Panama by I. G. KNIGHT

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Oct 19, 1905

Panama

By I. G. KNIGHT

BOCAS DEL TORO.—At the time of my last report in the REVIEW, we had not closed our tent-meetings in Port Limon. When we did so, there were twelve accessions to the faith. The need of a place of worship being felt, an effort was put forth to secure a church building. In this was plainly seen the hand of God; for in two weeks after taking down the tent, we had completed a neat little chapel, which we dedicated August 13, the interest manifested being extraordinary. There was not room enough to accommodate all who came, and many stood outside on the portico.

We returned to Bocas the next day, and the following day a quarantine was again on, so we have been unable to visit them since. There is an excellent interest in the different islands around Bocas, and some are taking their stand for the truth. We have been holding meetings at a place called Western River. The interest was awakened by one of our canvassers. This place is fifteen miles from Bocas, but we run down there easily in our launch. Eight have begun the observance of the Sabbath. I baptized five of these, and three at another place. The work moves on encouragingly.

I have been up and down with the tropical fever the last six weeks. At one time I passed through a very severe attack, having a hard struggle for life, but am better now.

We wrote you about our visit to Old Providence Island last June; after holding meetings for twenty-eight evenings, eight accepted the truth. I have just heard from them, and learn that they are passing through a severe test brought on

by the opposers of the truth there. I quote from a letter written by one of the brethren there:—

“We are truly witnessing the fulfilment of the Scriptures in this place. Yesterday I received a summons from the alcalde’s office to appear there at 9 A. M. I was there promptly at the time specified, and received notice from the alcalde prohibiting me from doing any manner of work on Sunday, saying it was the government’s rest day, and I as a citizen must obey the government. I replied that if he would show me from the Bible where God commanded his children to submit to governments in matters of conscience, then I would rest on Sunday, otherwise I could not. I can not compromise. He said, ‘You are disobeying the authority, and I shall have to execute orders.’”

This is the first experience of this kind in our field. It is in marked contrast to the attitude of the government toward other denominations. But we know that persecution will come sooner or later to all who are faithful. May the Lord help us each to stand firm, as this brother has. Remember us at the throne of grace. I. G. KNIGHT.