Guatemala, Central America
By E. L. CARDEY
A NUMBER of months have passed since we sent our last report of the work in this country. During this time we have had no cause for complaint or discouragement, although we have met with many trials and difficulties. Sickness and death have claimed one of our faithful workers. December 19 Sister C. A. Nowlen died at the Graysville Sanitarium, Tenn. The news of her death came as a sudden shock to all of us, including her two adopted children. Sister Nowlen had been a faithful worker in this field for the past two years, and was elected at our conference meeting last March as secretary and treasurer. She had much interest in helping to establish the work in Guatemala. It was here that she contracted one of the tropical diseases, from which she never recovered. We greatly mourn this loss, but look up with faith to the Lord of the harvest, and say, "Thy will be done." Our school here has been in progress two weeks. This new term started January 4. The Lord has sent us plenty of students, and the evidences are that we shall soon have an overflow. At this writing (January 19) there are sixty enrolled, and about forty applications for entry the first of February. This will fill our present building to its utmost capacity, and will be all our teachers can handle. Had we more teachers, we could no doubt have a large school here. It requires a great deal of labor, as well as money, to operate a school like this. At least two thirds of the students can not speak a word of English when entering the school. We can say with a certainty that the school will be self-supporting, and we trust more than self-supporting this year. For this we truly thank the Lord. We walked by faith, and he has verified his promises to us. A few days ago I received a very complimentary letter from the president of this republic. He would be glad to see us establish other such schools in this country. I am convinced that much can be accomplished in this and other republics of Central America through school work. Other denominations have gotten great prestige in Catholic countries by establishing schools and colleges. Why should not we take advantage of the great demand for schools in these countries? It would mean much to this cause to have hundreds of youth and children under the influence of the truth. I have received many letters from our brethren in different parts of the States, asking about the conditions of this country for making a living, and if it would be advisable for them to come and settle here. We would be glad to see some of our good brethren come here and settle, and in this way come in contact with the people, and teach the truth. So far as the natural resources are concerned, Guatemala is hard to surpass. The ground is very productive, raising in abundance every kind of temperate and tropical fruit and grain. The higher altitudes, where most of the people live, are very healthful and cool, even reaching the freezing-point in some places. Just what could be made in farming here I can hardly say. Much of the republic is under cultivation. The market prices are fairly good, but the way the people have of selling their produce is poor. However, I think this could be overcome in time. I believe something could be made in the canning business here; in fact, I know there could if one raised his own fruit and corn. Tomatoes grow well, and in the lower countries sell at a high price. The country affords a fairly good railroad service. Americans are investing much capital in these republics. We shall be glad to write to any of our brethren who wish for more particulars. Address the writer, Buzon 218, Guatemala City, Central America. We are trying to press the battle to the very gates of the enemy, and ask your prayers that we may be able to find those who shall be heirs of the kingdom.