British Guiana by D. C. Babcock

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 11, 1903

British Guiana

By D. C. Babcock

KITTY.—Although some time has passed since any report has appeared from this field in the REVIEW, yet we have not been idle by any means.

The prevailing scourge that Barbadoes has had to pass through, reached this colony about three months ago, and is doing its work here, as it did in Barbadoes. The government is doing all it can to check its progress, but it is unable to care for the sick. A large number of men are busy erecting temporary shelter for the sufferers.

This to some extent has prevented us from pushing our work in the city as we hoped to do. Our new church building in Georgetown was dedicated on Sunday, March 15, at 3 P. M. Before the hour had arrived for the services to begin, the house was filled to its utmost capacity, and many were compelled to return to their homes. Among those present were the mayor of the city, and ministers of other denominations. An address was given by the Mayor, and among the many good things he said, one statement deeply impressed me: “I believe the object of the missionaries sent to this colony by the Seventh-day Adventists is to lift up fallen humanity, and I heartily welcome them to the city of Georgetown. May God bless their efforts in this city!” Our own laborers were all present, and took part in the exercises. That which caused joy to fill our hearts was the presence of God’s Holy Spirit, to convict souls. There was evidence of an advance step in the work in this colony, and many returned home, viewing this message in altogether a different light. There was no laughing, or clapping of hands; but as the solemn truths for these times were presented, a hearty Amen was sounded from almost the entire congregation.

May 17, although weak from a severe attack of fever, Brother Brown and the writer began seeking for a location for our new tent, which we had made with our own hands. Almost every place we visited, the villages were standing in water. Finding a lot in Kitty village, near Georgetown, which stood about eight inches above the water line, we rented it for six shillings a month, and on the 20th pitched our tent and began work. Brother Giddings assisted in raising the tent, but that night was the last that he could be with us for over three weeks, on account of fever. Brother Hyder came to our assistance the following week, and has labored some among the East Indians. We have tried to persuade the coolies to come to the tent, holding special meetings for them, but to no avail. They tell us plainly that they will not go where the black people worship. If we could have another small tent, 20x30 ft., for them alone, I believe some would be gathered out for God’s kingdom.

The rain has been continuous ever since our tent was pitched, six weeks ago; yet the tent has been well filled almost every evening. God has blessed the effort, and several precious souls are rejoicing in that freedom found alone in obedience to God’s holy law, through his dear Son. My own soul has also been abundantly blessed. As workers we have learned to love one another more. The first Sabbath, when a general meeting was held for those who were interested in the truth, as soon as the minister had stopped speaking, one of the new members

was on his feet praising God, and was quickly followed by others, until every one had borne testimony to the praise of God. Hungry souls are everywhere seeking for that which the world can not give. Yesterday, July 5, twelve precious souls followed their Lord into the watery grave. When we reached the seashore, fully fifteen hundred people had congregated to witness the scene. As I saw their anxiety to hear the truth, my soul went out to God to give me food for this people. Others will soon be baptized.

I am glad to say that our company are all enjoying good health at this writing, and we are preparing to build a house of worship in this village.

D. C. BABCOCK.