British Guiana by D. C. Babcock

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Michigan · Apr 15, 1902

British Guiana

By D. C. Babcock

FRIDAY morning, February 7, I left Aurora to attend a meeting at Leguan, Sabbath and Sunday. Here I met W. T. Downer, who had been with the company a few days; and after prayer and careful consideration, we thought best to organize a church at this place. We found many difficulties in the way; but as the meeting proceeded, the Lord came in with his power, confessions were made, and all were united.

The church was organized with a membership of twenty-three. Two elders and a deacon were elected. The Lord manifested his Spirit in the ordination of these brethren. It is evident that God is working with his people. We hope that other precious souls will soon be added to this company.

The following Sabbath and Sunday I spent with the church at Georgetown. We had a good season in seeking the Lord together. Brother and Sister Morrow have labored in this city for six months. They have had many difficulties to contend with, and trials to meet, but the Lord has surely blessed their labors. It has been necessary to withdraw the hand of fellowship from several of the members on account of direct violation of the law of God; but while some are leaving our ranks, others are taking their places. Thus the Lord is gathering out a people for his name in this part of the field.

On Tuesday morning, February 18, I left Georgetown by steamer for Bootooba. Nearly one year ago arrangements were made for a school to be started at this place, conducted by Brother Browne, from Barbados; but owing to the financial condition of the brethren and sisters, and those from the outside whom we expected to patronize the school, it has seemed necessary to close it for a time. Brother Browne will labor in Georgetown for some time. We had a fair attendance at the meeting in Bootooba, and the Lord worked for all present, revealing his presence according to his promise.

There are many difficulties with which our people have to contend in these rural districts. The men who control the timber interests in the country, do all in their power to make our people labor upon the Sabbath; and, in addition to this, food that they cannot eat is placed before them. Thus distress is brought upon those who have cast in their lot with the remnant people in these last days. If some of our brethren in the States who have had experience in the timber work, could come to this country, and engage in that work, they could become self-supporting missionaries, and be a great help to our churches. It does not need much capital to begin the work, and returns are quickly made. Here is a good opportunity for those who have longed to be missionaries, and yet are not prepared to preach the word directly, but who have good business qualities, and good solid muscles to take hold and carry forward the work of God, and be a blessing to those around them. Surely the Lord has opened the way for all classes of people to labor for him; and I trust that, erelong, some will consecrate themselves to the work in British Guiana.

Georgetown is in great need of a new place of worship. The brethren and sisters are doing what they can by small donations to raise means with which to begin this work; but it will be necessary for us to have means from other sources before the work can be completed.

We appeal to those of our people who have means to spare, to give us even the smallest donations to assist in this worthy enterprise.

The Lord is blessing the efforts of the laborers who are in the field. About fifty have accepted the truth within the last year. For this we praise our Heavenly Father.

The work in Dutch Guiana has been almost at a standstill during the past year, owing to our need of a Holland worker for this field. We long for some one to carry the truth to perishing souls in that colony. A few books have been sold, and a few individuals have accepted the truth, but there is yet much to do. They are calling for help, but we can do nothing for them at present. May the Lord open the way for his truth to reach these people.

D. C. BABCOCK.