"To Every Tribe and Nation"
By F. A. Detamore
OUR first tent effort in Singapore was held September 9 to October 15, 1913, with a good attendance from the first. We found it difficult to secure a place for the tent, but at last a man gave us the use of his property free of charge. Our congregations were composed of Europeans, Eurasians, Chinese, Japanese, Tamils, Jews, and others. All gave earnest attention to the preaching of the Word, some becoming very much interested. Since taking down the tent, we have been holding meetings four times a week in the church, and some who attended the tent meetings have come to these services, but the attendance is smaller. Especially among the Chinese has a good interest been aroused, and each week many come for private Bible studies, which are given through an interpreter. A number have begun to keep the Sabbath, and we hope they will develop into substantial members. It is inspiring to behold the faces of heathen men as they learn the simple story of redemption and the love of God, and grasp the promises of the Bible, by faith making them their own. The great lines of prophecy serve to establish their faith in the Bible. So many events that have been foretold have already come to pass, just as predicted, that they can but feel confident that what still remains will also be fulfilled. They learn that God tells things before they take place; men record them afterward; but idols and images can do neither. They take great interest in reviewing past lessons and telling what they can remember of them. They commit to memory the names of the Bible kingdoms, tell what was created each day of the first week, relate the order of events in connection with the second coming of Christ and the millennium, describe the beauties of the new earth, learn the Ten Commandments, and many other important things. It is genuine pleasure to teach such people. How glad I am for the privilege! Often do I thank God that I have a part in this glorious work, and I want to be in the kingdom to see these dear people enjoy the bliss of eternity. A recent letter from Brother Immanuel Sireagar, a native of Battakland, who is the only Seventh-day Adventist in that part of Sumatra, tells of the interest among his people, and he pleads that help be given to spread the truth there. Many come from far and near to ask about the truth. Quite a number are keeping the Sabbath, and have given up their bad habits of eating and drinking. We feel very much the need of several more workers. Brother Judge expects to leave for Australia soon, as he feels that he can not with safety keep his wife in Sumatra longer at present. This will leave only a lone native worker in all that island if we do not get recruits before that time; and Padang, where Brother Judge is now laboring alone, will be without a worker. Also we need a man for the school work here in Singapore very much, as many of our young people are attending Catholic schools. For these two men, we do not cease to pray, and we ask our fellow laborers to join us in this prayer. F. A. DETAMORE.