Central America by H. C. Goodrich

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 24, 1903

Central America

By H. C. Goodrich

BELIZE.— Outside of Belize there is an increasing interest to hear the truth, but I am unable to spend the time that a series of meetings would require. There is an urgent demand also for a good physician on the islands. I feel anxious that one of our people shall fill the call.

Our work in Belize is growing in importance. Others are becoming interested, and our congregations are increasing so that we hardly have room to accommodate all who come.

Several weeks ago I met a young man who is a teacher and preacher at the station about two days’ journey up the Belize River. He came down for his yearly examination. He is an intelligent young man, but was very prejudiced, saying frankly that he thought that all our people cared for was to argue on the Sabbath question. I invited him home with me, and succeeded in putting a copy of “Christ’s Object Lessons” into his hands. The next day he came again while I was away, and had a long talk with Mrs. Goodrich. A few days ago I received a letter from him, in which he says:—

“I am glad to tell you that I do not regret purchasing the book you showed me. I am studying it carefully. ‘The Wedding Garment’ has enlightened my mind very much. I am now studying ‘The Talents.’ Last Sunday I spoke on that subject. . . . That book is to me a storehouse of truth. For some time to come, I shall be able to draw from it supplies for the services. I am greatly concerned in regard to the world’s position to-day with reference to Christ’s second coming. Have you anything that will fully explain it to me from the Scriptures? Also, I want something that will fit me to talk with my friends in regard to the Sabbath. Possibly they will be more or less against me should I decide to observe the seventh day.”

I wrote him an encouraging letter, and sent him some tracts on the Sabbath and on Matthew 24. I hope soon to see this dear brother preaching the third angel’s message. I thank God for “Christ’s Object Lessons.” I believe that we have no other book so well fitted to reach the hearts of the people. Surely, the Spirit that is able to lead into all truth, is in it. This man has invited me to come and hold meetings in his neighborhood, which I shall do as soon as I can.

What we need most in this field for next year is two men for Spanish Honduras, who can acquire the Spanish language and sell books and papers in the largest cities. We will follow up their work with ministerial labor when it becomes necessary. Then we need as many men to help here in the Bay Islands. I have much more than I can possibly do alone. But if you can not do all that we ask, send the canvassers for the Spanish field. It is high time we were working for these people.

I do pray that at the General Conference you may have a pouring out of God’s Holy Spirit in such measure as we have never yet experienced, that we may have a better fitting up for service that may cut short in righteousness the work we have to do. H. C. GOODRICH.