Jamaica by H. Louie Mignott

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Jan 2, 1913

Jamaica

By H. Louie Mignott

AFTER the sixth session of the West Caribbean Conference I was asked to take up work in Jamaica. After arriving here in March, I was sent out by the conference committee to labor in the parish of Clarendon. Of recent years this parish, as well as many others in this vicinity, has suffered terribly from drought. The vegetation is withered. Rivers and ponds are dried up. Men, as well as herds of cattle, are perplexed, because in many places there is neither water nor pasture. The situation is grave. I am forcibly reminded of the terrible prophetic pictures which Inspiration presents to us of the time that is just before us, when the animal and vegetable kingdoms will suffer from the scorching rays of the sun. Isa. 42:15; Rev. 16:8, 9; Joel 1:17-20.

It is going from mouth to mouth throughout this parish that Seventh-day Adventists are the cause of the drought, because they will not keep Sunday, but labor on that day. One evening, while on my way to prayer-meeting, I met three persons quarreling about the dry weather. They told me that our people were the cause of the drought, because they were working on Sunday.

I have had the pleasure of lecturing at different places to large audiences on

the judgment, the second advent of Christ, the signs of the times, and also explaining to them from the Word of God the cause of the drought. These lectures have greatly impressed the minds of the hearers, who go away feeling better and thinking differently. Recently there have been falling in upper and middle Clarendon very heavy showers, and vegetation has resumed its normal functions, and there is general rejoicing.

From a human viewpoint, this is supposed to be a very hard field, but from the Lord's, it is not. For he declares: "Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?" Jer. 32:27. If we trust him to work in us and for us, no place can be hard for us.

My work here is of a twofold nature, — laboring among the churches, and working on the unfinished church buildings to bring them to completion. There were five such buildings, but since coming here we have been able to finish one, which was dedicated on August 4. Elder D. E. Wellman, president of our conference, who was present, gave a most stirring and heartfelt discourse to a crowded house, who listened with rapt attention. The night after, he gave a very profitable and instructive stereopticon lecture on our denominational work throughout the world, which enabled the audience to see the work in which we are actively engaged. This building cost seventy-three pounds, being dedicated free from debt. Plans have been laid for the speedy finishing of the four other buildings.

The spiritual side of the work is advancing. The outlook is very encouraging. I am of good courage in the Lord, and enjoy my work here. To the Lord be the honor, praise, and glory.

H. LOUIE MIGNOTT.