p. 11 | Porto Rico by Mrs. Wm. Steele

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 5, 1914

Porto Rico

By Mrs. Wm. Steele

MRS. WM. STEELE

Four years in Porto Rico! Four years of arduous labor, yet during these four years the Lord has not left us alone; we have enjoyed a multitude of blessings. He has certainly given us many victories, as well as excellent success, in the paper and book work; and while we have not gained as many converts as we could wish, we have found some real jewels, and it is evident that there are those here on this little island, as well as in all other lands, who will sign the song of the redeemed in the kingdom of God.

We have every reason to feel encouraged because he who always goes before his people is leading. We look with longing eyes toward the Promised Land, and rejoice that the promise is so soon to be fulfilled. All praise and honor to his holy name.

The week of prayer was a source of great blessing and help to all who had the privilege of attending the meetings. The readings were given in both Spanish and English, the Spanish part of the congregation being seated in one part of the room and the English in another, in order that both readings might be given at the same time. It was at first suggested that two separate meetings be held, but the Spanish element demurred, saying that, as both congregations were small, it would be better to meet at the same time, and even though the same language might not be understood by all, the same Spirit would pervade all, and we could be a source of encouragement to each other by our united testimonies.

One thing made it inconvenient for some of us, in that we were obliged to leave the meeting about as soon as the reading had terminated, in order to get the last train, thus being deprived of nearly all the social part. However, I thank God for the privilege of being able to attend at all. We live in Bayamon, and the meetings were held on the other side of the bay, in Santurce; so we had to make the trip nightly. A good spirit prevailed throughout the meetings, and all felt that we should increase our efforts during the present year, for we are one year nearer the goal than before.

Brother F. W. Morse came over from Ensenada to attend the meetings, and has continued with us until now, having taken up the canvassing work; and although he does not speak the language nor understand it, he is meeting with fairly good success. He is seventy-five years old, and he certainly deserves much credit for his strong determination to do something to advance the message. His course ought to appeal strongly to younger men. In our Sabbath schools there is a very good-natured rivalry in regard to the collection; each one is striving to excel, thereby provoking one another to "good works." We need the prayers of the brethren in the homeland; for "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."