British Guiana by THOS. J. KENNEDY.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 20, 1908

British Guiana

By THOS. J. KENNEDY.

TAPPACOOMA CREEK, ESSEQUIBO.—March 23 of the past year, Elder J. B. Beckner and I sailed from the shores of Jamaica on the steamship “Tagus;” and after a very pleasant voyage of sixteen days over the blue waters of the Caribbean (stopping at different places), we finally reached Guiana on the morning of April 8. A few days after arriving I began my work as school-teacher and general worker among the Indians (“Arawaks” and “Caribs”) of Tappacooma Creek, situated about sixty miles northwest of Georgetown, at the mouth of the great river, Essequibo. Although isolated,—I am almost in the heart of the forest, away from friends and relatives, and among a strange people,—I feel confident that our Heavenly Father, who is protecting his servants in other dark lands of the earth, will extend his guidance and protection to me also. I feel happy, although alone, in my work here.

During the year my heart has been cheered by the progress resulting from the feeble efforts put forth to teach this truth. The Lord has indeed richly blessed the work. During the year seven were baptized, three who apostatized over nine years ago were reclaimed, and there are two others now awaiting baptism, making a total of twelve. There are others who believe and are observing the Sabbath, but whose lives are not yet in harmony with the Word; for these I am still praying, trusting that by the help of God, they may lay aside every weight and be able to run successfully the race set before them.

As there is but a limited number of Indians living in this place, the number of children at school is very small, amounting to about twelve at present, yet it is encouraging to teach them; they are bright and very intelligent.

Elder Beckner having secured twenty-five acres of land from the government, we felt free to begin building a mission house. I am glad to say that our plans are progressing favorably. While there are many things to cause discouragement at times, yet on the other hand there is everything to encourage, and I have every reason to praise the Lord as I see these poor, benighted sons and daughters of the forest giving heed to the great message that is to prepare a people to stand ready to meet the Lord when he comes.

I sincerely ask the united prayers of all God's faithful children for the development of the work here.

THOS. J. KENNEDY.