Our Panama Mission by Carrie Knight

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Aug 11, 1904

Our Panama Mission

By Carrie Knight

We have no discouraging report to bring, but one of good courage. God is with us; that tells the whole story.

Since my return from the States, I have been very busy, as much writing for the field had accumulated during my absence. That, with helping in meetings, has taken all my time since my return. We went last week down the lagoons to Punto Robolo. The United Fruit Company has a large banana plantation at this place, where several hundred men are employed. We reached there just at sunset, and at once announced a meeting for that night. During our stay of five days we were kindly received and entertained by the superintendent of the plantation, an American.

I often wish our people in America could see us as we travel about holding meetings. Many times we can be seen under the shade of some large tree, our congregation sitting about us on the ground. Sometimes we have the good fortune to secure a shed, and sometimes we can get a house-lighter. This is a flat boat, fourteen by forty feet, being afloat, of course. It is not a very steady place, but it is quite comfortable.

At Punto Robolo a house-lighter was offered us. But just as we had our organ in place and the seats arranged, it began to rain, and we had to vacate, so we began our meetings in a large shed which the company used as a work shed, with the hogs lying about under work-benches, and crabs as large as a man's hand crawling around. Thus we gave this poor people the message. As we began our song service, a large crowd gathered, and seemed intensely interested. This interest continued all through our meetings with them. Although it rained sometimes, at meeting time they were there just the same.

We were invited to hold some meetings up farther in the plantation where the company has a commissary, and where many of the men who work the plantation live. When the night came, the superintendent had the train ready to take us, and all who might want to go up to the place of meeting, a distance of three miles. About sixty went with us from the Port, and a large crowd gathered there. We stood on the railroad in the open air, and our congregation sat about on the porch of the commissary, the platform, and the steps, while many were obliged to stand. We had a barrel for a pulpit, and a lantern gave us light. But, as I said before, God is with us, so the meeting was a success. One woman said to me after the

service, “I was starving, O, so hungry, but now I am full, praise the Lord!” Many were touched while Mr. Knight talked to them on the thought, “God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”

On our way home we visited the Bethel church. This company numbers nearly forty. They have a nice new church building. One of our brethren donated a church bell. This is quite a novelty, as there are but few bells in the republic of Panama. While in the States, I spoke on the work in this field in the Methodist church in Wauneta, Kan., also in Humboldt, and at both places this question was asked: “When that people are converted, do they prove to be true and firm?” My answer was, “Indeed, they do. We have many men among us firm, true, and faithful—of whom we are proud. Not many of our own American people are more true.” The work may be slow, sometimes trying. It may be hard—more so than in America. But the final results are just as good.

We go now to Colon, and from there to Costa Rica, where we have two church buildings to be dedicated. Our courage is good. Remember us at the throne of grace when you pray.

MRS. CARRIE KNIGHT.