Costa Rica by I. G. Knight

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Sep 7, 1905

Costa Rica

By I. G. Knight

PORT LIMON.—While in the States last winter, we purchased a tent with little folding seats, and shipped it to Port Limon. It arrived some months ago; but, on account of the quarantine regulations, we have been unable to reach this place sooner. At last the way opened for us to secure passage on a small schooner, not knowing how things might turn at this end of the line. They are very strict, not allowing white persons to land, as they are not immune to yellow fever. When we sailed into port, the owner of the boat, who is a white man, came on board with the officials, and through his and the captain's influence, we were allowed to land. This was a surprise to all, and seemed even more remarkable when, the next morning, other white people came up from Bocas, and the captain of the Port would not allow them to land, but sent them over to the quarantine cay for five days. We could look deeper, and see God's hand in it all, and felt to thank him.

OUR FIRST TENT EFFORT IN THE PANAMA MISSION FIELD

We soon selected a spot on which to pitch the tent for our first meeting in the Panama mission field. The first man I called on when looking for a place, gave his lots freely, and was very kind and obliging. Everything was soon in readiness, and the meeting was announced to begin Wednesday evening, June 21. As Costa Rica had never before had a gospel tabernacle meeting, this one proved to be quite a novelty. The first night the tent was full, with many more outside. The meetings have continued three weeks, with unabated interest. However, the rains, which at times prevail, keep many away.

There have been five accessions to our little company here since we began services, and still more are to follow. We have been obliged to refuse baptism to some who have applied for membership and that rite. We have to be very guarded on receiving those who apply for baptism; but guarded as we are, we sometimes make mistakes, and find it out too late.

With this I send you a picture of our first tent-meeting, with a group of our people. The man at the left with his wife, is one of our workers. The work is onward throughout this field. Remember us at the throne of grace.

I. G. KNIGHT.