p. 15 | Bay Islands by Mrs. A. J. Hetherington

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Sep 8, 1904

Bay Islands

By Mrs. A. J. Hetherington

RUATAN.—The week beginning Friday evening, April 29, was set apart for the study of the week-of-prayer readings, and for prayer and consideration of work in foreign fields. Elder Goodrich visited us early in April, and encouraged our little company here, and assisted us in laying plans for the medical missionary work. As urgent matters called him to Utilla, we were not privileged to have him with us during the week of prayer. But the brethren and sisters met together, and earnestly and prayerfully studied the readings. Two meetings were held each day—one at ten in the morning, the other at four in the afternoon. Some of the hours were taken for special Bible studies. At the end of the week a collection for foreign missions was taken, which amounted to eighteen sols, or about $7.20. This was doing very well, considering the fact that the company numbers less than ten, and it was at a time of the year when money is very scarce. The brethren and sisters are of good courage. They meet each Sabbath in the mission chapel, for the study of the lesson, and quite often have Bible study at the close.

During the latter part of June, Brother Greene spent some days at the west end and north side of the island, in the interests of gospel work. As far as we are able to learn, this is the first time that any of our brethren have spoken in public on the north side. When it was announced that Brother Greene would speak to the people, he found a company of about fifty gathered at the appointed time to hear him. They listened very attentively, and seemed deeply interested. At the close of the meeting a number of persons requested him to come again the next morning and speak to them. The next day was Sunday, and a regular appointment had already been made for a Sunday morning service. Brother Greene made his appointment earlier, and spoke to quite a company of people. The subject was of such interest that the people requested to hear further. So he remained to the regular Sunday service, at the close of which the minister announced that Mr. Greene would address the audience. Accordingly, the service was continued. The entire company, including the minister, remained and heard him as he presented the present truth. A number expressed their interest in what had been spoken, and inquired if they could not be taught further. Brother Greene is hoping that Elder Goodrich will soon be able to meet with these people and carry on the interest.

The Lord has greatly blessed our efforts in the medical missionary work here. At first there seemed to be some obstacles in the way, and of course more or less prejudice. But we began our work, caring for the patients began coming from neighboring islands, and from the mainland. Several who appreciate the value of our methods of treatment have asked if we would not open up definite sanitarium work here in the islands. One interested friend has offered us a nicely situated lot if we would use it for that purpose. A brother has offered to give a nice tract of land, well elevated, overlooking the sea, if we would establish the work on it.

One of the most prominent and influential business men of the Bay Islands has offered to give us a choice of a site in a good tract of land, if we would erect buildings suitable for our work. These offers show the interest that is being taken in our work. But as yet we have not been able to accept any of these offers, since the work has not progressed sufficiently financially to permit of such steps being taken. Our work is carried on in rented buildings. We have had to labor under many disadvantages and inconveniences, yet the work has been self-supporting from the beginning.

We have had a number of very interesting cases, several of which have been very critical. And, to the praise of God, we are glad that, through his help, we have been enabled to save several lives for which there seemed little or no hope.

MRS. A. J. HETHERINGTON.