The Work in Hawaii by C. E. Leland; Mrs. C. E. Leland

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 8, 1902

The Work in Hawaii

By C. E. Leland; Mrs. C. E. Leland

WE closed our work in Port Huron, Mich., soon after the camp meeting; and after a short visit with our parents in Grand Rapids and Battle Creek, we left for California, where we had been invited to labor.

At a convention of the Western workers held in San Francisco, instruction was given that “all should wrestle to get into new fields,” and after looking over the State of California, it was found that every place of any importance had been entered, so our attention was called, for the third time, to the Hawaiian Islands.

After seeking the Lord and looking at the conditions, we decided to make Hawaii our field, and at once took ship for Hilo, the only place of any note on the island, which is the largest of the group. After a voyage of twenty-four days, we landed the second of March, in a very heavy rain, which is a daily occurrence here at this season. Some work having been done in this place, we found a company of five believers, who are much in need of help. This island is devoted to sugar-cane plantations, the work being done by foreign help, mostly Japanese, Portuguese, and Chinese, grouped together in camps, very much as the negroes were during slavery in the South. As a result, sin abounds, and in many instances there is an entire lack of virtue and self-respect.

We brought some books with us, and as soon as we were settled, we began canvassing and visiting the people. We have sold a number of books, and are now studying the Bible with some with whom we have formed a pleasant acquaintance. Our Sabbath meetings are held at the home of a native sister, as we have no public meeting place. One intelligent native woman who has attended our meetings regularly has decided to obey God, and is keeping the Sabbath. As she is educated in English, she is a help to us in interpreting.

We are well pleased with the climate thus far, although it is more debilitating than that of the States. Provisions are high, being shipped from the coast. We have a small garden in which are growing some of our Michigan vegetables.

But we have the promise of a lot on which to build a church as soon as we are prepared to do so. A building is much needed for school purposes as well as for meetings.

The rain makes it difficult for us to go on foot from place to place with books, papers, etc. We need a colporteur’s wagon, with which to get about. This would enable us to reach many camps where we could leave our literature, and also hold meetings as opportunity offers. We hope our brethren will help give the word of God to these hungry souls, by sending us donations with which to pay for this much-needed conveyance. We are enjoying good health, and pray that God’s blessings may ever abide with us, leading us in all our plans and work.

C. E. LELAND, MRS. C. E. LELAND.

Hilo, Hawaii, H. T.