Cartagena, Spain by Frank S. Bond

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 18, 1911

Cartagena, Spain

By Frank S. Bond

The Lord is blessing the work here. I came to Cartagena about February 1. This ancient city is situated on the shore of a beautiful little bay, whose outlet to the sea lies between two almost barren mountains. Cartagena has a natural, protected harbor. It was here that the great Carthaginian general, Hannibal, landed with his forces more than two thousand years ago, and began his march northward, making his successful conquests.

The Iberian Peninsula has been governed by many different peoples. Only a little more than three centuries ago, Spain was the most powerful nation in the world; the sun never set on her possessions. Then came the day of her decline. The depressing influence of the Inquisition was more than she could bear; the bloom of her national health disappeared. A man addicted to the use of opium or morphin loses his health, becomes a nervous wreck, but may continue to exist for years; thus it is with Spain: when her health became materially impaired, by the rejection of the gospel of health, during the Reformation, Spain did not throw away the bottle containing Roman superstition and error.

The seeds of truth which have been scattered in this country are beginning to bear fruit. During the past two months, one of our canvassers has been associated with me in the work here. We have held four public meetings a week, in two different places; have given Bible readings regularly in a number of homes; and have found some time for canvassing. The Lord has helped in all our efforts, and has added his special blessing.

On Sabbath, April 1, we received into church fellowship eleven new believers. At the baptismal service, about one hundred persons were present. It was held at an artificial lake on a farm; and the Lord blessed in presenting the meaning of gospel baptism. In the afternoon we held the regular quarterly meeting services. The Lord came very near to us on that Sabbath, and I can assure you that it was good to be there. Sometimes one has a longing to see father, mother, and other loved ones from whom he has been separated a number of years; but the joy of seeing souls for whom one has labored and prayed give up all their worldly relations, and accept this blessed truth, more than repays one for any sacrifice he may have made.

One of the men, because of keeping the Sabbath, lost his position. He was receiving twenty-four dollars (Spanish) a month, with free house rent, electric lights, and water. This was an unusually good position for the laboring class in Spain. This brother’s wife accepted the truth with him. They have three small children. He received his education in a French school of northern Africa, and has a good knowledge of both the Spanish and the French languages. He is now canvassing for our books and papers in Oran, northern Africa. He needs the prayers of God’s people.

In the city of Murcia, several persons have recently begun to obey the truth. Our Bible worker there is of good courage. In Fortuna, a town of this province, several believers are writing for some one to come to give them further instruction. Where are the workers?

Spain needs two more ministers and half a dozen earnest Bible workers. The two sisters who accepted the truth in Cartagena last year have been a great help in the present effort. Pray for the work and workers in Spain.

FRANK S. BOND.