The Missionary by A. G. DANIELLS

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Dec 1, 1887

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 13, No. 46.

The Missionary.

By A. G. DANIELLS

NEW ZEALAND.

It lacks but a few days of being one year since we arrived in this colony. We can but praise God for the help he has given us in the work we have tried to do. We were entire strangers to every person in the colony, as well as to the customs and ways of the people. Here many people naturally look with distrust upon those who hail from America. The crosses connected with our message, added to these things, are calculated to make us rather unwelcome visitors. Yet with all this, greater prosperity has seemed to attend us than we dared to hope for.

The greater share of the time has been spent in Auckland. As before reported, we began tent-meetings here the 1st of January, and continued them without any interruption until the 1st of May. During the time fifty-five persons began the observance of the Sabbath. As soon as the tent was taken down, we began to build a church edifice, which has been completed and in use some months.

Since the tent was taken down a few have turned back to the world, but others have come in and joined us. Sabbath, October 15, we met for the purpose of organizing a church. Sixty-seven presented themselves for membership. Five who were members of our church in other places were taken for a nucleus, and the remainder were admitted one by one by vote. The Lord came very near by his Spirit, and blessed us. Many had been very desirous of baptism and organization for a long time. Forty-nine were buried with their Lord in baptism. Since the organization five have been admitted, so that we now have seventy-two on the roll.

We do not put trust in numbers, but it is cheering to see so many walking in the light of God’s truth. We believe there are many more in this city who will yet unite with us. For this purpose we have decided to hold a short series of meetings in another part of the city. After that we shall probably go south, where there is much to do, and where the way seems open for us. There is no railroad connection between this part of the island and the south, so that when we get south we shall not be able to bring the tent back very soon.

We feel greatly encouraged about the work here. The brethren and sisters love the truth, and seem willing to do all they can to advance the same. Nearly all are paying tithe, which will, we trust, make the cause self-supporting from this on. We are anxious to learn of the steps taken by the General Conference now in session. We also hope for another laborer.

The Kaeo church are of good courage. We go there to-night to spend a short time, after which, the Lord willing, we shall return and pitch the tent.

It has been very cheering to know that our people in America have been interested in the work in this colony, and that many prayers have been offered for us. I hope those who read this will still remember us. We cannot cease our efforts. There is much to be done and but a short time in which to do it. A. G. DANIELLS.