Barbados by Mrs. M. H. Honeywell

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Nov 12, 1903

Barbados

By Mrs. M. H. Honeywell

BRIDGETOWN.— For several months after our arrival I made very little progress in the work. Everything was new and strange, and some time was spent in getting acquainted with the city, the people, and their customs and habits.

The change in diet and climate affected me physically; the excessive heat had a very depressing influence upon me, and resulted several times in severe illness, until I almost determined to return to the States. Still I did not feel like giving up the battle, unless I was forced to do so. Each time I would decide to try it a little longer. The result is that I am still here, and I am glad that I am here.

I have found many interested ones who were glad to take up a systematic study of the Word of God. As a result, several have fully accepted the truth, and publicly united with us. One of these has developed into a good canvasser; and although she is uneducated, and can neither read nor write, she sells as many books and Bibles as any of our canvassers who have been in the work here for years. She has also sold one hundred copies of the Caribbean Watchman each month, and that is double the number any other canvasser has sold. The success she has is a wonder to all. Her own words—“It is not me, it is the Lord”—tell the story. Her face glows with happiness and peace, and she really enjoys the work.

Another interesting case is that of a woman and her two children, a son sixteen years of age and a daughter of fourteen, who accepted the truth through Bible work. The mother was educated in a Catholic school, having spent ten years in a convent. She was a member of the Anglican Church, but knew nothing of the experimental power of God to save from sin until the third angel’s message took hold of her, and made a complete change in her life. Like many others, she expected to be saved in her sins, instead of from them. Her son is canvassing, and we hope he may develop into a useful worker.

Surely, there is no place on this earth where it takes more faith to accept present truth than here on this little spot of land in the great ocean. At the very best, it is almost impossible for the majority of the people to get enough of the plainest food to sustain life; and when one accepts the truth, it is with the knowledge that the struggle for a mere existence will be much more difficult.

Although our little island is again free, after its long siege with smallpox and quarantine, the financial outlook is still dark, with no prospect of improvement.

Although in some respects this is an exceedingly difficult field to work, in others it is very encouraging. The people in general are willing to study the Word, and are friendly. Our own people are earnest and faithful, always ready to take hold in every way possible. When asked to do anything, they never make excuses, but the reply is always, “Yes, I will do the best I can.”

I never enjoyed the work more in any place than I have here. At present I have ten regular weekly appointments for Bible study, and could readily have more if I could fill them. I can not go out in the middle of the day when the sun is hottest, but use the morning and evening hours for outside work.

When walking about the streets under the burning rays of the tropical sun and in the blinding glare of the white streets, so weary that it almost seems that I am ready to faint, such precious promises as Isa. 40:31 and Ps. 121:5, 6, cheer my fainting spirit, and the blessed hope of the soon appearing of our Lord is indeed an anchor to my soul. Then comes the cheering thought from that good old hymn,—

“Wan' reaper in the harvest, Let this thy strength sustain, Each sheaf that fills the garner Brings you eternal gain; Then bear the cross with patience, To fields of duty hie; 'Tis sweet to work for Jesus;— There's resting by-and-by.”

I feel that I can not be thankful enough that I have the exalted privilege of working with Jesus. We are of good courage, praying to be kept humble and where God can use us every moment. Pray for us and the work here.

MRS. M. H. HONEYWELL.