Ecuador by GEO. W. CASEBEER.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Jan 11, 1906

Ecuador

By GEO. W. CASEBEER.

GUAYAQUIL.—After a more or less pleasant trip of thirty days, in company with Brother and Sister F. L. Perry and

their little boy, we arrived in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Nov. 7, 1905. The next day our brother and sister resumed their journey to Peru.

In touching several ports in Mexico and Central America we found many things very interesting in the ways of the Spanish people, but we were somewhat more favorably impressed with the Ecuadorians, because of their industry and energy. Most of the stores and shops of Guayaquil open at half-past five, or thereabouts, and do not close until ten or eleven o'clock at night. It is said that three fourths of the money of Ecuador is handled here.

The climate is very good from May to December, or during the dry season; but when the rains come, the mosquitoes also come and bring the fevers. The sewerage system is very poor; and as the water and mud stand in the streets, there is a chance for the breeding of disease. A refreshing breeze from the sea, which blows here almost constantly, moderates the heat considerably.

Prospects for our work here are quite encouraging. Brother T. H. Davis, who has been here about one year, has faithfully sown the seeds of truth by the printed page, by Bible readings, and in various other ways, and although no one has taken a decided stand to obey the truth, yet a vast amount of prejudice has been broken down, and the cause has many friends. There are two young men, carpenters, who are especially interested, and are convinced on the Sabbath question. They seem willing to endure ridicule, and are able to give good answers for their faith. We hope they will soon take a firm stand.

We have started a series of meetings in one room of our dwelling-house. There seems to be quite an interest, although on account of our limited facilities, no public announcement has been made. At our first meeting there were about thirty in attendance. After the study was finished, and the people were dismissed, they all sat still, as if they wanted something more. We sang several Spanish hymns, which they seemed to enjoy. We find our Bilhorn telescope organ a great help.

After all had gone, the owner of the house came in and asked if we intended having a meeting every night. He seemed troubled over the matter, as he was opposed to having all classes of people in his house, or, as his wife expressed it, “servants, negroes, and white people altogether.” There was, perhaps, some prejudice against us as Protestants. Brother Davis explained that we were to have meeting but once a week. The man was satisfied, and told us he would keep the thieves and bad people out, so now we have only the “good” people to preach to.

We expect in the future to rent a hall where “good” and “bad” alike can come. The people here seem ripe for the message. In Guayaquil the people are very liberal minded, but they seem to be following France in rejecting all religion, and turning to infidelity. But some will surely accept the message of truth.

Brother Davis and I spent one week on a canvassing trip up the railroad line. We visited several small towns on our way, and sold Spanish and English literature. There are many Jamaican negroes in this country, especially along the railroad, who all speak English. As a usual thing we find them much degraded. One must visit them on their pay-day, or find that their money has all gone for drink or in some other way. If they have money, they are very willing to buy religious books, for they all claim to be Christians.

One man I met seemed much interested in “The Coming King,” and wanted me to bring it to his house at five o'clock. The appointment was met, but no man nor money was to be found. The next morning I happened to see him, and he said, “We have to let it pass. If you don't dead afore you gets back, I takes one dem books.” During the four days we were gone, Brother Davis sold about fifty sueres' worth, and I about ten.

All the way along we found people interested in reading the literature they had bought before. “My word . . . shall not return unto me void.”

The farther into the interior one gets, the stronger he will find the prejudice, as the priests have more power there.

In what is called the Orient—that is east of the Andes Mountains—there are vast numbers of Indians. White men do not often enter there, and the priests only to the edge of the country to collect their money. Does not this vast field appeal to some one? Before it is entered by others, we should be giving them the message.

Brethren, pray that the message of truth may have free course, and break the bondage of darkness from many hearts.

GEO. W. CASEBEER.