A YEAR OF PROGRESS IN THE INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION * BY GLENN CALKINS, President I T SEEMS but yesterday that we last met in this room as a Division Committee in annual session, to study the needs of our work; yet twelve months have come and gone, and during that time literally thousands of people within our boundaries have decided their eternal destiny. Many have chosen eter- nal life, while many others have made the decision which will mean death everlasting; but the great majority are still living in their sins, untouched and unwarned by this message. Have we, as leaders in this great mission field, done all that we could to warn these precious souls? Were the plans laid one year ago wise plans, and were they efficiently car- ried out? Do we need more plans, larger plans, to which we can bend our human efforts? Is it more workers, more budgets, or more institu- tions that we need? Or is it more faith in God, and more of His all-conquering power for the finishing of the work here in Inter-America? Having raised these questions, I wish to leave them with you for a few minutes, while I tell you briefly of the marvelous way in which God has worked, and of the many glorious victories that have been gained. PERSONAL GREETINGS AND COMMENTS But first I should like once more to ex- tend a warm welcome and a brotherly hand- " We regret that limited space does not permit the presentation of full reports as given at the time of the annual meeting of the Division Committee; but we expect to pass on to the constituency through the pages of our Division publications, just as much as pos- sible of the inspiration and information that came to the group as- sembled in Havana, Cuba, in late November and early December of 1944.—Ed. clasp to all of our brethren and sisters who have gathered here this morning. We are glad that so many can be present. And we thank God that He has spared your lives since last you were here. This is the fourth visit of Elder Branson to Cuba. His timely visits and coun- sel are greatly appreciated. I believe this is Elder Cormack's first visit to Inter-America; and, Brother Cormack, we certainly are happy that you can be with us for a time. Elder Blunden is no newcomer to this field, for he labored as superintendent of the Antillian Union for some years. We are happy to wel- come you home, Brother Blunden. Elder Rice was to have been with us at our budget meeting a year ago, but at the last minute he was un- avoidably detained. We are happy that he can be with us this year. Elder Rice, we extend to you a most hearty welcome to the Inter-Ameri- can Division. We appreciate the visits you have already made in Mexico and Central America, and are glad you can join us at this annual gathering of the Division Committee. I thank God that He has brought all the regular members of our Division Committee safely here once more, and that He has kept you and your workers, with but one exception, from serious sickness or accident during the past year. This one exception is the untimely death of our dear Brother Laurence Breitigam, who lost his life as the result of an accident during a bus trip near Mexico City. We do not understand why he was taken; but we do DIVISION COUNCIL AND THIRD QUARTER STATISTICS AT OCEAN UN1TeD STATUS PACIFIC OCEAN VoL. XXII � HAVANA, CUBA, MARCH 1945 � No. 3 2 � INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION MES not question God's ways. Brother Breiti- gam was a good man; earnest, devoted, lovable, and a real Christian gentleman. We shall miss him greatly. Our sym- pathies extend to his loved ones who are called to mourn their loss. Destructive elements have swept through portions of our field during the past year, leaving a trail of desolation and death; and while considerable dam- age has resulted to denominational property, and to the personal possessions of some of our believers, as far as we know, no lives have been lost among our people. For this we praise God. Several additions to the Division staff have been welcomed to the headquar- ters family this year; namely, Miss Ruth Conard, Miss Gladys Miller, and Broth- er and Sister Alvin J. Stewart. These new workers, together with the other members of our office staff, combine to make up as fine and efficient a body of workers as can be found anywhere. And what I say of our Division staff, can be said also of our office workers all through the field. My daily prayer is that God will bless each of them, and make their work fruitful in His cause. I am grateful for the privilege of labor- ing with such a devoted group of work- ers, and of having a part with them in the finishing of the great task to which God has assigned us. Appreciation of Funds Provided I feel that as a committee we should once more express to the General Con- ference, and through them, to the con- ferences and to our people in the home- land our appreciation of the provision made at the time of the recent Autumn Council for the carrying forward of the work in Inter-America. Again this year, well over half a million dollars was appropriated to the work in this Divi- sion. This, together with the funds that will be raised within the field, will give us close to one and a quarter million dollars with which to carry forward our work during 1945. The day may come, and it may come sooner than some anticipate, when our budgets will be greatly reduced, or pos- sibly even cut off entirely. Then we shall have to depend upon our own re- sources, and especially upon the power of the Spirit of God in carrying forward the work. I believe we need to learn some lessons today, of simple faith in God for the finishing of the work. I am convinced that we are on the threshold of the greatest forward movement in our history; and while it is true that we baptizd nearly 5,500 persons in Inter-America during 1943, yet, breth- ren, with the soul-gripping message that we preach, it should have been several times that number. A Few Comparisons According to the figures presented at the time of the Autumn Council in Cleveland, Ohio, the Inter-American Division had a baptized church mem- bership of 47,473 at the close of 1943. This is larger by nearly 3,000, than the membership of any of the other over- seas divisions, the next largest being the Southern African Division, with a membership of 44,527. The next, Central Europe, has a membership of 42,387; and the next largest, South America, has 37,474. The next, the Far Eastern Division, has a membership of 35,015; and so on down the list. We have nearly one quarter as many baptized church members as there are in all the North American Division, which includes the United States and Canada. If we had had 649 more as a net gain in church membership during 1943, we would have equaled the net gain of the entire North American Division. In North America there are 4,093 evangelistic workers listed; and 6,892 institutional workers; or a total of 10,985. We have less than one-tenth of that number in Inter- America. In the North American Division there are many medical institutions, schools, colleges, and publishing houses. We have very few of such facilities in our field; yet God has given us these thousands of precious souls, with a net gain in membership of 3,247, which, as I have already stated, lacks only 649 of equal- ing the net gain of North America. For this excellent increase we give glory to God. At the close of the second quarter of 1944,—the latest figures we have avail- able,—we had a baptized church mem- bership of 48,465. We can reasonably expect that the normal gain in member- ship during the last two quarters of 1944 will bring our total for the Divi- sion, by the close of this year, to at least 50,000 baptized church members. It is interesting to notice in passing, that a new church or company was or- ganized in the Inter-American Division on an average of one every 3.7 days. This has been accomplished under the blessing of Gad, with but 140 ordained ministers and 91 licensed ministers in the twenty-three different countries that make up the Division. We should pay tribute in this connec- tion to the great army of lay preachers SENGER � March 1945 that have been developed in most of the unions within the Division; for it is largely through their faithful efforts that such encouraging gains have been recorded. I am more convinced year by year, that the ministry can use its time and effort to the best advantage by training qualified laymen in the church- es, and then organizing them into evan- gelistic companies, giving them help and counsel in methods of conducting their public meetings; and then examining, baptizing, and organizing the fruitage of these many small lay evangelistic ef- forts into new churches and companies. Broader Vision Needed If we really would catch the vision that God has for us, of the possibilities of these thousands of earnest, conse- crated laymen, I am sure that we would put greater emphasis upon this phase of missionary work than we are placing upon it at the present time. "The work of God in this earth can never be finished until the men and women comprising our church member- ship rally to the work, and unite their efforts with those of ministers and church officers."—Testimonies, Vol. 9, p. 117. "In the future, men in the common walks of life will be impressed by the Spirit of the Lord, to leave their or- dinary employment, and go forth to proclaim the last message of mercy. As rapidly as possible they are to be pre- pared for labor."—Testimonies, Vol. 7, p. 27. "Neither great talents nor high posi- tion is required. But there is urgent need of men and women who are ac- quainted with Jesus, and familiar with the story of His life and death."—Life Sketches, p. 274. Today we have fully 1,000 preachers in the Division, and still more are being trained. As a result of their faithfulness in preaching the word, at least half, if not more of the candidates for baptism last year, were prepared for church membership; and many are the stories coming to us of the fruitage of lay evangelism. Here is just one of them: An influential young merchant living in the city of Hermosillo, Mexico, owned a large wholesale dry goods business. Some two or three years ago he was taken seriously ill with a heart difficulty, and was given up to die by five promi- nent physicians. Then one of our faith- ful lay workers came in touch with him, opened the word of God before him, and finally, in the simple faith of a child, prayed that the man might be March 1945 � INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION MESSENGER � 3 restored physically. The prayer was answered, and the man was miraculous- ly healed. Soon afterward he made his decision to keep the Sabbath. He was warned by his business associates that his business would suffer; but in spite of all obstacles he took a firm stand, and closed his place of business on the Sab- bath. He himself became active in the spread of the truth that had come to him. His business grew and prospered; and at his own expense he now finances a small group of workers to accompany him as he makes three pilgrimages each year into the surrounding cities and towns, holding evangelistic efforts. He is often away from home many weeks at a time. during which time his busi- ness is left to the management of others. His automobile is provided with a loud speaker, an electric generator for producing lights with which to show pictures and hold out-door meetings. and other facilities. He recently com- pleted an effort at which there was an average attendance of more than three hundred, and as the result of one effort alone, twenty-four persons were pre- pared for baptism. This brother uses literature freely in his efforts, and identifies himself as a missionary of the Seventh-day Adventist church, though he is carrying on at his own expense. and is bringing many to a knowledge of the truth. Did we not read that the Lord has said that the work can never be finished until we train humble lay men, and unite with them in completing the task? Shall we not place greater emphasis on this phase of our work during the coming year? A great work has been done by our laymen in the Inter-American Division; but we need to broaden our vision and extend our efforts; for the Master is still in need of helpers,—consecrated, humble help- ers; men and women in whose hearts there is a burning flame of love for this message; men and women of prayer. "The Master needed helpers, and had He chosen kings They had not been sufficient for these most holy things; But He chose lowly people, met fishermen and such, And lived His life among them, and prayed, and taught them much. Though dull of comprehension, they slowly came to see What sort of occupation this kingdom task would be; He patiently persisted. and, ere He went away, They all had learned, save Judas, to preach, and teach, and pray. The Master still needs helpers, with hearts for God aglow, To learn the kingdom message, and bear it to and fro; Men of deep consecration, who will go anywhere, To preach and teach the message; but chiefly em of P111.1 or " The Annual Reports Brother Torrey .has prepared a very comprehensive report that will be most helpful and enlightening as we enter into a study of the conditions and needs of our work in Inter-America. It is most gratifying to know that the tithe and mission offerings show a splendid increase. In fact, the tithe income has more than doubled since 1940; and mis- sion offerings per capita has increased by nearly seventy-five per cent. One of the most encouraging phases of the fi- nancial report is that the mission offer- ings are increasing faster than the tithe per capita. This is a true barometer of the love of our people for this message. Brother McAdams. in his report, will tell of the progress that has been made in the distribution of literature. He and his associates have set a goal for the placing of 500 colporteurs in the field; and on August 31, 1944, this objective was nearly realized, there being 480 en- rolled as active "ministers of the printed page." These faithful workers are tramping the streets of the cities, the mountain trails, and dusty plains and the steaming jungles of Inter-America, in their service of love. I greatly honor these courageous men and women, and pray that God will keep His divine hand of protection over them. They are making deliveries of nearly $40,000.00 (U. S. currency) worth of literature each month; and we are looking forward to the time when their deliveries will amount to half a million dollars per year, The realization of that goal is not very far removed. Many are the stories that come to us of the heroism and faithfulness of our noble colpor- teurs. These stories tell, not only of the wonderful sale of truth-filled literature, but of the way in which God is blessing the colporteurs, and is giving them souls for their hire. Our educational work is showing steady and most encouraging growth under the able leadership of Elder A. H. Roth. At present we have seven training schools in the Division, operat- ing as follows: Colegio Adventista de las Antillas, at Santa Clara, Cuba; New Hope College, in Kingston, Jamaica; our Junior College in Mandeville, Jamaica; the Caribbean Training Col- lege, in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad; the Medellin Training School in Colombia; our training school in San Jose, Costa Rica; and the new training center at Montemorelos, Mexico. Land has been purchased, and plans have been laid for the starting of two new training schools this coming year,— one in Haiti, and the other in Panama; and in the meantime, our educational leaders are carrying on in spite of many handicaps. endeavoring to give essential training to the young people who are eager to prepare themselves for places of usefulness in the cause of God. In Panama City, the church school build- ing is being used at night by students of secondary school requirements, and there is an attendance of more than one hundred. The story of our educational work in Inter-America is both interesting and thrilling, for we can see the hand of God reaching out to save our young people and make them fruitful in win- ning others to the truth. Elder Amundsen will give us a brief survey of the Home Missionary Depart- ment, and of the work of our Sabbath schools. Each of these departments presents a mighty challenge to the con- stituency; for within the scope of each lie the possibilities for greatly eniarging our evangelistic returns in this Division. God is blessing our Sabbath school members as they labor on, week after week, eager and willing to do their part in spreading the gospel story. Our faith- ful Sabbath school members give, and work, and pray; and the result is a growing church. Nothing can stay the progress of the message with such a spirit in the hearts of the laity. Sabbath school members, lay evangelists, Mis- sionary Volunteers, and colporteurs, are heart and soul with us in the finishing of the work. This good spirit of missionary zeal is well exemplified in two brief quotations from recent correspondence, in which the writers express the goals that certain groups have set for themselves. The first one reads like this: "It is our aim that every door in this republic shall receive a colporteur visit during 1944." What a goal to set before the workers! The other goal is equally inspiring. It reads: "A baptism in every church, every quarter." When these two goals are reached, we shall see many, many more thousands flocking into the church. The Radio Department Elder Whitsett, our Radio Depart- ment secretary, will bring the full report of the activities of that branch of the work. Suffice it to say here, that there are many thousands of persons now en- rolled in the Bible School of the Air,-- approximately 25,000; and real victories are being reported continually. Many who could not be induced to attend public lectures. or to enter a church. are 4 � INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION MESSENGER � March 1945 hearing the stirring truths of the gospel in their own homes, by means of the radio. Perhaps this is the means that God will use for the speedy finishing of the work in all the earth. Let us con- tinue to pray for those who tune in, week by week; that, as they listen to the presentation of truth, that they may be willing to accept, and to follow the way 'of life everlasting. The British West Indies Union Mission We now have six union fields in the Inter-American Division, the newest one being the British West Indies Union Mission, of which Elder R. H. Pierson is the superintendent. For a time, after the organization of this new union, which was authorized during our last Division Council, Elder W. E. Atkin served as the superintendent, and also as the secretary-treasurer of the new union, doing faithful service in the cause he loved. We regret that due to health conditions, it has been necessary for this family to return to the homeland. We shall miss them greatly, for they have labored long and earnestly in the cause of God. But there is one thing for which we can always be grateful, and that is, that this work is not of man, but of God; and that He will see it through to completion in His own good time and way. Under the new administration of the work in the British West Indies the cause of God continues to advance; and we thank Him for the evident blessing attending- human effort. Evangelism is the watchword of leaders and laymen all through the field; and we look for great things in the future of the work all through that island territory. The island of Jamaica was visited in July, 1944, by a' tropical hurricane which did much damage. Thirty-nine of our church buildings were damaged, twenty- six of them being totally destroyed. The General Conference, from its emergency funds has made available $17,500.00 to help in the resconstruction of these buildings, and in rehabilitation. Many of our people lost their crops. and some of them lost all that they had; but their courage is good, and they are full of praise to God for mercifully sparing their lives. Our First Sanitarium Hospital Kingston, Jamaica is the location of our first Sanitarium-Hospital in the In- ter-American Division. Dr. Clifford R. Anderson and his family have recently arrived in the field to take charge of this new enterprise. Miss Ruth Munroe who will serve as the director of nursing activities will also be with us shortly; and we hope that it will not be long until Brother Gibson and his family can reach the field, to assist in the actual opening of this new institution. A very fine location has been secured in a good section of the city. where we have purchased a property consisting of three acres of land, on which some buildings are already situated, which, with a small amount of remodeling, can be adapted for use according to the needs of this hew enterprise. Doctors' offices will be located in the down-town section of the city, as well as at the hospital. It is also planned to open a clinic near the North Street Church, for the care of those who are unable to en- ter the hospital, which is located in a more rural setting. The Loma Linda Sanitarium has made a very substantial gift toward this new medical missionary institution, by the appropriation of $25,000. a part of which will be available this year. We appreciate greatly- this liberality on the part of our brethren in California. for it will mean much to the future of the medical work in the Inter-American Division. Personnel Many and varied have been the changes made in our staff of workers. Some have returned to the homeland; and we shall miss them greatly. But others have come to replace them; and while we could wish that the number of recruits had been much larger, still we are thankful to observe that we have averaged a gain of one new family per union field, all through the Division. Some have been asked to enter new fields, and take up larger responsibilities. Others have remained where they are, but have been asked to add to their burdens by undertaking the supervision of additional tasks. Some have been called to duties that were entirely new to them, and for which they had no special training. Many have been asked to undertake difficult tasks; but all have responded to the needs of the work with cheerfulness, and with willing hearts, eager to see the work of God strengthened in whatsoever capacity they have been asked to serve. This spirit of -co-operation is greatly appreciated by the leaders of the various fields as well as by the administrators of the Division; for we realize that it is only as we labor on together. in harmony as brethren, that the work can enjoy the blessing of Heaven, and can prosper in the winning of souls. I wish it were possible for me to tell you just a few of the interesting experiences that have been reported during the past year; but many of these will be brought to us in the reports that are to follow this opening session of the annual meet- ing of the Division Committee. The officers and departmental leaders have. spent very little time at headquar- ters during the past year; but have had the privilege of visiting in many parts of the field, and of studying with the union leaders the problems and the op- portunities that are confronting us. Medical Teaching Unit I am happy to tell you that the new medical teaching unit that was planned for Mexico is actually under construc- tion on the campus of the Montemore- los school in Monterrey. We have $17,000.00 on hand for this work, and another sum of $15,000.00 is in sight with which to carry forward the build- ing of this much-needed institution. A gift from the Glendale Sanitarium, in California in the amount of $15,000 has been prbvided; and the other $15,000.00 referred to is coming from a man not of our faith. Dr. Raymund° Garza, the medical secretary of the union, will have the work of this medical unit in charge. Dr. I. S. Ritchie, of California, is giving of his time and talent in helping to get this new enterprise established and operating in a strong way. General Remarks I have tried to give you a brief survey of the work all through the Division. As stated in the beginning. God has greatly blessed our efforts and we have much to thank Him for. It is true that we have had many problems to face and many perplexing situations; but in spite of all these, the work has gone forward in a most remarkable manner; and the results are nothing short of miraculous. When we think of the many baptisms, and of the many new companies that have been organized as a result of the faithfulness of our workers all through the Division, we are grateful indeed; for we realize that it is only because of the blessing of the Lord that these things have been accomplished through weak, human instrumentalities; and we give Him the glory and the honor for what has been done. - But, my brethren as we look out over these twenty-three countries, we see millions of souls still living in sin and heathen darkness! They must be warned soon-----before it is too late; for March 1945 � INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION MESSENGER � 5 their eternal destiny is at stalm. What shall we do for them? What can we do? How shall we, proceed? The answer to these questions is the burden of our leadership all through the field; and it is shared by every faithful church member in every part of the field. As we study again the questions raised in the opening lines of this report, and 'sense the responsibilities that God has placed upon the group of men gathered here in this upper room this morning. surely we must recognize that it is not more and larger plans that we need; but" a deeper consecration, a larger faith, and greater than human wisdom for the finishing of the task. It is true that we need more workers, and that we could use far greater budgets than have been provided for the coming year; but, my brethren, material things do not con- stitute our fundamental, our greatest need. What we need first of all, is a deep and sincere heart-cleansing from every trace of sin in our individual lives. We need to be ready for the out- pouring of the Holy Spirit in our per- sonal ministry. We need more faith in God, and more of His all-conquering power to direct in the use of the facili- ties and resources that we now have at our command for the finishing of the work here in the Inter-American Divi- sion. At the close of the president's report proper, and in consideration of the questions raised in the early part of the report, the following half hour was devoted to a most inspirational study, in which Elder Calkins not only re- viewed the needs of the church of God in a time like this, and pointed out the wonderful opportunities that lie before us here in this Division; but also brought to our minds many of the pre- cious promises that have been given to us through the Spirit of prophecy, upon which we may place our full weight, as we go forth to spread the saving mes- sage of truth to those who have not yet heard it. Faith is the basis of our acceptance with God. It is the daily need of every worker and layman in every church, in every country, and in every hour of ac- ceptable service in the cause of God. Faith is- the victory in the warfare against sin; in every place, and in every age. This work is not of man, but of God, and He will see it through to comple- tion. We need have no doubts nor mis- givings about God's part; but our re- lationship to Him, and our relationship to His work, should constitute our earn- est and serious concern. He has gra- ciously offered feeble man the privilege of sharing with Him in the saving of souls. What a privilege! What golden opportunities are within the reach of each individual who is fully consecrated to God for service! A most inspirational consecration ser- vice followed the devotional study by Elder Calkins; and in this the leaders from North America, and from the Division fields joined wholeheartedly. The morning service closed with special prayer for guidance in the deliberations of this annual gathering; and for divine wisdom for the task before us in this promising field. PARAGRAPHS OF SPECIAL INTEREST FROM THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SECRETARY- TREASURER BY C. L. TORREY The meeting of the Inter-American Division Committee convenes again in the midst of a world struggle so far reach- ing in its impact that it affects practically every man, woman, and child on earth in one way or another. In Europe, Russia, the Far East, Asia, and in the islands of the seven seas is heard the tread of soldiers marching to battle, while in other lands millions of young men are preparing to meet the enemy in deadly combat. Fear has welled up in many hearts as to the outcome of this devastating, world-wide conflict. Just where it will lead or when it will end, no one is able to pre- dict; but those living in the battle zones are eagerly and earnestly yearning for peace and quiet once again. And we find ourselves also praying and hoping that the conflict will end soon. Notwithstanding the perplexities which have been encoun- tered, the message moves ever onward. Souls are longing for hope and a knowledge of the deeper spiritual values of life. Especially are the people in mission lands deeply interested in the truth for this time, as was evidenced in Inter-America during 1943, when 5,299 souls were baptized and joined the remnant church in its march to the kingdom. During this same time, 5,148 Sabbath school members were added. Nine- ty-nine new churches and Sabbath schools were organizd dur- ing 1943. Think of it,—a new church or a new Sabbath school was organized at the rate of one every 3.7 days, right through the year, as compared with one every six days during the preceding year. Our hearts have' been greatly cheered as reports and let- ters have reached us from every part of the Division, telling of the remarkable progress that has attended the work during 1943, and thus far during this, the one hundredth anniversary of that momentous year of prophetic history, 1844. As our missionaries have returned from the Far East and from Asia, and have told their stories, and have testified to the loyalty and faithfulness of our national believers in the face of hunger, torture, and even death itself from invading armies, we have been reminded again and again that this truth is abundantly able to save to the uttermost, and to keep the followers of Christ steady and loyal and true in times of persecution and suffering. The love of our missionaries for those to whom they have dedicated their lives, is inspiring. These men and women, with their children, press on across the world by every means at their disposal, to reach the places of their appointment, regardless of war or famine or persecution. Even some who have been sent home on repatriation ships have already re- turned to the mission field; and still others are standing by, ready to start out again to the mission field when some means of transportation can be secured for them. Has war dampened the zeal and the ardor of the mission- ary, or destroyed the spirit and work of missions? The answer is emphatically, No! While foreign missionaries are unable for the time being to return to some countries, the national brethren have taken up the task and are pressing forward the work with earnestness and zeal. We are truly grateful to a loving heavenly Father that here in Inter-America we can live and labor in comparative peace; and that the countries comprising this Division are still open to the preaching of the word. We realize that this will not always be the case, and that while there is oppor- 6 � INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION MESSENGER � March 1945 tunity, we should advance with all the zeal of which we are capable using every facility at our command for the pro- mulgation of truth. We must augment our meager staff of missionaries in these countries while it is possible for us to do so, and while the doors of opportunity still stand ajar. Our Working Force Statistical information for the fourth quarter of 1943 in- dicates that we had 140 ordained ministers and 91 licensed ministers, or a total of 231, in this Division at that time. Of these workers, 105 were engaged in administrative and de- partmental work, and 120 in evangelistic and district activi- ties. The other six were classified as miscellaneous workers. The task per worker is serious in the extreme, as will be noticed from the following tabulation: Ordained & Licensed � District & Evangel- Organized � Companies Union � istic Worker: � Companies � Per Worker Antillian Union � 27 305 11 British West Indies Union � 11 220 20 Caribbean Union �21 192 9 Central American Union � 19 155 8 Colombia-Venezuela Union � 14 91 7 Mexican Union � 28 516 18 Totals �120 1,479 Average companies per worker 12 In many places workers are endeavoring to take care of from 20 to 30 companies of believers. How can we expect our brethren to properly foster the work of these companies, and at the same time evangelize the territory in which they labor? The situation that exists is surely a challenge to our church leadership, and to every believer within the Division. Some Comparisons In the following few pargraphs will be found some com- parative figures and facts relating to the work of the North American and the Inter-American Divisions. In making these comparisons, we think of the various departments of our work and the facilities at our disposal, which are about as follows: Conference and mission organizations; senior and junior colleges and academies; sanitariums and hospitals; health food factories; publishing houses; the radio work; our colporteurs, and the thousands of church members available for missionary work. Let us examine briefly the work in the North American and Inter-American Divisions, and the results obtained during 1942, in the winning of souls to the message, which, after all, is the real objective in all lines of denominational activity. Figures for 1942 North America Conference or Mission Organizations � 63 Colleges and Academies � 134 Church Members per School � 1,472 Total Number of Workers—All Lines � 9.855 Ordained and Licensed Ministers � 2.090 Publishing Houses and School Printing Plants � 22 Colpor teurs � 939 Church Membership � 197.215 Sabbath School Membership � 176.766 Baptisms per Ordained or Licensed Worker �6 No. of Radio Stations Broadcasting the Message 200 Sanitariums and Hospitals � 30 Health Food Companies Population per Ordained or Licensed Worker � 66,985 Population per Worker of all Classes � 14,206 Net Gain in Church Membership for 1942 �5,882 Excess Net Gain in North America over Inter-America � 2,547 The baptisms in the Inter-American Division for 1942 were almost one-half of those in the North American Division. Church Membership Increase in 10 years (1932-1942) 45% �115% Sabbath School Membership Increase (1932-1942) � 32% �134% Figures for 1943 Baptisms for 1943 � 10,704 � 5,290 Net Gain for 1943 � 3,896 � 3,247 Evangelistic Workers � Net � Gain in Membership North American Division �2,159 � 3,896 Inter-American Division � 231 � 3,247 The baptisms in Inter-America were 50 per cent of those in North America, while the net gain in Inter-America for 1943 was only 649 less than in North America. The number of baptisms per minister in 1943 in the North American Divi- sion was 5; and in the Inter-American Division, 23. Tithes and Offerings The tithes and offerings show a very encouraging increase for the year 1943 as compared with those of 1942. The total tithe increase for 1943 amounted to $90,033.32, while the in- crease in the mission offerings was $41,640.96. A larger amount of funds came into the Lord's treasury by way of tithes and offerings in 1943 than at any time in the history of our work in the Inter-American Division. Total Tithes and Offerings for 1943 Amounted to $624,725.67 Tithes and Offerings for 1942 Amounted to 493,050.89 Gain for the year 1943 131,674.78 The per capita tithes and offerings for 1942 and 1943 were as follows: 1942 � $11.15 1943 � 13.16 Per capita gain 1942 1943 Increase in Tithe During the Year 43% 25% Increase in Total Mission Offerings 26% 30% The tithe increase in 1942 over 1941 amounted to 43 per cent, whereas the increase in the mission offerings was 26 per cent. Usually the tithe increases more rapidly than is the case in respect to the offerings. In 1943 the mission offerings showed a larger percentage of increase for the year than did the tithe. We are very much encouraged to note the per- centage relationship of tithe to mission offerings for the year 1943. � Increase in Tithe in North American Division for 1943 over 1942 � 32% Increase in Total Mission Offerings in North America for 1943 � over 1942 � 13% Tithe Receipts It is interesting to note that the tithe receipts in 1943 were thirteen times as much as in 1917; six times as much as in 1920; five times as much as in 1925; three and one-half times as much as in 1930; three times as much as in 1935; twice as much as in 1940; and over one and one-half times as much as in 1941. Mission Offerings The mission offerings in 1943 were sixteen times the amount received in 1917; six times as much as in 1920; three times as much as in 1925; twice as much as in 1930; two times and one-half as much as in 1935; twice as much as in 1940; and one and one-half times as much as in 1941. Ingathering The Ingathering offerings have increased four and one- half times since 1923; two and one-half times since 1930; three times since 1935; twice since 1940; and one and three- quarters times since 1941. Missions Extension Funds The Missions Extension Funds in 1943 were nine times as much as they were in 1923; twice as much as in 1930; twice as much as in 1935; twice as much as in 1940; and the increase since 1941 amounted to 31 percent. Self-Support The percentage of self-support in our conferences and missions as a whole shows a loss of 4 per cent over 1942, as compared with 1943. Note the following tabulation: Name of Field � Percentage of Self-Support 1940 1941 1942 1943 Antillian Union 61% 69% 80% 79% Caribbean Union 68% 70% 92% 83% Central American Union 53% 54% 90% 81% Colombia-Venezuela Union 44% 45% 55% 51% Mexican Union 52% 52% 60% 58% Inter-American Division 56% 60% 78% 74% Inter-America 32 7 6.318 656 209 4 363 44,226 67,441 26 None None None 258,373 82,317 3,335 March 1945 � INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION MESSENGER � 7 Church Extension Fund Comparisons It is interesting to note that during the past eight years, 1938 to, and including 1945, $131,436.25 has been received from the Church Extension Fund, as follows: Received in 1938 $6,000.00 Received in 1939 6,500.00 Received in 1940 8,000.00 Received in 1941 7,060.25 Recei'Ved in 1942 9,026.00 Received in 1943 35,000.00 Received in 1944 32,850.00 Received for 1945 27,000.00 Total for 8 years, $131,436.25 We appreciate these good appropriations which have come to us from year to year, making possible the erection of much- needed church buildings in various parts of the Division. Book and Bible Houses Progress has been made during the past two years in the building up of the working capital of the Book and Bible House, and in the reduction of accounts with the Pacific Press. Note the following: Working Capital, December 31, 1941 �$45,653.84 Working Capital, December 31, 1943 �89,434.26 Increase in Working Capital for period $43,780.42 or 96% This good increase was partially donated by the Pacific Press and the Division, the Press giving $6,678.28, and the Division Committee, $7,678.28, or a total of $14,356.56. By deducting these donations from the $43,780.42 noted above, we then show the actual increase resulting from Book and Bible House earnings over the two-year period. The amount of the increase was $29,423.86, or 67 per cent. Appropriations The 1945 appropriations to the world field were the largest in the history of our work, and amounted to $10,983,851.51. This means that during 1945 the General Conference will be forwarding to the various divisions an average of $30,092.72 per day. If someone had told us a few years ago that over ten million dollars would be appropriated in 1945 for the carrying forward of our world-wide work, it would have seemed only a beautiful dream. It is amazing the way our people sacrifice for the cause they love. The base appropriation for the Inter-American Division for 1945 has been set by the General Conference Committee, in session at the recent Autumn Council, at $405,612.00, as compared with $355,800.00 for 1944, and $309.400.00 for 1943. Other appropriations will come to this field for the coming year in the form of "specials," which will amount to another $75,000.00. We are indeed grateful to God and to our brethren in the homeland, that this additional help is to be made possible by the generosity of our people who are willing to sacrifice for the cause of God in mission lands. We appreciate also the appropriations made by the Gen- eral Conference in the amount of $27,000.00 from the Church Extension Fund, and the provision of $39,000.00 for the promotion of our radio work in Inter-America during 1945. Expressions of Gratitude We are truly grateful to the Lord for His manifold bless- ings that have attended our work during this past year, and for the large number of souls won to the message through the self-sacrificing efforts of God-fearing men and women through- out the Division. We rejoice in the encouraging gains record- ed, and we believe that the future is bright with promise; and that within a short time other thousands of precious souls will be rejoicing in the message. We greatly appreciate the privilege of working with breth- ren and sisters who love the Lord and who have given their lives in willing sacrifice that others might live. Their sole aim and ambition has been, and still is, to finish the great task of bringing to men and women everywhere the good news of a soon-coming Redeemer. The problems and trials of the past year have in many instances been exceedingly heavy to carry. Disappointments have come to us all, but we thank God that He has kept His promises, and that our courage is strong in Him. Consecrated workers have been driven to their knees again and again, but their service of love has not been in vain, for the message shines brighter and more glorious than ever before. I am sure that we all long to learn the deeper meaning of communion with the Master, for it is through this means that our souls can be enriched and lifted high upon the mountain top of His sunshine and love. Our prayer is that 1945 will be the best year in soul win- ning in the history of our work, not only in this Division, but throughout the world field, and that as a result of the effort expended the work may soon be finished. THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION COMMITTEE BY J. T. CARRINGTON It was November 27, 1944, the time appointed for the opening of another session of the full committee of the In- ter-American Division. One by one the members had arrived. From the wild • pampas of fair Mexico, the torrid sec- tion of Central America, the scattered islands of the Greater and Lesser An- tilles, and from the papal-controlled re- ' gions of Colombia and Venezuela, a few of God's faithful sentinels had found their way to General Peraza, Havana, • where are located the headquarters of- fices of the Inter-American Division. The brethren came to this important meeting with two aspects of mission ac- tivity resting with insistence upon their hearts,—good news of progress, and fhe sense of dire, soul-stirring need. From the General Conference office in Washington, D. C., three representatives came to Havana to attend this meeting; namely, Elders W. H. Branson, A. W. Cormack, and H. M. Blunden; and from the Atlantic Union Conference, Elder M. L. Rice. All of the union leaders were in attendance, and also Elder A. V. Larson, the manager of the Pacific Pre'ss Publishing Association, Cristobal Branch; and, these, with the resident members of the Division Committee, made up the record of one hundred percent attendance at this gathering. Under the leadership of Elders Glenn Calkins and C. L. Torrey, the Division extended a hearty welcome to all the visitors, not only welcoming them to the meeting, but to the beautiful island of Cuba as well. Some had been here be- fore; but for a few, this was the first visit; but we all felt at home, for the spirit of brotherhood pervaded the entire meeting. The surroundings and situation, as well as the atmosphere of quiet restful- ness and serenity, so necessary to the careful study of numerous problems af- fecting God's work, were all a part of 8 � INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION MES SENGER � March 1945 the setting which conspired to make the meeting a successful one, from the hour of its opening, until the committee ad- journed at ten o'clock on the evening of December 6. The Division office is a large, spa- cious, and beautifully decorated building that has been rented as the home of the Inter-American Division since the spring of 1942; and the president's office is located at the front of the building, on the second floor. It was here in this lovely room that we gathered on the morning of November 27, for the open- ing meeting, which was an occasion of deep spiritual refreshing; and it was here that the brethren gathered each morning for prayer, and where they remained to join in the study of the many problems of the work, day by day, as the meeting progressed. The excellent study on the subject of Faith, which was given by the Division President, Elder Glenn Calkins, follow- ing the reading of his inspiring report, moved each one to a renewed determina- tion to learn in a practical manner the meaning of the text: "Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, saith the Lord of Hosts." Zach. 4:6. The problems affecting God's work can only be solved as His servants learn to depend on the arm of Faith rather than on material resources. This first meeting gave the proper setting for the spirit of harmony, fellowship, and co- operation which followed. There was a very full agenda at this meeting, the list including numerous items dealing with finances, policies, plans, budgets, new work, and many other subjects. Each evening our hearts were thrilled as we listened to field and departmental reports while secretaries Resolutions of Gratitude WHEREAS, The blessing of the Lord has rested upon His work and His peo- ple in the Inter-American Division in a marked manneicluring the past year, and WHEREAS, In spite of difficulties resulting from global war,—such as in- creased restrictions, unrest in several lands, and the uncertainties of travel; and also through the devastation caused by hurricane and flood, God has pro- tected the lives of His people and brought victory to His cause, and has and leaders rehearsed the providences of God in the onward march of His work, and of many opening opportunities for the spread of the message. Again and again during the meeting our attention was directed to the mar- velous way in which the Lord is going before His people, and repeatedly we listened to the pathetic pleadings of faithful leaders, as they presented the needs of the work in their respective union fields. Our memory of the visit to Havana is pleasant and helpful. The atmosphere of the Division office is something we shall not soon forget; and the kind- hearted ministry of Mrs. V. E. Berry and her assistants, who three times a day provided healthful and appetizing meals, played an important part in keeping the work moving on smoothly and efficiently, from the opening day, to the very close of the meeting. And now each delegate has returned to his own. The meetings are already items of denominational history. The work that was done during those fleeting days between November 27 and Decem- ber 6, has become just another small tribute of human effort to the cause that is so dear to the children of God, and to the great Leader of the move- ment. The results of that work cannot be known in their entirety until we gather in that better land, there to en- joy the blessings of Christian fellow- ship through the eternal ages. Only then shall we know how much the plans laid for 1945 have meant to the cause of God in the Inter-American Division. Let us pray that God will bless those plans to the winning of many precious souls in this fruitful field. Will you not seek to be a blessing to others? protected the lives of our workers as they have travelled by land, by air, and by sea; and WHEREAS, There have been a larg- er number of souls won to the truth than ever before, and the tithes and of- ferings show a marked increase over those of the previous year; therefore, Resolved, 1. That we humbly and fervently express our heartfelt gratitude to our heavenly Father: (a) For the light of truth which shines from His Holy Word, giving assurance that the hope set before us is soon to be realized. (b) For the lingering day of oppor- tunity in which we, as laborers together with God and by His power, can call upon men everywhere to repent and pre- pare to meet the soon-coming Saviour. (c) For the faithful body of workers and devoted and loyal church members whose hands and hearts are united with ours, strong in faith, earnest in service, and united in heart and purpose in the blessed hope. 2. That, recognizing our short-com- ings and confessing our sins, we dedi- cate our lives unto the Lord, placing in His hands every talent and resource we possess to be used of Him in hastening to completion the work committed to our trust. Words Appreciation Voted, To extend to the General Con- ference, to union and local conferences, and to our believers in the homeland, our sincere and deep appreciation of the funds which have been voted to us for the year 1945, assuring them of our determination, with the help of God, to greatly extend our work throughout the field, and to bring light and truth to multitudes who are in darkness. We believe that 1945 will be the greatest year in soul-saving in the history of our work in this Division, and we hereby dedicate our lives and hearts to the speedy finishing of the great task, so that Jesus may soon come. Ministerial Reading Course, Spanish We recommend, That the Spanish Ministerial Reading Course for 1945 consist of the following books: "Lecciones Practicas del Gran Maestro" by E. G. White "Examinadlo Todo" by M. L. Rice "El Caracter del Protestantismo." Temperance Societies WHEREAS, The use of intoxicants in the various countries and dependen- cies in the Inter-American Division has caused the moral enslavement of many people, and has been the means of im- poverishing thousands who otherwise might now be living in a more healthful and prosperous state; and WHEREAS, Temperance societies have functioned and are functioning ef- fectively in other parts of the world field; We recommend, 1. That temperance societies be organized in every church as far as possible, with the necessary complement of officers. (Continued on page 10) DIVISION COMMITTEE ACTIONS OF GENERAL INTEREST TO ALL 21 11 � 1 12 .03 2 � 3 18 1 .171 •,:$7; „F. 7°. u,G 8 c . Ox E-4 E ;:.1X 25 17 13 FU 20 .7.2 a_ 12:91 .= 1213 1 NAME OF CONFERENCE OR MISSION MEMBERS ADDED MEMBERS DROPPED DURING QUARTER DURING QUARTER 4, 5 6 7 8 �10 -", 1 Z•2•2 � t' •213. 11, e isl 1, w t � 11 � .0 .12 4 � '1. ''6' � t � A � •f'. � ...I >, � ,,. g � >, � ›, � ›.. � ,,,.. , � = . .. Statistical Report of the Inter-American Division for Quarter Ending September 30, 1944 � Values in U. S. Currency � . .. . .. � . ... 1. Antiltian Union Mission. ' • ' • • ' � . . . . . � . . . . �. . � . . . � .. . � .. � - • . . � 6 � 5 � 10 � ... � 23 � .. ... .. � . .. � .. ... .. � .. ... .. � . .. � . ... .. . � . � . � .. � ... . 2. East Cuba Conference � 32 � 1,601 � 15 �3 � 3 � 2 � 6 � • • � 1,608 � 3 � 4 � 6 � 24 � 45 � 5,175.57 3.22 � 47.51 � 849.98 � 56 � 260.85 � 60 � 2,167 3. West Cuba Conference � 28 � 1,487 � 65 � . • � 21 � 3 � 22 � 21 � • . � 1,527 � 5 � 2 � 8 � 19 � 34 � 10,896.65 � 7.14 � 64.37 � 1,243.30 � .86 � 404.49 � 780.21 � 53 � 2,311 4. Haitian Mission � 34 � 5,346 � 30 � .. � 40 � 2 � 4 � 12 � .. � 5,398 � 6 � 6 � 11 � 3 � 27 � 3,997.99 � .74 � 106.08 � 1,039.27 � .21 � 124.14 . .1.7..8.0. � 124 229.59 40 3 9,988 22 5. Puerto Rico Mission �30 � 1,747 � 149 � • . � 72 � 1 � 19 � SO � • . � 1,868 � 6 � 6 � 10 � 45 � 67 � 13,047.50 � 6.98 � .. ... .. � 1,695.86 � .91 � . ... .. 6. Santo Domingo Mission � 1,674 � 60 � • . � 10 � 3 � 10 � 12 � • . � 1,719 � 3 � 2 � '6 � 20 � 40 � 2,975.27 � 1.73 � 45.51 � 580.79 � .36 � 83.18 � 42 � 2,665 Totals � 145 � 11,855 � 319 � 146 � 12 � 57 � 131 � 12,120 � 29 � 25 � 51 � 111 � 236 � 36,092.98 � 2.98 � 263.47 � 5,409.20 � .47 � 872.66 � 1,027.60 � 319 21,007 � . ... .. � . ... 7. British West Indies Un. Mis, • • . � . . . . . � . . . . � . • . ... � .. � .. ... � 6 � 20 � ... � 27 � ... ... .. � . .. � .. ... .. � .. ... .. � . .. 8. 'Bahamas Mission � 18 � 476 � 12 I ... 2 .. 485 2 2 5 7 16 1,275.83 2.63 802.84 238.48 2.15 25.50 223.16 � . ... .. � 1126 � 523 549 9. British Honduras Mission � 12 � 395 � . ... � ... � 1 � 1 � 2 � .. � 391 � 1 � 1 � 7 � 1 � 13 � 1,189.12 � 3.04 � 117.09 � 264.16 � .97 � 94.10 • ... .. � . .. . .. 10. Cayman islands Mission � 3 � 74 � 3 � ... �1 � 2 � 2 � 72 � 1 � 1 � ... � ... � 2 � 71.20 � .99 � .. ... .. � .. ... .. � 4 � 105 . ... .. 11. East Jamaica Mission � 65 � 5,158 � 88 � 1 � 38 � 10 � 22 � 45 � 5 � 5,203 � 7 � 2 � 5 � 64 � 80 � 9,003.38 � 1.73 � 3,007.21 � 1,470.34 � .86 � 174.45 � 78 � 5,648 12. West Jamaica Mission � 87 � 4,371 � 127 � 3 � 33 � 7 � 15 � 15 � 9 � 4,488 � 4 � 3 � 6 � 38 � 51 � 7,207.13 � 1.60 � 1,336.31 � 1,143.49 � .55 � 25.16 � 243.27 � 113 � 5,786 Totals � 185 10,474 � 230 � 4 � 71 19 � 39 � 66 16 10,639 � 21 � 9 � 43 110 � 189 � 18,746.66 1.76 � 5,263.45 � 3,116.47 � .78 � 319.21 � 466.43 � 223 12,611 13. Caribbean Union Conference � . . . � . . . . . � . . . . � . . . � . . � . . . � . . . � . . . . . � 7 � 1 � 11 � . . � 22 � ... ... .. � . .. � .. ... .. � .. ... .. � . .. • • �• 14. French West Indian Mission � 13 � 621 � 17 � 20 � 1 � 3 � 21 �633 � 2 � 1 � 3 � ... � 8 � 4,712.33 � 7.44 � 10.84 � 1,035.37 � 1.65 � 9.55 � 407.64 � 28 � 1,328 15. Guiana Conference � 40 � 2,131 � 27 � 1 � 3 � 12 � 12 � ... � 2,138 � 5 � 2 � 3 � 15 � 31 � 3,162_06 � 1.48 � 343.79 � 630.59 � .46 � 4.76 � 364.15 � 43 � 2,767 16. Leeward Islands Conference 37 � 2,960 � 27 �4 12 � 5 � 3 � 2,971 � 7 � 4 � 4 � 16 � 33 � 4,780.24 1.61 � 760.03 � 808.25 � .53 � 3.44 � 280.71 � 50 � 3,546 17. South Caribbean Conference � 65 � 4.013 � 193 � 5 � 28 � 8 � 11 � 14 � 14 4 192 � 6 �8 � 33 � 56 � 14392.10 3.48 � 495.94 � 1,566.74 � .49 � 34.03 � 970.19 � 76 � 5,102 Totals � 155 � 9,725 � 264 � 6 � 55 � 33 � 31 � 34 , 14 � 9,934 � 27 � 11 � 29 � 64 � 150 � 27,246.73 � 2.74 � 1,610.60 � 4,040.95 � .57 � 51.78 2,022.69 � 197 � 12,743 18. Central American Un. Mis. � . . . � . . . . . � . . � . . . � . . � . . . 5 � 1 � 14 � .. . � 24 � ... ... .. � . .. � .. ... .. � . .. � . ... .. � . ... .. � . ... � 0 � 23 � 674 19. Costa Rica Mission � 16 � 712 �NO REPORT �.. .. ... � 712 � 2 �1 � 2 � 2,445.01 � 3.43 � 1.288,78 � 541.28 � 2.57 � . ... .. � • • � - 20. Guatemala Mission � 13 � 807 � 8 �3 � 6 � 8 � 3 �801 � 3 � 3 � 3 � 10 � 19 � 1,464.90 1.43 � 1,050.33 � 334.71 � 1.73 � 23.26 � 82.00 � 36 � 827 21. Honduras Mission � 19 � 777 � 3 � • • • �780 � 1 � 3 � 7 � 6 � 17 � 2,239.79 2.87 � 692.79 � 593.71 � 1.65 � 63.17 � 158.14 � 31 � 1,069 22. Nicaragua Mission � 9 � 422 � • • • � • • • �422 � 2 � 2 � 2 � ... � 8 � 1,232,35 � 2.92 � 476.09 � 219.13 � 1.65 � 11.78 � 95.76 � 9 � 427 . ... .. 23. Panama Conference � 41 � 2,124 � 45 � 10 � 30 � 6 � 33 � 19 � 9 � 2,142 � 8 � 3 � 7 � 10 � 31 � 18,295.85 8.54 � 2,986.61 � 2,635321 � 2.62 � . ... .. � 41 � 2,645 . ... .. 24. Salvador Mission � 10 � 482 � i8 �2 � ... � 2 �510 � 2 � 1 � 4 � 8- � 15 � 696.10 1.36 � 839.38 � 155.29 � 1.95 � 62.37 � 17 � 827 Totals � 108 � 5,324 � 84 � 10 � 35 � 12 � 41 � 24 � 9 � 5,367 � 23 � 13 � 41 � 36 � 123 � 26,374.00 4.91 � 7,333.98 � 4,479.33 2.20 � 98.21 � 398.27 � 157 � 6,469 � . ... .. � . ... 25. Colombia-Venezuela Un. Mis. . . . . .. . . �. . � . . . � 5 � 3 � 8 � ... � 18 4 26. Atlantic Colombia Mission � 12 � 752 � ... ... .. � .... � .. ... .. � ... � .. � .. ... � 756 � 3 � 1 � 1 � 24 � 29 � 1,886.96 2.50 � 1,668.99 � • 340.88 � 1.86 � 242.60 � 40 � 1,179 .. � ... 251.30 2 27. Curacao Mission � 3 � 161 � . ... � .. � 1 � 1 � 2 �1 � 158 � 1 � .. � 2 � 4 � 7 � 1,881.09 11.91 � 2,871.87 � 427.54 20.88 � 14 .60 � 17 3 � 237 28. Pacific Colombia Mission � 6 � 526 � 9 � . , � 26 � 13 �547 2 3 3 7 � 15 2,415.08 4.42 1,568.61 � 447.99 3.69 609 29. Upper Magdalena Mission � 11 � 672 � 6 .. � 1 � 1 � 4 � 3 . ... .. � 671 � 2 2 4 15 � 25 2,469.69 3.68 2,135.36 � 415.55 3.80 � . .... . � 17 � 752 30. Venezuela Mission � � 12 � 788 � 17 � • • � 2 � 2 � 1 �.3 � 801 � 2 � 2 � 7 � 16 � 27 � 3,224.72 � 4.03 � 2,595.76 � 676.56 � 4.09 � 17 � 749 Totals � 44 � 2,899 � 36 � 30 � 5 � 7 � 16 � • • � 4 � 2,933 � 15 � 11 � 25 � 66 � 121 � 11,877.54 4.05 10,240.59 � 2,307.72 4.28 � . • � • • � 70830 � 94 � 3,526 . • � .. � .. � .. .... � 3 � 6 � 31 � ... � 40 � 1,135.90 � . .. � . ... 31. Mexican Union Mission . . . . • • • � . . . . . � . . . . � . . . . . � 26 � 2,875.61 � 1.30 � • • 684.83 � • • 687.99 � •.•57 � • • • • 9154 � • 116332..4165 � 110185 � 43;424751 32. Central Mission � 20 � 2,211 � . ... � .. �.. � 2,211 � 6 � 1 � 7 � 12 � 57.64 � 376.04 � .30 � 19832.. � 3 � • • � 3 � 1,422 � 3 � 2 � 2 � 13 � 20 � l',295,17 � .91 33. Chiapas Mission � 25 � 1,422 34. Gulf Mission � 35 � 1,565 � 13 � . • � 940.95 � .96 1 � 1,577 � 7 � 6 � 3 � 13 � 33 � 4,075.99 2.58 � 579.06 � 33.48 � 339.18 � 96 � 2,382 35. Pacific Mission � 10 � 609 � 609 2 6 1 11 20 1,879,31 3.08 � 75.04 567.08 1.05 50.00 260.00 39 1,190 � . ... � • • � • ... � • • 36. Tehuantepec Mission � 21 � 1,200 � 28 � • . � 10 � 1 � 3 � 2 � 3 � 1.229 � 5 � 1 � 6 � 8 � 20 � 2,729.30 2.22 � 1,052.50 � 787.75 � 1.50 � 73.48 � 298.81 � 88 � 3,177 37. Yucatan Mission � 21 � 1.181 � 98 � 8 �... � ., . � 1,271 � 2 � 3 � 2 � 3 � 10 � 1,739.83 � 1.37 � 551.06 � 540.21 � .86 � 283.45 � 481.29 � 70 � 3,072 Totals � 132 � 8,188 � 142 � .. � 10 13 � 3 � 2 � 3 � 8,319 � 28 25 � 52 � 60 � 169 � 15,731.11 � 1.89 � 3,000.13 � 3,800.02 � .82 � 703.53 1,674.89 � 516 17,540 RECAPITULATION 38. Inter-American Division � ..... . . . � . . . . . � . . . . � . . . � . . � . . . � . . . � . . � . . . . . � 7 � 2 � 18 � ... � 27 � ... ... .. � . .. � .. ... .. � .. ... .. � . .. � . ... .. � . .. � .. � . ... 39. Antillian 'Union Mission • .. 145 � 11,855 � 319 � 146 � 12 � 57 � 131 � .. 12,120 � 29 25 � 51 � 111 � 236 � 36,092.98 2.98 � 263.47 � 5,409.20 � .47 � 872.66 1,027.60 � 319 � 21,007 40. British West Indies Union M. � 185 � 10,474 � 230 � 4 � 71 � 19 � 39 � 66 � 16 10,639 � 21 � 9 � 43 � 110 � 189 � 18,746.66 1.76 � 5,263.45 � 3,116.47 � .78 � 319.21 � 466.43 � 223 � 12.611 41. Caribbean Union Conference . ' 155 � 9,725 � 264 � 6 � 55 33 � 31 � 38 � 14 � 9.934 � 27 11 � 29 � 64 � 150 � 27,246.73 2,74 � 1,610.60 � 4,040.95 � .57 � 51,78 2,022.69 � 197 � 12,743 42. Central American Union M. * 108 � 5,324 � 84 10 � 35 12 � 41 � 24 � 9 � 5.367 � 23 13 � 41 � 36 � 123 � 26,374.00 4.91 � 7,333.98 � 4 479.33 2.20 � 98.21 � 398 27 � 157 � 6,469 43. Colombia-Venezuela Union M. 44 � 2,899 � 36 � 30 � 5 � 7 � 16 � 4 2,933 � 15 11 � 25 � 66 � 121 � 11,877.54 4.05 10,240.59 � 2,307.72 4.28 � 708,50 � 94 � 3,526 44. Mexican Union Mission � 132 � 8,188 � 142 �10 13 � 3 � 2 � 3 � 8,319 � 28 � 25 � 52 � 60 � 169 � 15,731.11 � 1.89 � 3 000.13 � 3,800.02 � 82 � 703 53 � 1.674.89 � 516 � 17,540 Totals � 769 48,465 1,075 20 347 94 178 277 46 49,312 150 96 259 447 1,015 136,069.02 2.76 27.712.22 23.1,53.69 1.03 2,045.39 6.298.38 1.506 73,896 ' As of January 1, 1944; Bahamas Mission, Jamaica Conference, and a portion of West Cuba transferred from Antillian Union to British West Indies Union; British Honduras Mission from Central American Union to British West Indies Union. Totals 3rd Quarter, 1944 � 769 48,465 � 1,075 20 347 94 178 277 46 49.312 � 150 96 259 447 1.015 � 136,069.02 2.76 27,712.22 � 23,153 69 1.03 2,045.39 6,298.38 1,506 73,896 Totals 3rd Quarter, 1943 � 737 45,026 � 1,219 40 207 88 309 211 � 52 45,832 � 141 � 92 � 226 411 � 935 � 114 672.20 2.93 29.172,99 22,644.46 1.33 � 1,919.70 6,627.25 � 1,429 69,845 Totals 3rd Quarter, 1942 � 695 42,110 1,299 31 � 163 109 229 205 � 19 43,041 � 128 82 � 233 363 � 836 � 82.490,93 � 2.26 16,082.34 � 16,957.26 � .91 � 728.74 5,900.64 1,401 � 67,954 Totals 3rd Quarter, 1941 � 677 38,494 � 992 � 18 � 187 � 72 � 173 � 172 � 39 39,235 � 170 80 202 � 307 � 735 � 64.745.40 1.92 18,227.12 � 14,047.81 � .96 3.881.43 � 3.628.63 � 1,371 � 64,142 10 � INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION MESSENGER � March 1945 2. That secretaries best fitted for this work be appointed in all conferences and missions in the Division. 3. That we enlist all of our people in a great battle against the evils of the liquor traffic wherever it be found. 4. That suitable literature be pre- pared for use among our churches, and for distribution among those not of our faith. 5. That we seek by pen and voice to hold up the light of true temperance as opportunity and time permit. El Centinela Temperance Special WHEREAS, There is great need for special temperance literature in the In- ter-American Division in order to pro- mote the educational features of tern- peren c e reform, We recommend, 1. That the Pacific Press Publishing Association. Cristobal Branch, be invited to join in the tem- perance crusade, and arrange to have the September issue of the Spanish magazine, EL CENTINELA, for the year 1945, as a special temperance number. 2. That we encourage all of our churches in Spanish-speaking areas to use this special number extensively. 3. That conferences and missions with Spanish-speaking populations ar- range to use as large a quantity as pos- sible of this special number. 4. That our union superintendents in the Spanish fields be requested to secure short articles written by men of prom- inence in their fields for use in this tem- perance issue. El Centinela Religious Liberty Special We recommend, That the Pacific Press Publishing Association, Cristobal Branch, be requested to devote the May, 1945, issue of EL CENTINELA to the principles of religious liberty, making this particular number an outstanding issue; and that the union committees at the time of their annual meetings, determine the number of copies they will use. It is also requested that union superintendents in the Spanish fields secure short articles written by men of prominence in their fields for use in this religious liberty issue. Support of Elementary School Teachers WHEREAS, Our elementary school work and its proper development under the direction of our mission and con- ference organizations is vital to the life and progress of the advent movement; and WHEREAS, It is necessary to pro- vide adequately for our teachers' sup- port in the elementary schools; there- fore, it was Voted, 1. That our missions, confer- ences and churches provide twelve months' employment for the elementary church school teachers, except in ex- treme cases, where counsel will be sought. 2. That during the vacation months, elementary church school teachers be placed under the direction of their mis- sion and conference administration to be employed as Bible instructors, office helpers, in institute work, vacation study, educational promotion, and so forth. 3. That the payment of the salary of newly employed teachers commence two weeks prior to the opening of the school year. 4. That where a teacher is transferred from one field to another during the vacation period, the field to which he or she is transferred pay the vacation months' salary. 5. That in order that our elementary church school teachers may be treated similarly to other workers in the matter of graduated wage increases, a plan be put into effect, as follows: That the minimum beginning wage for elementary church school teachers be in accordance with the minimum stipulated in the regular wage scale adapted by the union, and that yearly increases be granted corresponding to the teacher's preparation and teaching experience, until the maximum is reached. 6. That these recommendations con- cerning the wage of the elementary church school teacher take effect at the beginning of the school year, 1945-1946. Teacher Payment Plan WHEREAS, In assisting churches in the payment of their elementary church school teachers, some fields have suc- cessfully followed the plan whereby the teacher is paid from the conference treasury, remittances being made to the conference each month by the churches concerned for their share of the teach- er's wage; therefore it was Voted, That the plan be recommended to our union and local conferences and missions for study and adoption. Rehabilitation Offering WHEREAS, It was voted at the recent Autumn Council of the General Conference that a special rehabilitation offering be taken in all our churches in North America in behalf of the work in mission lands where there has been great destruction of our property, such as hospitals, sanitariums, educational and administrative institutions and buildings, and desiring to have a part in helping our bretheren in other lands to rebuild that which war has destroyed. We recommend, 1. That the Division arrange for suitable undated promotion material to be sent to the unions at as early a date as possible. 2. That each union set, a date for the Rehabilitation Offering, it being under- stood that the date be set so that all offerings will be taken prior to the open- ing of the General Conference in 1945. Colporteur Reading Course We recommend, That the following books be selected for the 1945 Colporteur Reading Course: SPANISH "Mensajes para los JOvencs by � E. G. White "Siempre Adelante" by Orison Swett Marden "Examinadlo Todo" � by M. L. Rice ENGLISH "Messages to Young People" by E. G. White Subscription Book Salesmanship, by J. S. Knox "Prove all Things" � by M. L. Rice NOTES AND COMMENTS (Continued from page 11) intendent of the Mexican Union Mis- sion, while Elder H. F. House, the former superintendent, be asked to serve the Mexican Union as field secre- tary, and associate secretary of the De- partment of Education. Thus the work continues to grow and expand under the blessings of God; and we look for even greater advance in every phase of mission activity before the close of another year. Division lead- ers invite the prayers of our people everywhere. DI VISION DIRECTORY GLENN CALKINS � - � - � - � - � President C. L. TORREY - Secretary-Treasurer & Auditor E. R. SANDERS - - Asst. Secretary-Treasurer R. B. CALDWELL � Cashier DEPARTMENTAL SECRETARIES D. A. McAnAms � Publishing A. H. ROTH - - - Educational, Missionary Volunteer and Home Commission WESLEY A muNDSEN � - � Home Missionary and Sabbath School ROBERT M. WHITSETT - - Radio Department and Ministerial ASSOCiaiion INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION MESSENGER C. L. TORREY, Editor, GLENN CALKINS Associate Editor EFFIE A. JAMES, Assistant Editor Published monthly as the Official Organ of the Inter-American Division Conference of Seventh- day Adventists, Box 50, General Peraza, Havana, Cuba. Price: 50 cents a year Entered at Cristobal, Canal Zone, as second-class matter under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. Printed at Cristobal, Canal Zone, Isthmus of Panama. VOL. XXII � MARCH 1945 � No. 3 CALENDAR OF SPECIAL DAYS FOR 1945 AND 1946 We recommend, That the special days, offerings, and campaigns for the year 1945 and the first four months of 1946 be as follows: Special Days for Programs in Churches-1945 January 6 � - February 3 - March 3 � - April 7 - April 28 to May 5 May 5 June 2 June 9 July 7 � - August 4 � - August 25 - September 1 September 15 October 6 - October 13 - November 3 � - November 17-24 December 1 - Home Missionary Day - � Christian Home Day Home Missionary Day - Medical Missionary Day Missionary Volunteer Week of Prayer Missionary Volunteer Day Home Missionary Day - Educational Day * - Home Missionary Day - � Home Missionary Day - - Sabbath School Rally Day Home Missionary Day - � - Temperance Day Colporteur Rally Day Voice of Prophecy Day - � - � Home Missionary Day - Week of Prayer and Sacrifice - � Home Missionary Day Special Days for Programs in Churches-1946 January 5 February 2 March 2 - April 6 � - April 27 to May 4 May 4 � - Home Missionary Day Home Missionary Day - Home Missionary Day - Christian Home Day - Missionary Volunteer Week of Prayer Missionary Volunteer Day Dates of Campaigns in 1945 Union Conference and Mission Committees to set the dates for these campaigns Mission Extension and Big Week Ingathering Campaign October 20 to 27 - � - � - � - � - � El Centinela Campaign Review and Herald, Watchman, and Message Campaigns Dates of Special Offerings in 1945 February 10 � - � - � - � - � - Voice of Prophecy Offering July 21 � - � - � Midsummer Offering for Missions October 13 - � - � - � - � - Voice of Prophecy Offering November 24 �- � Week of Prayer and Sacrifice Offering Dates of Special Offerings in 1946 February 9 � - � - Voice of Prophecy Offering March 9 - � - � - Elementary Schools Offering Thirteenth Sabbath Offerings in 1945 March 31 - June 30 � - September 29 December 29 - � Inter-American Division - � General Conference Missions - - � Southern Asia Division - � South American Division *It was agreed at the time of the Annual Meeting of the Divi- sion Committee in December, that Elementary Schools Offerings be taken either quarterly or monthly, as the respective fields may desire, care being taken that there be no conflict with offerings in- dicated in the list above.—Ed. March 1945 � INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION MESSENGER � 11 NOTES AND COMMENTS— NEW APPOINTMENTS Many problems connected with the rapidly expanding work of the Inter- American Division were brought to the attention of the full committee at its recent annual session; and various plans were discussed at length, whereby the work might be strengthened throughout the field. Our educational program, our litera- ture work, Book and Bible House ar- rangements, the work of the laymen's movement, financial arrangements as between union missions, and the medical work in this Division, all received care- ful attention. Many plans were laid for the future, and policies already in operation were reaffirmed, revised, or adjusted to suit the changing conditions in this field. Necessary appointments and assign- ments of workers were also made at this meeting; and recommendations were formulated to serve as a guide to the leaders of our union fields in the administration of the work. The needs of our radio program were given study; sustentation items were reviewed; and many other items, too numerous to mention, were given prayerful and thor- ough consideration. Tentative plans for representation at the coming session of the General Con- ference were discussed; and some dele- gates were appointed to attend that im- portant gathering. One of the outstanding features of this Division meeting was the outlining of an operating policy for medical in- stitutions in Inter-America. Long hoped for developments along medical lines are now taking shape, and the new en- terprise in Kingston, Jamaica, is al- ready under way. It was recommended, "that Doctor Clifford A. Anderson be appointed by the General Conference to become medical secretary for the Inter- American Division, in addition to serv- ing as medical superintendent of the Jamaica sanitarium." Over in Mexico, our educational and medical work are also making forward strides, and, with the co-operation of our institutional leaders in the homeland added to the strong support of the General Conference, we hope soon to see a strong work built up in medical teaching lines in connection with our school at Montemorelos. In order to meet the demands of our expanding work in Mexico, it was agreed to make a transfer in union leadership, inviting Elder W. E. Murray to serve as super- (Continued on page 10) 1.2 � INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION MESSENGER � March 1945 BY RUTH CONARD + We were happy to welcome Elders W. H. Branson, A. W. Cormack, and H. M. Blunden, of the General Confer- ence, at our Annual Division Committee Meeting, which convened the latter part of November and the first few days of December. Also, Elder M. L. Rice, president of the Atlantic Union, was in attendance. The counsel of these breth- ren in connection with the Committee sessions, and their devotional talks and sermons, were greatly appreciated. Eld- ers Cormack, Blunden, and Rice also attended some of the union sessions. + Elder M. E. Kern, field secretary of the General Conference, attended the local conference sessions of the East and West Cuba Conferences in January. + Elder J. J. Strahle, associate secretary of the General Conference Publishing Department, was a welcome visitor in the Central American Union Mission during several weeks last winter. He gave valuable assistance in connection with colporteur institutes, and also at- tended the annual union mission com- mittee meeting, and several local mis- sion sessions. + A shift in union leadership came about during the Division Annual Com- mittee Meeting. Elder W. E. Murray was appointed superintendent of the Mexican Union Mission, and left for his new field of labor about the first of the year. Elder Vernon E. Berry, edu- cational and Missionary Volunteer sec- retary of the Antillian Union, has taken over the leadership of the Antillian Union Mission. + Professor M. J. Sorenson, who for four years has very ably directed the activities of the West Indian Training College, in Jamaica, left our field in September of 1944. He went to answer the call of the General Conference that he return to Ethiopia, to take charge of our work in that field. Before coming to Inter-America, Professor Sorenson spent a number of years in Ethiopil, returning to the homeland in 1938, be- cause of the war. + After being members of our Inter- American Division family for fourteen years, Elder and Mrs. A. E. Hempel returned to the homeland permanently last November. They found this neces- sary because of health conditions in the family, and for other reasons. Our workers and members in the Leeward Islands, where Elder Hempel has served as a leader for a number of years, are sorry indeed to lose these good people from their midst, and we are sure that their many friends in other parts of the Division regret their departure. + Ill health has made necessary the resignation of Elder G. A. E. Smith, from the directorship of the Cayman Islands Mission, We regret that Elder Smith has had to leave his work in this needy field, but pray that he may be restored to health, so that he may again enter active work in the Lord's vine- yard. Coming Events Mar. 3 - - - - Home Missions Mar. 31 - � - Thirteenth Sabbath (Offering for Inter-American Division) Apr. 7 � - � - � - Medical Missions Apr. 28 to May 5 * - - M. V. Day and Week of Prayer May 5 - - Missionary Volunteer Day * Revised Date dostikesaltiontwomeaksonnus + Among recent recruits in the Inter- American Division, are Professor and Mrs. C. R. Olmstead and their two lit- tle daughters, Lois, aged five years, and Lucille, aged three years, who arrived in Puerto Rico on November 13, 1944. Professor Olmstead is taking over the work of educational secretary of the mission, and is heading up the junior academy in Santurce. + Another welcome recruit in the Puer- to Rico field is David H. Baasch, who, with his wife, arrived in the mission field on November 1-6. To Brother Baasch, coming to Inter-America is really returning home, as his father, Elder H. E. Baasch, was a missionary in this field for many years. Brother David Baasch plans to do evangelistic work. + Doctor Clifford R. Anderson and Miss Ruth Munroe arrived in Jamaica in December, 1944, to enter upon the task of starting the first sanitarium- hospital to be operated in the Inter- American Division. Doctor Anderson is opening medical offices in Kingston, and also a clinic for needy cases in another section of the city. Property has been purchased, on which is located a building which can I be remodeled to provide rooms for operating and for the use of in-patients. It is planned eventually to construct ad- ditional buildings for patients, and also to provide facilities for a nurses' train- ing school. We are indeed happy that Doctor Anderson can join our staff of workers here in this Division. We have long been anxious to start medical work in this field, and we believe that he will be able to give good strong leadership to this enterprise. • Miss Ruth Munroe is well qualified to assist from the nursing angle, as she has had a number of years' experience along nursing supervision lines both in the United States and also in the mis- sion field, having labored for a period in the Far East. Her work there was ter- minated because of the outbreak of war. + Professor and Mrs. G. A. Thompson have arrived in Colombia, South Amer- ica, to join the teaching force of the Co- lombia-Venezuela Union Training School. Professor Thompson has recently been connected with La Sierra College, where he has been assistant instructor in Bi- ology and Chemistry. With them are their two small children, Georgena, four years of age, and baby Alden, one year. + R. K. McAllister arrived in Cuba last October to take over the responsibilities of secretary-treasurer of the East Cuba Conference. He and his wife, and their two boys, Bobby, 10, and Merwin., 7, received a warm welcome. + A new employee in the Mexican Union Mission office is Mrs. Robert Aragon, who is filling the very real need there for an English stenographer. Mr. Ara- gon has taken a portion of the medical course at Loma Linda, California, and is now in Monterrey, where he is com- pleting his medical training at the uni- versity there. —e— "The book of nature and the written word shed light upon each other. Both make the student better acquainted with God by teaching him of His character and of the laws through which He works."—"Ministry of Healing," p. 462. People Places and Projects