Central America by H. A. Owen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 16, 1906

Central America

By H. A. Owen

YUSCARAN, HONDURAS.—The Lord has dealt with us tenderly. I am finding people all the time who listen intently while I tell them of the old paths, and urge them to study the Bible, which, here and there, I find hidden away from the priests. I have visited every town of any size in eastern and central Honduras, and am now working south, expecting to go into San Salvador. I do no open preaching or teaching as such, but each day I ask God to reveal Jesus to the people who come to my studio, and help me to speak the truth in an acceptable way. I know that men and women are receiving the seeds of truth in their hearts all over this little country, though none have come out and taken their stand for God's truth.

If there are some families who want to come to Central America and take things as they find them, expecting much that is unpleasant, coming to bring the knowledge of a living Saviour to these people who now bow down to wood and stone, let them come prepared to stay when the next revolution breaks out, for we have revolutions quite regularly. We have thus far suffered nothing from them, and they do not usually last more than a year.

There may possibly be yellow fever in some places on the coast. You can select a port of entry that is free, by consulting the United States Fruit Company in New Orleans. You must arrange for a special train to meet you at the coast. The conductor will be a dark-skinned man, with straight black hair and very little beard, with greasy clothes; and a hand-made cigarette that cost him the tenth part of one cent will be in his mouth. He will greet you politely, and tell you he is ready to serve you.

The train?—It is nibbling grass off the too-little-trodden street—six, eight, or ten mules, some with riding saddles, others with pack saddles. “Such wee bits of animals,” you will say. But never mind; when you get to winding around over the edges of these mountains, your seat will seem high enough.

A few days ago I was riding with my wife, around a mountain. She was mounted on a Chilean horse that would not be considered large in the United States. Hearing her voice, I turned, and saw Mrs. Owen checking her horse. “This horse is too high; I don't like him,” was her answer to my inquiry. The safety-wheel was an improvement over the old-fashioned high one; and once on these roads, you will agree with us that these little mules are “just the thing.”

If you come expecting to meet and conquer difficulties, you will find much that is pleasant here. So I say to those who feel that this is their place of service. Come not to try Central America, but do what Cortez did at Vera Cruz, when he went inland to take Mexico City.

We are in the center of Central America. We have a stock of Bibles furnished by the British and Foreign Bible Society, and once the Bible has been scattered through these regions, we can follow with denominational books.

H. A. OWEN.