p. 18 | Canary Islands by Bert B. Aldrice

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

Canary Islands

By Bert B. Aldrice

WE are glad to report that a beginning is being made here. At the first we were able to circulate a large number of health tracts here in Laguna, besides getting a number of subscriptions for Life and Health. After we had received and studied thoroughly the prospectus of "Salud y Hogar" (Spanish "Home and Health"), and after much praying for the guidance and help of the Holy Spirit, we decided that it would be best to first visit the capital, Santa Cruz. We believe that this book will be used of God in pioneering the message here as it has done in other Spanish fields.

The American consul kindly gave me a letter of introduction to the governor of the province, recommending me as an American missionary, stating that favors granted me would be appreciated by him. Accordingly, I first visited this gentleman, who received me very courteously, and after hastily glancing over the prospectus, stated that he had one in English at his home in Seville. He also said that he considered it a very good book for the home, and one much needed here in the Canaries. The result was that I was given permission to circulate it through the province, and was not obliged to purchase a license, as I had feared.

My first work was with the business men of the city. The canvass was necessarily very brief, but the Lord gave me good success in taking their orders. As I left the business center of the town and entered the more residential section, it was somewhat more difficult to get the attention of the people, as a servant invariably came to the door. After stating that I was there on business of importance, I was usually admitted to see the gentleman or lady of the house, when I introduced myself, handing them the prospectus as I did so, and giving them a canvass of the book.

The Lord has greatly blessed in obtaining orders for this book in Santa Cruz and Laguna to the number of 454. In many portions of the city the poverty, as well as the illiteracy, is very great. In many places where we could not sell the book, I was able to leave the health tract with them. The book, however, met with general acceptance among all classes, both rich and poor. The list of subscribers shows the names of the mayor, city and government officials, business men, lawyers, teachers, Catholic priests, etc.

In several instances the Lord has opened the way for interesting conversations on lines of present truth. One day while canvassing in Santa Cruz, I met a family who were very poor but respectable. They were not able to order the book, but seemed eager to examine it, stating that they should like to have it. They were very frank in their manner and seemed quite eager to learn. The Lord opened the way for an interesting conversation with them concerning the original diet given to man and the Bible reasons for it. As the Bible was mentioned, their interest seemed to increase. I asked them if they read the Bible, and they said that they had never seen it. I asked them if they should not like to have one and study the truths that it contained. They said they were not religious according to the church, but that they were Christians and wished to learn the truth. This was an experience which was refreshing to my soul.

Most of the people readily received their books, thanking us for them. Altogether, in four days we were able to deliver in Santa Cruz about $130 worth of books. More will be delivered, which will bring the total value up to over $150.

While canvassing in Laguna, it was my privilege to find some shoemakers who had a Bible and who were reading it and whose minds the Lord has apparently opened for the truth. I talked with them and read their Bible to them while they worked. They seemed glad to listen. I shall visit them weekly and explain the Word to them. We praise God for these experiences. Truly God's hand is in this work and he will cut it short in the earth.

BERT B. ALDRICE.