Some Needs of the Mexican Field by M. Davis Smith

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 4, 1913

Some Needs of the Mexican Field

By M. Davis Smith

M. DAVIS SMITH

MEXICO is just as needy as any heathen country, and if there is any difference, it seems to us the Mexican field is the most needy. There are several reasons for making this statement, and I shall endeavor to mention a few of them.

Mexico is very religious, and there are to be seen churches in abundance in every city, in the villages, and in the country. These churches serve to make the large majority of the people satisfied. They also serve another purpose, they make the people prejudiced against all Protestant evangelization, as well as demoralize their adherents.

Another very potent reason is that the people do not realize their need as they do in heathen countries, as, for example, in China and Korea.

The large majority of the people in Mexico are ignorant of the common things of life, such things as serve to make most people happy. They know little or nothing about sanitary rules; such as, caring for the body, how to keep clean, and what to do in ordinary ailments. Hence the great need for schools and sanitariums is at once manifest, in order that the people may be taught these things and at the same time hear the glad tidings of Jesus and his love.

While there are many churches and many so-called ministers of the gospel, the people know nothing of the joy of sins forgiven through the blood of our dear Redeemer. They are not allowed to read the Bible, or even to own one, nor are they taught its precepts by their spiritual advisers.

The great majority of the people do not know how to provide themselves with even the ordinary comforts of life. They do not know how to use the land to make it produce for them. It is a fact that they have but little land to use, but they could have it if they did not drink up all they earn. Mexico needs several of our God-fearing farmers with a few thousand dollars to come down here and buy homes, and form a small company around them, have a school, teach, live, and act the principles of the gospel, as well as to show how a living can be made from the land.

Mexico needs at least one modest sanitarium, centrally located, to train our converts how to live healthfully; also to train some of the young people to be intelligent nurses, so that they can go into the homes of their own people, and not only carry the gospel to the people, but teach them the way to live. In many cities treatment-rooms could be established, and the workers could make great headway in breaking down prejudice, giving the people the gospel and leading them out of darkness.

In connection with the sanitarium, or perhaps in some other place, there should be established an academy to teach at least ten grades. This is greatly needed; for if our people ought to have schools in the United States, it is surely manifest that they need them here more. Mexico also needs church-school teachers by the score, that wherever there is a church or company of believers the children may be trained in the narrow way, and get started right on the road of life.

Mexico could use many ministers, for there are hundreds of places open for the word to be preached and lived by our noble band of ministers. Bible workers, of course, are needed in connection with ministerial work. Last, but not least, consecrated, energetic colporteurs should be making their way toward Mexico, to literally sow the republic with the printed page. Who will respond to these most urgent calls?

Tacubaya, D. F., Mexico.