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Bahama Islands

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 23, 1914

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 91, No. 17.

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Bahama Islands

By Jas. H. Smith

We are told by Solomon that "a good report maketh the bones fat." It has been said, too, that the financial condition of a church is a good index of its spiritual condition, and as we feel that the financial report of this mission field is a good one, we pass it along to gladden the hearts of the REVIEW.
In this field we have but one church. Most of its nineteen members are fully established in all points of the faith. They love the third angel's message, and desire above all things else to see it go to all the world. This is shown by their faithfulness in tithing, and by their liberal offerings. While they are poor in this world's goods, they are laying up treasure in heaven.
A reference to the church treasurer's books shows the following: Tithe for 1913, $656.61; Sabbath school offerings, $409.09; Annual Offering, $24.60; Harvest Ingathering, $26.13; amount contributed to church expense, $168.58; emergency fund, $34.10.
In addition to this, the little company has taken upon itself the burden of erecting a house of worship, which will be finished in April. This property is valued at $1,350. We have almost enough to complete the building, and hope to dedicate it free from debt.
As a result of the efforts of the past few months, several are keeping the Sabbath and becoming obedient to the other points of the faith as they learn them. These we hope to be able to receive into church fellowship soon.
In connection with our work here in Nassau, we are holding three meetings a week in Adelaide, a small settlement fourteen miles distant, on the opposite side of the island. The natives are very friendly and show great appreciation of the meetings. They are charcoal burners, and live in the most primitive manner. Very few can read or write. But as this "gospel of the kingdom" must go to all the world, it is due to them.
The Lord blesses us with health, and we find great enjoyment in his work. JAS. H. SMITH.