Work in Mexico by J. F. Blunt

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 2, 1910

Work in Mexico

By J. F. Blunt

J. F. BLUNT

LEAVING our people in the City of Mexico, after the return of Elder G. W. Caviness, we came to Torreon, where we found a few friends, already believers in the message. They were prompt to co-operate with us, and, building benches, platform, pulpit, and other mission facilities, we were soon engaged actively in the work. From the beginning some came to hear the truth, though we have never had an attendance of more than forty-five at one time in this city of perhaps thirty-five thousand people. Twenty persons have signified their acceptance of the Sabbath and other distinctive truths, and some are now waiting for baptism.

I organized a little society for the children. This has grown till we have an enrolment of thirty-four, some coming from Catholic families. It would please you to hear their Scripture recitations; some have several chapters and a number of psalms at their command, while all repeat the ten commandments, the Lord's prayer, and other selections from the Sacred Writings. They readily lead in prayer, even pronouncing the benediction at the close of the service, as requested. Moreover, such exercises have made them willing participants in the prayer- and testimony-meetings of the entire company. Sometimes four or five children will offer prayer, and all

present will testify, in the meetings of their elders.

Our little initiation ceremony pleases them very much. As all Christians are supposed to be fishers of men, we have sought to induce them to bring in new members to their society. When such members are obtained, the child on whose invitation they have been secured, stands beside them in front of the little audience, and I hang a wooden fish around his neck, to indicate his success in getting another “fish.” All the children then file past to shake hands with the new members, and extend to them a cordial welcome to the society. Then all kneel, while some one asks God's blessing on the new members, on the society as a whole, and on the gospel in its progress in all lands. The singing is very good, and I have taken much interest in this branch of the work.

We have also held some meetings at Gomez Palacio, across the river. Soon after coming here, we met a Dr. Sanchez-Ramos, a cultured and educated gentleman, who was conducting a mission there in connection with his medical practise. For years he has combined the two kinds of employment with success. At first he was opposed to our special truths, but now gives ready assent to the Scriptural foundation of our message, and himself speaks in support of the commandments and other salient truths held by us. He has four other companies near by, and we hope he may himself fully accept the truth, and devote himself to its presentation. His wife is a woman of culture; and his central mission, all fitted up, affords a fine basis for future work. We have reported this opening to the leaders of our work here, and they will probably follow up the interest when we leave.

Mexico is wide open for the gospel. The people are very liberally inclined, the attitude of the government is unmistakably favorable, and the faithful presentation of the gospel will result in many converts. It is no place for those who can do nothing at home; but effective workers, already having some knowledge of Spanish, or capable of acquiring it quickly, can do effective work. Ignorance, poverty, and fanaticism abound; but there are grains of gold in the sand, and out of the filth and superstition of Mexico may be gathered many gems.

Tacubaya, Mexico.