Bay Islands by H. C. Goodrich

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Nov 26, 1903

Bay Islands

By H. C. Goodrich

RUATAN.—July 24 I left Belize on the little sloop “Goldfish” for the island of Ruatan, arriving just before sunset the twenty-sixth. Coxen Hole, the port of entry for Ruatan, is one hundred and fifty miles from Belize, and with a fair wind the trip is made in from eighteen to twenty hours; but we had to “beat up” against a strong head wind, and were fifty-four hours on the way, which, with the inevitable seasickness, made the voyage quite a tedious one. However, good, refreshing food and a night's rest brought me back to nearly a normal condition, and in the morning I started for French Harbor, eight miles distant, where we were to hold our general meeting.

I found Dr. Hetherington and several members of the Utilla church already on the ground, and Dr. Haylock, of Bonacca, was also here, practising dentistry. We had arranged to have the use of a large house for our meetings; but when I arrived, we found this could not be secured. The only thing to do was to send to Bonacca, forty miles distant, for the old tent, which had been used in French Harbor by Elder F. J. Hutchins ten years ago. A boat was secured for the trip, and some young men volunteered as sailors. In two days they returned with the tent, and a good company of people to attend the meeting. There were good delegations present from every church and company in the Bay Islands, and the few days that were left of the meeting were devoted to services of a practical nature, seeking to become better acquainted with the Captain of our salvation. We were much disappointed at being deprived of the help of Dr. Haylock, who was sick through the entire meeting. Dr. Hetherington gave several talks on the value of health principles in eating and drinking.

Our last meeting, Monday morning, though small, was a precious one, in which nearly every one present made a new consecration of all to God, for service. At the close of this meeting the interest seemed to warrant keeping the tent here for some time longer. Brother Green, the leader of the little company at Coxen Hole, had held some meetings, and I had stopped twice in passing, and preached to attentive audiences, and now many expressed a desire to hear more of the reasons for our being a separate people.

At this, those who opposed the truth became alarmed, and sent for their minister to come and sustain their cause. He came, and gave one discourse on the Sunday question, which I reviewed at the tent. The Lord gave a great victory for his truth, and it was an encouragement for those who were seeking for light. Then, by night, the tent was cut down, and the ropes carried away. The next morning I received a letter from the man owning the land, warning me to move the tent in twenty-four hours, under pain of prosecution for trespass. The man who had given us permission to use the ground had bargained for the place to build himself a house, but no writings had been made. So we were at the mercy of the former owner. However, we raised the tent, and had meeting that night; then it was taken down, and carried to a place of safety. We were then offered a private house, which we accepted, and went on with our meetings. Many threats of personal violence were uttered, and an effort was made to have me arrested and deported by the government, which utterly failed. The Lord gave boldness to proclaim his word, and his word did the work.

Twelve persons have solemnly consecrated their lives to God, to keep all his commandments, and we hope that others will soon follow their example. Eight of these are heads of families. A leader was appointed, also a treasurer to receive the tithes and donations. A Sabbath-school was organized, and a club of the Little Friend and six copies of the Instructor ordered, also six copies of the Signs and two of the REVIEW.

Never before have I witnessed such a spirit of opposition as at this place. I could realize as never before what that spirit of self is that rises up against God and his Word, and never did the truth seem so precious as it does to-day. Some of those who have now decided to obey, date their convictions back ten years ago, to the time when Elder Hutchins first pitched the tent in this place. So the seed sown many years ago was not lost, but waiting till other showers should cause it to shoot forth and bear fruit.

WEST END, AUGUST 31.—I came here from French Harbor four days ago. Constant rain has hindered the holding of meetings, yet there is good evidence that the Lord is working on the hearts of the people, and I look for a good harvest of souls. For years there has been a little company here, but most of them have been unfaithful. Appetite has had the mastery over them, the Spirit of God has been grieved, and the world has found a large place in their hearts. Some have already decided to reconsecrate all to him who gave himself for them. Surely, the harvest is ripe.

I have lately had requests from three other places on this island, which is thirty miles long, to come and preach to the people. Also in British Honduras are several places where the people are anxious to hear—places that ought to be entered soon. But here in Ruatan there has never been an opening like the present one. Something is stirring the people in places that seemed sealed before. Surely, the Spirit of God is moving. Are we ready to follow?

H. C. GOODRICH.