Honduras by Isaac Baker

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 28, 1916

Honduras

By Isaac Baker

The message is slowly making its way on the mainland of the republic of Honduras. We have no great things to report, yet we rejoice to see a few taking their stand for the commandments of God.

The middle of last May, in company with one of the native brethren, I made a five days’ trip by mule into the interior, where for over a year one of our brethren has been giving the third angel’s message. Several persons began the observance of the Sabbath, and were faithful until severe trials came; then some went back into their former way of living. Others, however, remained steadfast. The people here have all been reared Roman Catholics, so have not been taught the Bible, but rather, to worship images, to honor relics, and to do what the priests say. All they knew about Protestantism was what they had learned through Catholic channels, so they did not see it in its true light. The result is they do not want anything that is Protestant, as they fear they will be defiled by it.

After we had been with them a few days, they seemed to have a little better opinion of us than when we first arrived. Quite a number began to come to listen to the singing, as the singing of hymns was new to them. They seemed to enjoy it, and most of them remained for Bible study. Near the close of our stay with them, six who had remained faithful from the time they first heard the truth, signed the covenant and were baptized. According to the last report, all were standing firm for the truth. Twelve others there and in near-by villages are observing the Sabbath. The brother who first took the message to them is still doing all he can to teach others also. We are praying the Lord to bless him in his efforts.

While I cannot say that I enjoyed the trip, I am willing to go again whenever it becomes necessary to do so. We had the privilege of baptizing nine on that trip, three at Mesica, near the coast, and six in Mangualle. All were Spanish-speaking people. On the way we passed several small villages where the truth should be presented, and the only way to do it is to support some one while he goes from place to place giving the message.

Later I made a visit to the islands for a few weeks, and then returned to La Ceiba to get things in readiness for the convention, which closed a little more than a week ago. We had a very profitable time during the convention. The

English-speaking people had their rally day the first Sabbath of the meeting, and the Spanish-speaking had theirs on Sunday. There was preaching in Spanish every night, and these services were attended by persons who understood Spanish, some of whom were not believers.

Elder J. B. Stuyvesant and his wife were with us during the meeting, and did most of the preaching. All appreciated their efforts, and were sorry when the time came for them to return to their field of labor in Guatemala.

On the last Sunday of the meeting a good company gathered at the river, about one-half mile from the town, where seven persons were baptized, five of whom are Spanish and two English. There are two or three others to be baptized soon.

We are now planning to visit the churches and companies on the islands before returning. This will take us about two or three months if we stay as long at each place as we should.

While Honduras is but a small place on the map, we trust our brethren and sisters will not forget the work here, and that they will remember us in their prayers.

ISAAC BAKER.