Mexico by G. W. Caviness

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

Mexico

By G. W. Caviness

G. W. CAVINESS

It is a great pleasure to report that the work is onward in this country in spite of the difficulties and dangers accompanying the revolution. In the city of Mexico we have had three baptisms, with eleven candidates in all, since the first of last July; and others are expecting to be baptized soon. From seven of our churches and companies come calls for baptism, there being from three to ten in each place, or thirty-three in all; and there are other churches from which we have not heard.

Our colporteurs continue to have success with both books and papers. Brother Martin, with two Mexican colporteurs, was in Tampico when that place was attacked by the revolutionists. One young man went to San Luis Potosi for a few days, while Brother Martin and the other man went aboard the American warship "Rhode Island" and spent four days. They then disembarked, and continued their work with success. The city of Vera Cruz is now quite lively, a number of war vessels of various nations being in the bay. These have to buy provisions, so money is more plentiful than in other places. And, too, it gets quite hot there in the summer, so that now is the best time to work the place. In case of difficulty, boats are on hand to give refuge to the colporteurs. For these reasons the canvassers will probably go next to this port.

Brother Green is on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, working with books. His success is simply wonderful. He has taken over two hundred pesos' worth in one day. He writes that the country there is ripe for the evangelical worker. We ought to have a worker or two for that part of the field soon.

Our brethren are poor and conditions are bad, yet the tithe of last year was one fourth more than for the year before. The Sabbath school donations were nearly doubled, and the offerings were considerably increased. Our brethren have been protected so far, even in those places that have been attacked. We have not heard from Monterey for about six weeks, and from Torreon word has reached us but once in about a year. When last heard from, our brethren were all safe in these places. We trust that the same providence is still with them.

The financial condition of the government is getting worse and worse. Payment of interest on the national debt has been suspended, three months' vacation for the banks has been decreed,—that is, they cannot be compelled to pay large sums during this time, just small sums as they see fit to keep business going,—and even the post office pays only a small part of post-office orders, offering stamps for the remainder. It looks as if conditions would soon be impossible.

We still believe that there is a Power which can and will arrange matters so that the Lord's work shall not be hindered nor stopped entirely, and we earnestly ask that our brethren everywhere remember the work and workers in this country in their prayers.

Mexico City.