Colombia, South America
By I. G. KNIGHT
BOCAS DEL TORO.—The field which we are endeavoring to evangelize as thoroughly and as fast as we can, is composed of Nicaragua, Costa Rica, United States of Colombia, and several important islands. Brother S. P. Smith writes from St. Andrews Island, where he is teaching school, that they are expecting a visit from us, as a church should be organized there soon. Also on Corn Island, a short distance southwest of St. Andrews, an interest is springing up through the work of some of our canvassers, and five or six are already keeping the Sabbath. At Bluefields, in Nicaragua, there are about the same number keeping the Sabbath, who have never met a Seventh-day Adventist minister. Some are anxious to receive baptism. A few believers in present truth are scattered through Costa Rica. At Pt. Limon there is quite a large company. I am making arrangements to visit some of these places next week. We have been in Boca del Toro about four months. I have baptized sixteen willing souls, and organized a church here, with a membership of thirty-nine. Thus far we have confined our labors to this city and to places accessible with our little skiff. We have in this territory about eighty Sabbath-keepers. They are sadly in need of the help that is gained by coming in touch with well-developed members. In the REVIEW AND HERALD of June 30, 1903, there is some wholesome instruction from the pen of Sister White, which, if heeded by the laity in America, would greatly meet the crying need: “It is not the purpose of God that this people should colonize, or settle together in large communities. . . . God designs that they shall be scattered all over the country. . . . The lay members of our churches can accomplish a work which as yet they have scarcely begun. None should move into new places merely for the sake of worldly advantages; but where there is an opening to obtain a livelihood, let families that are well-grounded in the truth enter, one or two families in a place, to work as missionaries.” How many will by their example show their belief in this instruction? In this field are opportunities for making a livelihood in more ways than one. The people are anxious for reading-matter, hence these countries present an opportunity for wide-awake canvassers. We shall be glad to correspond with any one who would like to inquire regarding the matter. The work here seems to be taking on a steady, healthy growth. Pray for the advancement of the message here.