W. E. HANCOCK by W. E. Hancock

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 26, 1911

W. E. HANCOCK

By W. E. Hancock

Guatemala

As we look back over the two years spent in Guatemala, and see how God has blessed us in spite of our mistakes, and has made seemingly insurmountable obstacles real blessings in the end, our faith is strengthened, and our courage is unbounded in the success of the work here. We thank God for the assurance that his Spirit is going before us. Already we have found a brother who is convinced that there is more truth for him. Elder N. V. Willess providentially met him on the train. He had read some leaflets, which had been given him, and was earnestly seeking for more truth. Elder Willess kept up a correspondence with him for several weeks, and sent him some tracts, with the result that now he is studying every phase of the truth. He kept his first Sabbath last week. He speaks English fairly well, and is well instructed in his own language. It is a blessed privilege to give the truth to one who drinks in every word with the same joy we experienced when we accepted the truth.

Others are attending our meetings on Sunday night. These meetings are held in a private room, and are conducted, at present, in English. Our attendance will be much larger when we can have a regular place for meeting, and when the lectures are given in Spanish. Those now attending know more or less of the English, and are reading literature in both languages. When we return from the union conference meeting, about the last of January, we shall arrange for a meeting-hall, and begin meetings in Spanish.

The English school closed its year's work with a simple program rendered by the students in English. A good number of the parents were present, and were much pleased with the work done. A commendable report of the closing exercises appeared in the daily papers of the city. Brother and Sister J. G. Pettey arrived about a month before the close of the school, and gave valuable help in the finishing work of the year. They are studying the language during the vacation, and are preparing to take up the school work in earnest early in January. Miss Lena Hunt has also rendered valuable assistance in the school since her arrival the first of July. She is making rapid progress in the language, and has a real burden for this needy field.

In closing I wish to make another plea for the Indians, for whom, as yet, nothing has been done either by us or by any other missionaries. We have received several letters of inquiry regarding the possibility of mission farming. This gives us courage to believe that the Lord is laying this burden on other hearts also. We pray that something may be done for them soon.