p. 15 | Central America by A. N. Allen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 12, 1906

Central America

By A. N. Allen

LA CEIBA, SPANISH HONDURAS.—Since I wrote last, another man, a liquor dealer, has come to us, and said he wished to unite with us. He is studying his Bible, reading tracts, and attending Sabbath meetings. As soon as his partner returns from the States, he will sell out his share in the saloon. He is a colored man of considerable ability, being the son of one of the Methodists’ most successful native preachers. For several years he has been in the employ of the United Fruit Company. He still holds his position with them, and so far has been allowed to keep the Sabbath.

While God is working, Satan is not idle. Yesterday while passing eleven cases of Bibles through the customs, I encountered the most malignant spirit I ever met. The custom-house officer forbade his clerk’s reading a tract which I handed him, and then he began abusively to condemn our work. When he had ceased speaking, I spoke in favor of the work which he had condemned. While I was talking, his clerk and several natives who were present, continued to say, “Truth! truth!” The harvest is ripe, the laborers are few, and Satan knows that his time is short. How much more ought God’s people to know it!

There are now nine keeping the Sabbath on this coast, who, with proper labor and instruction, I believe could be baptized. Seven of these are Spaniards. Is it not possible to find a minister who can speak Spanish, to come and follow up this work? It is hard to tell you what it means for one of these people to step out and obey; and then comes the work of education, to bring them to a knowledge of the whole truth, and these people are no exception to those who have to receive line upon line, precept upon precept. A. N. ALLEN.