Bay Islands by A. N. Allen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Apr 14, 1904

Bay Islands

By A. N. Allen

UTILLA.— We are quite well, and enjoy our school work. About seventy are now in attendance. Some are very irregular, however. There is much sickness, on the island at present, and many are anxiously waiting and longing for Dr. Hetherington to return. [Later letters bring the word that the doctor and his wife have arrived.]

I believe there is an individual and general move toward a higher plane. Three more are awaiting baptism at Elder Goodrich's next visit. There are others who believe, but not unto salvation from their sins, tobacco, drink, etc., holding them back. The attendance has increased some since our coming. At our prayer and social meeting yesterday there seemed to be a deeper heart work than at any previous meeting.

The Methodist preacher and teacher has been to see us, and is now reading “Power for Witnessing.” One of the Spanish officers here is also reading. I have orders for El Mensajero from four Spaniards on the island, these being the only Spaniards here who can read. I also have several orders for the London Good Health, and one for the Signs from the lighthouse keeper. Friday evening one of the ladies of the Methodist church came to study the Sabbath-school lesson with us.

I am selling a few books, and expect to take a large number of orders for Good Health. We also attend the sick whenever possible. So you see we are busy.

We now have a large school, and the children are learning; but there is not being accomplished what I would like to see in a mission school. To make the necessary changes, would be to lessen the attendance by one half or two thirds, and perhaps more, but I believe it would multiply the number of converts many times. The parents are opposed to having religion taught, and many refuse to buy any religious school-books. I have thought of disbanding the school at the end of March, for a two weeks' vacation, and then opening up on a new plan, receiving only those whose deportment has been such as to justify their return. Mrs. Allen could then handle the school, and I could be free to canvass. They are calling for the message on the coast now, and only a short time remains till my readers in the interior will cease to receive their papers. I am anxious to get among the Spanish people again, and continue to sow the seed. We can not reap where we have not sown.

A. N. ALLEN.