Progress in Nicaragua by H. C. Goodrich

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Aug 1, 1912

Progress in Nicaragua

By H. C. Goodrich

(Concluded)

H. C. GOODRICH

Taking our leave of this interesting company at Yulu, we went twelve miles up the river to Sicene, where we procured horses and traveled six miles to Owaapino, staying overnight in an Indian's house. While crossing a river just after we started, the Indian's horse walked into a hole and fell down; the satchel which he carried was completely soaked. I spread out its contents that night, and by morning they were partly dry. At six thirty we were again in the saddle, and with a half-hour's rest at noon, rode till five o'clock; then the horses and I were so tired that we could go no farther. So after tying out the horses and wrapping up in our blankets, we lay down under the stars, knowing that the same sleepless eye that watched over us in our beds at home, was keeping watch out on the open savanna.

In the morning, after a three hours' ride without breakfast, we came to the town of Sackalen, on the Wanks River, eighty miles above Cape Gracias. From Sackalen I had expected to go up the river about eighty miles to the gold-mines to meet Brother Hirst, who for three years had been writing for some one to visit him, and for a teacher for his boys; but I learned here that he had moved to the coast, and as a launch was going down next day, I took passage to the cape.

I spent six days with Brother Hirst, consulting on plans for a school, and also for the work at that place. We found a large, well-built, two-story house that had been erected by a company whose concession had been taken from them by the government. This house we learned could be bought for about eight hundred dollars, which was only one third its original cost. This building Brother Hirst proposed to buy and fit up for a school and teacher's home.

View of old convict prison, Philip Island; a point of Nepean Island; and horseshoe road leading up to Seventh-day Adventist church, Norfolk Island.

I believe Cape Gracias is ready for the message, and that many here will accept the truths for this time. I had two meetings with the people, which were well attended. After the last meeting

and without solicitation on the part of any one, the people came forward with their donations till $21.60 silver had been placed in my hand. The chief of police said, as we walked home, "I want to be married and bring up my children as I ought. I want to be a Christian." This man has a family of three children, and he feels anxious to lead a better life. In Cape Gracias there is no church, nor any Christian worker except Brother Hirst. We must send a worker there as soon as possible. The Lord has plainly opened the way before us for entering this field; and while we praise him for his mercy and power, yet our part must be to enter the field where he has opened the way, with courage to do valiant work for the Master.

Leaving Cape Gracias on March 26, we came again to Bluefields on a schooner loaded with lumber and cattle. We stayed there one day to unload cargo. I had two more Bible studies with Brother Lyon, the patient in the hospital, who decided that he would keep the Sabbath, and also subscribed for the REVIEW. The next day, on the same schooner, we started for Colon, where we arrived just eight days after leaving Cape Gracias.

Sabbath, April 6, we had our first meeting in the chapel of our new building here in Cristobal, which at present writing is being followed by a series of meetings, five nights in the week. We are of good courage, for the Lord has gone out before us. April 14 the new chapel was dedicated, and seven persons were buried by the ordinance of baptism at the close of the service; others are preparing to follow soon. The interest in our meetings is increasing, and the house is being well filled each night. We are glad to see some Americans attending our meetings.