War in Colombia by F. J. Hutchins

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 13, 1902

War in Colombia

By F. J. Hutchins

F. J. HUTCHINS

THE first of this month it was reported that the Liberals were in Chiriqui Grande, a point in the lagoon about forty miles from us. We were just ready to go to Port Limon, to visit our company there, but this report hindered us. The report was confirmed, and so we were not safe to leave our property.

One week later the Liberals landed at this spot, and took possession of it. Old Bank, the place of their September battle. They sent word, under a flag of truce, that they would give the government four hours to surrender. We were warned to escape from the town, and to go to the American man-of-war, which had come in the day before. We were informed by the commander of the battle ship that the situation was a grave one, and that we were not safe at home, and we, with all other Americans, should come to his ship for safety. We hastily packed a few small effects that we could store in our mission launch, the “Messenger,” locked up the house, committed the property to God, and acted on his advice, as we knew of no good reason for staying.

Two days later, just about sunrise, the battle began, and bullets whistled overhead on the right and on the left, some striking in the water close to us, although we were perfectly safe. Late in the afternoon, after some negotiations between the two parties, the representative of the government agreed to surrender the next morning. This was done, and so the war ended with the Liberals in charge again. There were twelve killed and twelve wounded on the government side, and twenty killed and about the same number wounded on the Liberal side. This occurred Friday about ten o’clock.

On Sabbath the Colombian battle ship came in, also a sixty-ton steamer, loaded with recruits. As the result, we spent Sabbath at our own home. Again, on Sunday, we packed up everything in haste, and left with the full expectation that the place would be bombarded; and if so, most likely the mission would suffer. Before going we asked the Lord to let it be as it pleased him; to spare his property only if he could use it still for the salvation of souls. After thus dedicating it anew to him, we left to seek safer quarters for ourselves.

Just as we came in sight of the harbor, we saw a small steamer coming up with flags of truce, which brought the terms of peace that saved the place from bombardment. The Liberals surrendered to the government, without force of arms. In about one hour we were back to the mission, glad for another deliverance from disaster. We do not know what to expect from one day to another, but we are thankful for the kind, loving watchcare of our Heavenly Father.

Amid all the shooting, not one bullet struck the mission home, as far as we were able to see. Some houses were almost destroyed, among them the Catholic church, the Methodist church, and some dwellings near them. One of our sisters and her daughter and granddaughter were in the midst of the whole battle, and their lives were spared, although many balls passed close to them through the house. The daughter was burned on the shoulder with one bullet.

We are of good courage, although everything is at a standstill. Pray for us and the prosperity of the work in this stricken country.