In Cuba Again by U. Bender

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 26, 1907

_In Cuba Again_

By U. Bender

AFTER my visit to Cuba last April, I went to the Central American Mission, via New Orleans. The four days of waiting at the latter place for a boat for Belize, British Honduras, I spent with Elder Horton and family. I was much pleased with the property they had recently purchased for the headquarters of their work in that part of the South. From the history Elder Horton gave me of the work, it is plain they have waited long and patiently for this blessing of being established. I was glad to meet Elder Goodrich and family on their way from Belize to Colon, Canal Zone.

I reached Belize April 22, after four days of rough sailing, and remained in this field two months, visiting the Bay Islands and Spanish Honduras, in company with Elder Cardey. As he has laid the work clearly before you in recent reports, I will only say that the work among the English-speaking people has prospered greatly. Now they are planning to push into the Spanish territory composed of Spanish Honduras, Guatemala, and Salvador. Only in the first-named republic has there been any work done. While I was there, we assayed to enter Guatemala, but could get no farther than the coast, as the war and fever seemed to hedge up the way. I took boat from Livingston direct for Kingston June 28, and reached home July 2.

I spent the summer in Jamaica; and September 26, just six months after date of the first sailing, I again took boat for Cuba.

Elder Snyder met me at Omaja, an American colony about one hundred miles west of Santiago. Brethren J. W. Wilson, of Nebraska, and Johnson, of Missouri, with their families, have settled here. They hold Sabbath-school in Brother Wilson’s house, and a number of children from the colony attend. They have a very interesting school.

Elder Snyder baptized one young man while we were there. This is the first baptism ever performed at that place, although several denominations are represented there.

September 30 a church was organized in Brother Wilson’s house. There were but five members present, but we pray that this little company will be a growing plant. Two Sabbath-keepers who were away at the time will become members on their return.

It means much to our work to have a church in eastern Cuba. This beginning is small, but we are told not to despise the day of small things. There is much room for small things to grow, and we are sure of growth in eastern Cuba. Elder Snyder reports good progress in the west. I did not go to Havana this time, but visited Brethren Kinsman and Wolcott on the north coast near Nuevitas. These young men, with their wives, came here from the school at Madison, Tenn. They have located in Cuba as self-supporting workers to live and to teach the principles of Christian education.

Circumstances make it necessary for Brother and Sister Wolcott to return to the States. Brother Kinsman and wife expect reinforcements, and will continue in their work. It is a hard undertaking, but the Lord will bless these young people, giving them an experience that will richly repay.

I spent one Sabbath with them, and held services with some Americans, from the colony of San Lucia, who came in Sunday night. The next Sabbath I spent at Omaja, and sailed from Santiago October 14 for Porto Rico.

May the God of truth give us wisdom to know how to work for these Spanish-speaking people, that we may quickly finish the work of carrying this message among them. U. BENDER.