PRESENT TRUTH IN FIJI by J. E. Fulton

Pacific Press Publishing Company · OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA · Apr 25, 1900

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 17.

PRESENT TRUTH IN FIJI.

By J. E. Fulton

THE readers of the SIGNS will be pleased to hear of the continued interest in our work in Fiji. We last wrote you that a number had decided to obey the Lord's Sabbath. We have recently had some further evidences of the Lord's power on men's hearts.

Since we first told you of our work, we have had baptism on two occasions, which have been precious seasons to us. There never has been, we believe, an immersion in Fiji, so this is really the first baptism. It was a very solemn and blessed scene. Twelve have been baptized—one white sister and eleven natives.

Our first Sabbath-keeper and first native to receive baptism is Pauliasi Bunoa, who for nearly thirty years has labored as teacher and preacher for the Wesleyans. He was sent as a missionary to New Hebrides, where he underwent hardships and afflictions for the cause of Christ. His acceptance of present truth has been a great encouragement to us, and his counsel is of great assistance to us. We firmly believe the Lord has raised him up.

Another who was baptized is Ratu Ambrose, the leading chief of the district. He has been a very wicked man, but the Lord has given him victory over his evil habits, and he is earnest in spreading the truth.

We have been making a special effort in behalf of some young men, who, tho they observed the form, had not the truth very deeply in the heart. We are rejoiced to say last Sabbath brought victory to some, who made a confession of Christ and threw away their tobacco and kava, the use of which was holding them away from the blessing. Some of these will be baptized soon.

Giving up tobacco means something to Fijians, who use it, old and young of both sexes. But God has taken away the appetite from some, who praise Him for better health and brighter minds.

Our church-and-school room is now completed. We are glad to get into larger quarters. Our Sabbath-school numbers about fifty-five.

Bau, Chief Town in Fiji—Old Cannibal Town of King Cakabau.

We are in great need of a native building for our young men. A native-built house costing $20 or $25 would do. We have not, at present, quarters for some young people who wish to go to school. What shall we do? Shall we lose some young people on this account? Pray for us. And who will help? J. E. FULTON. Suva, Fiji Islands, Dec. 19, 1899.