Central America by H. C. Goodrich

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 26, 1907

Central America

By H. C. Goodrich

BELIZE, BRITISH HONDURAS.—Brother Cardey and I visited some of the churches in the Bay Islands. On account of the quarantine, I had not visited the churches there for one year. We stayed only from two to four days in a place, holding meetings two or three times daily. At French Harbor (Ruatan) and at Bonacca the Lord wrought mightily for his people. At the latter place twenty came forward to seek the Lord, some of them for the first time. Their testimonies bore witness to a determination to begin a new life.

Some of the Bonacca brethren have been holding meetings in another neighborhood on the North Side. Quite an interest has been awakened, and several have begun to keep the Sabbath, and are calling for a minister. They have also begun to talk of building a little church. At French Harbor a man who has long allowed tobacco to keep him back declared his determination to be free, and with his wife and two daughters took his stand on the Lord’s side.

It seems to me that everywhere there is the moving of the Holy Spirit on the hearts of men. And it does not depend on a minister’s presence altogether; for where our lay brethren go out to help interested ones, the same Spirit works with them also, proving that the Lord is no respecter of persons.

The morning we left Ceiba, Brother and Sister Moncada were baptized. We left the town about 8 A. M., and went three miles to a river that runs through his plantation. There, with the field of bananas stretching out on one side, and large spreading trees shading the place on the other, was a quiet place in the mountain stream. Here was a little booth, built for the occasion, of cocoanut leaves. It was a beautiful place; and after a fifteen-minute talk on the responsibility of church relationship, these first Spanish converts in Spanish Honduras were buried with their Lord in baptism.

About twenty-five were present. Among them was the Wesleyan local preacher, who walked all the way that he might see a baptism. He seemed deeply impressed, and we hope to see an interest kindled that will lead him to obey God’s Word.

Returning, we found the boat waiting that was to take Mrs. Goodrich and Mildred and Sister Cardey to Belize. A few hours later Brother Cardey and I boarded another boat for the Bay Islands. We arrived at French Harbor at 7 P. M., and half an hour later we had the little church filled. We spent ten other days on this trip. And when we arrived at Utilla, on our way to Belize, we found that the boat on which Mrs. Goodrich had sailed had put in there, on account of calms and storms, and had left only twelve hours before we arrived.

I am thankful for what I have seen of God’s goodness. He will make all things work together for good to those who love him. H. C. GOODRICH.