Mexico by G. W. Caviness

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Aug 22, 1912

Mexico

By G. W. Caviness

G. W. CAVINESS

PERHAPS a few words with reference to our work in Mexico will be of interest to our brethren. As all are aware, we have been passing through a revolution. Many things have been published in the United States, some of which were very much exaggerated if not entirely without foundation. However, there has been trouble in the north especially, and also in a lesser degree in the southern part of the country, but none of our workers or brethren have suffered because of it, unless it be the few believers who were in Santa Barbara, in the state of Chihuahua, and from whom we have as yet received no word.

SHANGANI MISSION HOUSE, AN OUT-SCHOOL OF SOMABULA

The brethren of the company in Yxtaltepec were arrested one Sabbath morning at the close of their meeting, taken to jail, held for two hours, and then released. Some of the brethren left Gomez Palacio and Torreon when it looked as if they would be the seat of war for a time. But the work is moving on in that part, and six candidates are waiting baptism in Torreon.

Most of our canvassers were in Yucatan and Oaxaca, in the hot lands, when the unrest and excitement reached its highest point. Warm weather was coming on, and they expected to return to the table-lands anyway; so we wrote them to come into the city of Mexico.

On account of the unsettled condition, the canvassers found it somewhat difficult to sell the larger and more costly books, so it was decided to put them all on the papers. They went right into the Center, the business part of the city of Mexico, and began work with splendid success, considering the circumstances. Hundreds of subscriptions were taken for our three papers. At the present time the work is still going on, and the greater part of the city has been canvassed for them.

Last year the canvassers seemed to think it necessary, in order to avoid calling attention directly to religious matters, to have a health paper with which to introduce themselves; but this year the religious paper in its new form is the one that sells the most readily, and many of the subscribers choose it in preference to the others. It has been amply demonstrated that our religious papers, as well as books, can be sold to all classes.

Brother Otto Schulz had planned a trip up the west coast, and was starting on his journey. I wrote him that perhaps he would better come back and not venture into that part of the country. He replied that he felt that the Lord could and would protect him, and he thought it best to continue his journey as planned. He has been at work in the states of Sonora and Sinaloa and the territory of Lower California. He has experienced no difficulty except on one occasion. A drunken federal soldier was going to shoot him for a rebel, but, of course, did not when he found out who he was. He has had splendid success, and is still in that part of the country.

We told all the workers if they thought best to leave Mexico, we would furnish them the means; but none of them seemed desirous of leaving. There has been a great deal published about Americans arming themselves, but I am glad to say that so far as I know, none of our workers ever thought of resorting to firearms for defense.

In the midst of the difficulties a goodly company has been raised up in Monterey, and now await baptism. In other parts also the work is onward, so that perhaps the evangelistic work will show as much advance this year as in any previous year. If we had the workers which our field demands, we could report much greater advance. It is pitiful when we compare the few laborers we have with the great field of fifteen million people who must have the message—one ordained minister, and he tied down with publishing work; one Mexican, one Spanish, and two American licentiates to look after fifteen companies scattered from one end of the country to the other,

besides endeavoring to do something for new interests which are springing up.

On account of the conditions of the country, we have not ventured to press our claims for more workers to come to this field, but now that the revolution is losing out and conditions becoming more normal, we earnestly implore that help be sent us in the near future. We expect soon to visit some of our companies, and will then give additional reports, and perhaps make some definite requests. Meanwhile, we ask our brethren to remember Mexico and her needs with their resources and their prayers.