Central America by D. C. Ross

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 19, 1911

Central America

By D. C. Ross

D. C. ROSS, M. D.

(Concluded)

THE poorer classes in the city of Guatemala live in very close quarters, and often the very poor have no homes at all, but lie down where night overtakes them. They eat when they can, and though the food is not always the cleanest or best, they manage to exist.

Nearly every one has one or more servants. They do all the work. The very best get three or four dollars (gold) a month, and will work hard for that. Many do not know how to work, but are anxious to learn. They will easily save more than their wages if allowed to buy the food, as they can get better prices than those newly come to the country.

Living expenses are possibly a little lower than in the States. All foods shipped into the country are high; but there is enough of nearly everything raised in the locality to satisfy almost any one. Both fruit and vegetables are quite plentiful the year round, and very reasonable in price.

The school is prospering financially, and I believe it is doing a good work. The teachers are learning the language and the customs of the country, and they are certainly working faithfully. I found their lessons to be one of the main topics of conversation. If it is necessary to make any changes later on, these teachers will be able to take right hold where

they are needed, as they will have a good command of the language. The school is also having an excellent influence, and is making friends among its patrons, most of whom are of the better class. The influence of these Christian teachers is being felt by the children, and I have no doubt that we shall yet see a number of them in our ranks proclaiming this truth to their neighbors.

Guatemala is certainly a needy field. Workers who are fully determined to remain in the field until God calls them to leave are badly needed. Those coming to Central America can not begin work at once. Conditions are such that it takes time and study to get started right. It is a blessing that we can not speak the language at first. While studying that, we are unconsciously learning the ways of the people; and when we are ready to speak, we can go to work without making so many mistakes.

Central America is not an easy field; and if one is looking for something of that sort, it would be better to remain at home. But if one has a sincere desire to save souls, and really wants to work, there is plenty of opportunity to develop one's talents. If any who read this feel a burden to help this needy field, either with their means or by giving themselves, the secretary of the Mission Board would be glad to correspond with them. What I have seen has made me long for a closer walk with God than I have ever had before. My earnest desire is that I may be so filled with the Holy Spirit, and so purified from sin and selfishness, that God will continue to let me have some part in giving the gospel to the world in this generation.

Guatemala City.