Central America by Hubert Fletcher

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 25, 1907

Central America

By Hubert Fletcher

ALTHOUGH our plans for our union conference in Kingston, Jamaica, were thwarted by the disaster that befell that city January 14, yet I am sure none of our visiting brethren have regretted their experience. We have seen, through it all, the love and care God has for his people, and have learned to trust him more. In fact, these disasters are among God's means of furthering the message, and of shortening the work in righteousness.

Under more favorable circumstances, it would doubtless have taken years to have brought in touch with our work those who have come in touch with it in one month. Immediately after the earthquake, the news went far and wide, by land and by sea, that the Seventh-day Adventists were the only people who had their building left standing. The earthquake has been a help to our people in Jamaica in their work, instead of a ruin. God's people can “look up,” and lift up their heads, for their redemption draweth nigh; while with bowed heads the people of the world are filled with fear and trembling. The earth, and heavens also, will very soon be shaken; the islands will disappear, and the cities of the nations be thrown down; but God's people, like Peter on Galilee, will stand on the word, which can not be moved.

On my return from the conference, I was able to meet with the Colon church. I found all of good courage. After a spirited meeting six persons applied for baptism. From there I took steamer for Limon, Costa Rica. I spent nineteen pleasant and very profitable days strengthening the churches, and planning with the workers for the work in that part of the field. My time was divided among the following places: Limon, Pacuarito, Guacimo, Jimenez, and San José. As I surveyed the vast field with the hundreds of thousands of inhabitants without a knowledge of the message, and only one minister, I had to ask, What is he among so many?

It is from among the thousands of West Indians that we have our present membership in that country. The natives sadly need our help. If we had an experienced Spanish worker to take hold of the work, and locate in San José, one who could fluently and correctly speak the language, more could be done than is being done for the Spaniards or natives. There are many large and important cities surrounding the capital. San José is the most modern of the Central American capitals. It is about one hundred and six miles west of Port Limon, and about midway between the two oceans. It is located in a healthful and picturesque valley. The temperature, especially in Cartago, is almost freezing in the winter. Any one coming from the north can enjoy good health.

At Pacuarito I found the church growing in numbers, and all of good courage. Many impressive services were held. Plans are being laid for the erection of a suitable church building. Elder Mignott has procured a house at Guacimo for a series of meetings. He reports a good interest. The work in Costa Rica needs re-enforcement. It is a difficult field in which to labor. The only means of getting from place to place is by train. There are several branches of the railroad, along which the people settle transiently. But in spite of the difficulties, all must hear the message, and the honest be gathered out. The workers are of good courage, but we need help. In Bocas the work is still progressing in spite of hindrances. We have had to enlarge our lecture room. The day-school is growing, and is creating quite an interest among those not of our faith. But the Roman Catholics and the government are using all their influence to close all the Protestant schools, and have only one Spanish school, to be principaled by the priest. Of course, that is only a stratagem to have all the children taught the Catholic religion. We are, nevertheless, working and praying that the Lord may overrule, so our school may continue.

We are making an effort to circulate our Spanish paper, the El Sentinel. One of our brethren has done a good work with it, placing it in the hands of the governor and his subordinates. They all like the paper. The governor says it is the best paper they have ever had, and his wife enjoys reading it. Now is the time for us to work in these fields. The Lord is opening up the way, and preparing the hearts of the people for the reception of the truth. We have many difficulties to encounter, but by the grace of God we are all of good courage, and determined to be wholly consecrated to the Lord, and press the battle even to the gates of the enemy. The outlook is very encouraging.

I go now to Colon again, to look after the land for our church building there. Pray for us. HUBERT FLETCHER.