THERE is perhaps no place in the world where missionary opportunity looms larger, or results for efforts put forth are greater, than in the Philippines. First of all, there are about eight millions of very attractive and intelligent people in these islands. Secondly, these islanders, who have been kept back for centuries from the light and advancement they naturally desired, are now wonderfully awakened educationally, politically, and religiously.
A short time after the American occupation of these islands, Archbishop Aglipay headed a great schism in the Roman Catholic Church, about three million joining him in forming a new church known as the Independent Catholic Church. While the forms of worship were about the same as in the mother church, there was one great advance step taken; namely, giving the Bible to the Filipinos in their own language. This was doubtless in the direct providence of God. Tens of thousands are now reading the glorious truths of the gospel, and many are turning toward the light. Nothing can stop the messenger.
NUMBERLESS MISSIONARY OPPORTUNITIES
At the present time, the opportunities to present the gospel are numberless. Doors are open everywhere, and the calls to our evangelists are so numerous that these calls cannot possibly be filled. To the men who bear the burdens of the work, these conditions become distressing when it is realized that the entering of these doors would mean a large influx of Christian converts. This seems certain; for wherever our workers hold meetings, churches are raised up. Never did it seem truer that "the harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few." And the situation thus presented becomes the more distressing when we realize that these grand opportunities to present Christ, which are ours to-day, may pass away from us to-morrow.
On arriving in Manila from Australia, the writer was invited to speak at the Manila Tent Mission, which has been conducted for some time by Evangelists Emelio Manalaysay and Guillermo Dionisio, under the counsel and direction of Pastor Finster, superintendent of the mission. The tent was crowded, and as many more were standing around the outside, all giving the best attention.
Pastor Finster informs me that there are now four companies of Sabbath keepers in the city of Manila, making up a membership of between two hundred fifty and three hundred. Then an equal number are scattered in different parts of the island group.
To visit the different companies, instructing them, and holding quarterly meetings with them, is more than the mission superintendent can possibly do. And he must look after the business interests of the mission, and is also editor of the magazine they publish monthly; and in addition, he must take an oversight of the publication of books and tracts. He must instruct and advise those starting in the work, and give counsel to the older workers. A school must soon be established, and this will take time and careful planning. There is too much for any man to look after. About fifty miles from Manila is the large and prosperous300town of San Pablo. Here another tent has been pitched, and the result has been a wonderful revival. About a hundred and thirty have signified their desire for baptism, and have been instructed accordingly. One of our native brethren, Evangelist Bibiano Panas, is in charge of the effort. He frequently has audiences of a thousand to twelve hundred people; and though testing truths have been presented, the tent cannot contain the throngs of people. What glorious results! May God keep His servants humble, so He can continue to use them.
Wherever we have missionaries located, and wherever our colporteurs go, good results follow. Among the Ilocanos in the north, where Pastor Hay is stationed, and where Evangelist Leon Rhoda has lately gone, a good work is being done. Encouraging words come from the large island of Panay, where Pastor Adams is in charge, as also from the island of Cebú, where Dr. Fattebert is located. "Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest."
