p. 18 | Panama Conference by N. V. Willess

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Apr 13, 1911

Panama Conference

By N. V. Willess

ON the evening of January 31, Elder C. Bender, Elder H. C. Goodrich and family, and the writer, with a number of others, started from Colon for Bocas del Toro, to attend the conference to be held at that place. We had a very pleasant passage, and landed the next morning about eight o'clock. On landing we found a comfortable home all arranged for us by the brethren in Bocas. This made our stay very pleasant. The house in which we stayed extended out over the water several feet, so that from our back door we could plunge into the sea for our sea bath. This was a great relief from the oppressive heat of the tropical sun.

The conference opened on the morning of February 3, with a fair attendance from all parts of the field, except the northern. These brethren could not reach Bocas in time for the meeting, as the regular boat, on which they expected to sail, failed to make the trip. Two young men from this part, who would not be deprived of the blessing of the meeting, walked about twenty-five miles to the next place where they could get a boat, arriving the day after the conference opened. These brethren seemed greatly to enjoy the meetings, as we always do when we sacrifice to attend them.

The business of the conference was quickly and harmoniously disposed of, in five short sittings. The reports of the secretary and treasurer showed a gain in tithe and offerings of $782.85, and also of 18 in membership. This is a good showing, especially when one considers the conditions that exist in this field.

We were all glad to hear this little conference declare itself self-supporting, the brethren proposing to supply their needs from their own resources. We hope this will be the experience of other conferences in the West Indian Union soon. The Jamaica Conference, I understand, proposes this year to support its own work.

Elder H. C. Goodrich, who has served as president for some time, was asked to take the work again. Although Brother Goodrich is not strong, and the effect of hard, trying labor can be seen on him, yet he seems full of courage and energy to push the work into the unworked corners of his field.

Brother G. C. Jenks, who arrived during the conference, was given the direction of the canvassing work; and a revival of this work is expected as a result of his efforts. This will greatly aid in more rapidly working the field.

Meetings were held in the evening for the public, and these were well attended. The house was always full and sometimes to overflowing. Brother J. B. Stuyvesant spoke twice in Spanish to those who did not understand English. He had a fair hearing. The leading officials of the place came out, including the governor. All expressed themselves as well pleased.

Elder Bender gave an excellent discourse the last evening on the subject, Why We Exist as a People, at the close of which Brother Stuyvesant was set apart to the gospel ministry. The ceremony was very solemn and impressive. The duties and responsibilities as well as the privileges of a minister for God were very clearly set forth in the charge given by Elder Bender.

May the blessing of Heaven rest upon the laborers and brethren of this field, and many souls be gathered in during the year to come. N. V. WILLESS.