The Work in Costa Rica
By H. LOUIE MIGNOTT
The last warning message that is to go to “every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,” is sounding in this land, and preparing a people for translation. Many who sit in darkness have seen its light, for unto them it has shone. As a result, some have “cast off the works of darkness,” and are rejoicing in the light. Many thousand pages of our literature have been placed in hundreds of homes by faithful canvassers. They are left to do their silent work. We may not now fully realize the amount of good they are doing, but shall in the near future, in the time of “the18latter rain,” when the earth shall “be made to bring forth in one day,” and “a nation be born at once.” Three years ago the writer came to this country, and was started in the canvassing work by the direction of the late Elder F. J. Hutchins, and has since remained in it. The pioneer canvassers in this field were Brethren Moulton (now in Porto Rico), Horton, and Brooks. In a hired room where the writer and another devoted brother lived, Bible readings were held every week; as a result some souls were brought to the saving knowledge of the truth, and were baptized by Elder I. G. Knight, during his first visit to this place. As time went by, others accepted the message, and were added to the band of believers. This company was finally organized into a church by Elder Knight. Our room had then become too small for the gathering. While contemplating the erection of a church building, providentially we learned of a house for sale, in a good location, and well adapted to our need. Although we had not the amount to pay for it, through the good hand of our Lord it was offered us on the instalment plan, and thus we were able to pay the sum of $227.27, its cost. This church is at Pacuarito, thirty-four miles from Puerto Limon. The building was finally dedicated, and is the first memorial in this land. By the energetic toils and quick movements of Elder Knight, the truth has been placed on a good footing. After a tent effort at Puerto Limon, the number of believers at that place was increased, a neat church building was erected and dedicated, and the company organized. Another tent effort was made at Cairo, thirty-nine miles from Limon; as a result another band of believers was brought out. There are isolated believers at other places, also some in the valley of decision. We labor and pray for their salvation. This is a land of great moral corruption. Murder and robbery are of almost daily occurrence. Drunkenness, licentiousness, and immoralities of every class and type are witnessed on all sides. This is a papal country. The churches of Rome are erected all over the land, teeming with their papal frauds and superstitions. By the power of this message, we hope to see many turn from the adoration of dumb idols to “give glory to God,” “and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.”