Progress in Haiti

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 29, 1914

Progress in Haiti

Brother Albert F. Prieger, who is in charge of the work in the Haitian Mission field, writes as follows concerning the progress of the work on the island of Haiti:—

“We have now been here over a year, and have not seen another white Seventh-day Adventist since landing, and in fact, very few white people at all. Our believers are all natives, but we are really proud of them. They are poor, but full of courage to finish the work. The following figures will give an idea of what is being done. Last year we had 4 churches, with 146 members; 7 companies, with 57 members; and 1 church building. This year we have 8 churches, with 245 members; 7 companies, with 52 members; 3 church buildings and 6 lots. You can see by this that the work here is not standing still.

“Last year we had no canvassers. This year we have thirteen,—six young men and seven young women. As I could not speak the French, I gave them the best instruction I could through an interpreter. Our sales thus far for the year amount to $550.03. They have sold mostly tracts and small books. I never before saw colporteurs stick to their work as nobly as do these. All the work has to be done on foot, traveling over hills and mountains, and through streams and valleys. In the president’s palace they sold fourteen books and over one dollar’s worth of tracts.

“We also have nine Missionary Volunteer Societies and thirteen Sabbath schools, of which my wife has charge.

“Our greatest need at the present time is a good French-speaking field agent,—one who can give these brethren the proper instruction, one who has had a real experience in the work, and is not afraid to labor for the colored man. He should be able to show these brethren how to do the work, and also to instruct our sisters in selling literature.

“In a little while Haiti will have workers to send to other places where French is spoken,—to Madagascar, Algiers, Martinique, Guadeloupe, etc. I sincerely hope that a young man may be found who knows the French language, and is willing to take up the work here where the need is so great.”