Colombia, South America
By Carrie Knight
BOCAS DEL TORO.—Although we have but recently come to this field, and are not fully acquainted as yet with the customs of the people, the Lord is blessing us, and giving us many rich experiences. This morning while out visiting and reading with the people, I found my mind constantly turning to my home land, and contrasting the life and homes of this people with the life and homes of my people in America; and I wish I could paint you a picture of the conditions that exist here as we view them day after day, that you might be able to see the contrast. You whose hearts are large and warm, who respond quickly to the calls made upon you for help, please do not forget us. We need help just now. Often when hearing our foreign workers tell of the needs of the foreign fields, I have tried to picture in my mind just how things must be in those countries. But hearing is not seeing; and as it has now become a reality to me, I find that my mental picture but faintly illustrated the truth. The darkness, the superstition, is something appalling. Evil habits are fast hurrying men into the grave. During the revolution a year ago, the dead were thrown into shallow trenches, and covered with sand. When the rains came, the sand was washed away, leaving the bodies exposed. Often the inmates of houses near these trenches were obliged to vacate because of the stench. The condition is doubtless one reason why there is so much sickness this year. The people are easily impressed with the truth; but frequently the impression is of short duration. They need to be told the truth over and over again, and after many repetitions perhaps it will reach the heart and bring results. So we have to work slowly, quietly, and steadily. For this reason we need one or17two more workers. Mr. Knight and I are alone, with over four hundred islands that must be visited with the message. Often the sea is dangerously rough, and in our little skiff (the only means we have for transportation) we are tossed about like a feather on the mighty waves. Often rain comes almost without warning, and we are drenched to the skin, and obliged to ride in that condition for hours; but we are kept well and strong by God's power alone. We pray him to lay the burden of this field upon the hearts of some of our brethren in America, that they may send us help, and provide a safer way for us to travel. This is an excellent field for canvassing. We can not take orders and deliver, but must sell the books. We often wish we had some of the good canvassers in America to help us. We expect soon to see this field on a self-supporting basis, as the brethren here are coming up in tithes and offerings, and we feel sure that we can relieve others of the burden of this field if only we can have help now. The brethren here are most willing to do their best. The work is onward, souls are being born into the kingdom; and they are faithful in paying their tithes and offerings. The other day one of our native brethren came to pay his tithe. “Here, Sister Knight,” he said, handing me a package, “is my tithe from the selling of our books; and here,” handing me another package, “is my wife’s tithe.” This same Colombian when converted through Bible readings was a hard drinker and smoker, but he at once discarded liquor, tobacco, tea, coffee, and meat, and would not even allow them on his place. This simply illustrates the nature of this people when once they are converted to the truth. They are determined, firm, and faithful. I am kept busy in Bible work, helping in meetings, canvassing, visiting, and nursing. I fear that my entire time will soon be taken up in nursing, as the calls are coming in thick and fast, but in this way I shall be able to pay my own way. We enjoy our work. We are often told by the natives that we are killing ourselves, but we never felt better, never were of better courage. We like this country. It is not nearly so warm here as in the States. There are no severe storms, cyclones, nor thunder and lightning, though it rains very hard. Pray for the work here. MRS. CARRIE KNIGHT.