Philippine Islands by L. V. Finster

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 23, 1911

Philippine Islands

By L. V. Finster

SUNDAY, September 3, was another happy day for the little church here in Manila. Early in the morning we all went to the sea, where eighteen dear souls were baptized, and we trust arose to live a new life. Some of these are aged people who have lived more than their threescore and ten years. It takes

much courage to be born again and to break away from lifelong customs, at such an age. All, men and women, use tobacco and chew betel-nut from earliest youth, and nothing but the power of God can break this custom and set them free. But the gospel is that power of God which works the same upon the Filipino as upon the American, if the heart will submit.

Our number has grown so large that we shall soon have to build a place of worship, for all can not get into our room at the mission home.

Our native helpers have proved themselves of great assistance in the work. They know the customs of the people, and can get among them much better than a foreigner.

We attended a native funeral yesterday. The relatives of the deceased all gather as soon as the death occurs, and the family must furnish a feast for two days. They spend the time in discussing the good and bad deeds of the deceased. They generally have a band playing most of the time. Just before the burial, I was asked to preach to the people. After I had done so, they began the service of taking the body from the room, and then the wailing began. I can still hear those awful groans and wails ringing in my ears. Death is a dreaded enemy to all nationalities alike; but soon the glad morning will come when there shall be no more death.

L. V. FINSTER.