Norfolk Island by A. H. Ferris

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · May 9, 1912

Norfolk Island

By A. H. Ferris

WE have been encouraged and stimulated by the visit of Brother and Sister C. H. Parker, who were followed on the next boat by Brother and Sister S. W. Carr. Our little company here had been in expectancy for a long while, and gladly welcomed the visitors. We have had quite a good attendance on Sunday nights to hear Brother Parker; and on Sabbaths his direct appeals to the members of the church have had a good effect. The Spirit of the Lord has drawn graciously near to us, and on the occasion of Brother Sidney Nobbs's ordination as deacon, quite a good impression was made throughout the entire island, many expressing themselves as desirous of attaining higher ground.

We have been busy holding cottage meetings in the different homes, several new homes being opened to us. We are also holding meetings in a hall, which are well attended. We pray that the Lord will bless the efforts put forth, and that precious souls will be added to his commandment-keeping people.

Our young people's working class is still progressing, quite a number coming to learn painting, etc., in aid of missions. We have studies on present truth with these young people, and trust that the seed sown may yet have good effect.

Our cooking class is still attended by the prominent women of the island. We give health lectures on these occasions, which are well received. Brother Carr will help in this while he remains here.

Our children have quite interesting meetings on Sunday afternoons, reporting their weekly missionary work, such as tract distribution, visits, Christian Help work. We endeavor to teach them Bible principles in Bible-story form, encouraging them to discuss the story.

The weather has been dry, and the mission live stock has suffered somewhat. Our water-supply became almost exhausted, but good rains have fallen, freshening up the grass, and filling our

tanks. We thank the Lord for answering our prayers.

There is much sickness on the island. Two members of our church are seriously ill. Brother Carr is in demand, and quite busy giving treatments.

The work on Lord Howe Island is hopeful. I visited there in December, and had a number of meetings and studies, and left a good interest. I am returning again now, to try further to develop the interest. I ask your prayers on behalf of this work.

On board the "Makambo" on Sunday evening I secured the captain's permission to hold a meeting in the saloon. Quite a number came together. The Lord helped me, and a good interest was manifested as I gave a study on the history of the world in prophecy, hanging my charts on the port-hole curtains. Several expressed themselves as seeing something that they had never seen before, and I am sure the impression was good.

I had opportunity to distribute literature the next day. May God bless all our workers, and water the seed sown. We are all well and of good courage.

A. H. FERRIS.