hedged up. This was especially true with regard to Fiji, where the former governor was much opposed to having the natives leave that colony. But the Lord “removeth kings, and setteth up kings.” We have now a new governor who was favorable to our plan of bringing this native to Avondale to be educated. The New South Wales government, too, which formerly refused to allow us to land boys for this purpose, has, in this case, given us a permit, to be renewed annually until the boy completes his education. He is then expected to return to his country.

The Avondale Press is now printing “Great Controversy” in Fijian. This will be an abridged edition of about two hundred and fifty pages. There is great need of this book in the islands. Catholicism is making rapid progress there. We need a book that will tell its past history. We know of no better work than “Great Controversy,” and this book links the present message with the history of the past, thus preparing the people for the great conflict before us. We need more means with which to carry on this good work. We have received some donations toward it. Will others help? Consider the matter, and if you see that the cause in Fiji needs help, send something to assist this work.

Cooranbong, N. S. W.