p. 15 | Work for Colored People in El Paso

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 25, 1914

Work for Colored People in El Paso

By Methuselah Jones

IN the fall of 1912, we were separated from the North Texas Conference to take up work in the New Mexico Conference, with the city of El Paso for our starting point. This is largely a Mexican city, as the majority of its population is made up of that race, the colored people coming last numerically. They are here because of advantage in labor; and when this object fails, then there is an exodus, which is often seen.

Through the effort put forth by the white brethren to reach their own race with the closing gospel message, a few of the colored people had their attention called to the important question, and as a result we found on our arrival here two sisters keeping the Sabbath. We labored that these and others might be led to accept all points of our faith. The Lord blessed our efforts, and today eleven are rejoicing in "the blessed hope" of the Lord's return.

Situated on the very border of the Mexican Republic, which has Roman Catholicism for its national religion, El Paso has no small tincture of the evils which follow in the wake of this system. This adds incalculable difficulty to the work of warning and preparing a people for the day of the Lord's coming.

Circumstances are still pressing multitudes into this already overcrowded center, adding greatly to the complexity of the conditions already existing here. Because the homes of our people are rented instead of owned, fears are at times expressed for the future safety of our little company. The refugees from the war zone, anxious to find a place of safety, purchase and rent at prices disadvantageous to our people, and this is causing us a continual change of location. Our mind is bent, however, not only on holding our ground, but on gaining some footing—enough to erect a standing and permanent memorial which will help to show forth the praise of the Creator, and to establish confidence in and give prestige to our work.

Our total sum of money raised during the year ending March 31, 1914, was $205.85—tithe $142.32, and offerings $63.53. This small beginning, as prompted by the Spirit and met with a response from cheerful hearts, is meritorious and praiseworthy. We believe that, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, the rising tide will press the honest-hearted into the path of obedience and duty. METHUSELAH JONES.