Central America by E. L. CARDEY

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 15, 1907

Central America

By E. L. CARDEY

E. L. CARDEY

Central America, although a near neighbor of the United States, is far distant so far as the people and their habits are concerned. Perhaps there is no place in the world where the people are farther behind the civilization of today than they are in this country. Plows, and such things for tilling the ground are unheard of among the natives. Central America is a rich country in natural resources, and it seems strange that the people of the States have not turned their eyes this way more than they have. The ground is very productive. The growing of bananas and cocoanuts constitutes the chief occupation of the people.

It also seems strange that the attention of our own people has not been turned toward this country more than it has. However, it is true that the truth entered what is known as the Central American Mission field nearly twenty years ago. But the work has been very largely confined to the English-speaking part of the field, which contains perhaps forty thousand people. Then when you consider that there are in this field over three million people, you will see that just a start has been made. The work among the English-speaking people has been very fruitful; as we now have about three hundred and fifty Sabbath-keepers, nearly all English speaking. The work among the Spanish will go much harder and slower, nevertheless this message must be carried to every nation.

Then again we have within our borders other tribes and peoples. There are the Carib Indians, numbering thousands, scattered all along our coasts. Protestant missionaries have done but very little for this people, but we must do something for them.

The Mosquito Indians also are scattered throughout this country. They know nothing about God, much less the message of his soon coming. Only last year the Bible was translated into their language. In many respects they resemble the old American Indians, making their home wherever night overtakes them. The question that confronts us is, How can we take this message to them? Some one will have to give his life to giving them the message. Are there not some strong young people who feel a burden for such a work?

The Lord is blessing our work in this field in all the departments. Since taking up the work here, we have had many evidences that the Lord is doing a quick work in the earth. Seed that has been sown in the past is now springing up, and bearing a hundredfold. In the first part of the month of May the writer held a meeting in French Harbor, Ruatan, Bay Islands. Much interest was manifested, although there was some very bitter opposition. However, at the close of the meetings the Spirit of God had so wonderfully worked on the hearts of the people that twelve souls presented themselves for baptism.

BAPTISMAL SERVICE AT FRENCH HARBOR, RUATAN

Sunday evening, May 19, just as the sun was setting over the western mountains, a large concourse of people gathered on the beautiful shore of the sea to witness the baptism of these dear souls. It was a blessed sight indeed, one that will long be remembered. There is yet a good interest at this place, and we hope that others will soon step out on the platform of truth and righteousness.

At the close of this meeting I went to Bonacca, another of the Bay Islands, and while there held meetings at North East Bight and Mangro Bight. Surely the Lord came near in these meetings. When they closed, there were nineteen souls that were ready for baptism. This was a blessed experience to the writer. Such experiences as these give joy to the heart of the missionary, and inspire him with courage to press the battle to the gates of the enemy.

These dear souls were baptized in the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. I expect to organize a church at Mangro Bight when I return to that place. The Lord is also working here in Belize. Last Sunday one was baptized here, and at the night meeting two more took their stand to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Surely we are in the time of the latter rain, and we praise God that he is sending us a few drops in this part of the great harvest-field.