How Three Idols Were Removed by A. J. Hetherington, M. D.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 16, 1914

How Three Idols Were Removed

By A. J. Hetherington, M. D.

A. J. HETHERINGTON, M. D.

OFF the north coast of the republic of Honduras, in an arm of the Caribbean Sea, are two small islands, which, together with some keys, make up what are known as the Hog Islands. These are really a part of the Bay Islands, but they lie out of the course of any regular boat traffic, and are therefore quite isolated. For several years the Hog Islands have been leased to the two families now living on them. Counting the help employed, there are fourteen persons living on the islands. Six of these are adults, and eight young people. All are Sabbath keepers. It is very seldom that a minister visits the place, but the little company keeps up an interest in spiritual things. A weekly night meeting, a Sabbath school, and a young people's meeting are maintained, and donations for missions are regularly taken. The Reading Course as recommended by the General Conference is being followed. The Review, Instructor, Sabbath School Worker, and some other papers are received at irregular intervals, and these are read, studied, and discussed together. Thus all are kept informed and in touch with the general work in other parts of the world.

When the Instructor containing the Ingathering program was received, it was considered with interest. Certainly there was a crying need in all the mission fields. Could not even an isolated company join in this special effort in behalf of missions? Possibly there could not be a great deal done, on account of the limited surroundings and opportunities; however, it would be well to make an effort and see what might be accomplished. Accordingly the program as given in the Instructor was prepared and made in readiness to present at the first favorable opportunity.

During certain seasons of the year, when the fierce storms sweep down over the seas, and traffic along the coast becomes temporarily interrupted, some of the vessels which may be caught in the vicinity are glad to call at the Hog Islands for harbor and protection. This was taken into consideration and planned for as a possible time for the giving of the program. It was November 10 that the opportunity came. On that day the weather was very bad, and at night there were three small vessels lying at anchor in the harbor. An invitation was sent to the crews to come ashore and spend the evening, and an entertaining program would be given them. Six visitors came. One of their number was asked to act as chairman, and the entire program was given. Most of these men were rough sailors, who took no particular interest in religious things, and it was the first time that some of them had ever listened to such a service; but they all seemed to enjoy it thoroughly.

It was announced that the object in raising money at the time was for the forwarding of gospel work in heathen lands, and to provide for the removal of idols. In this the visitors were also interested, and felt that it would be a privilege to help in such a cause. When the collection was taken and counted, it was found to amount to over five dollars. It was stated that one idol could be removed for five dollars, and that more than enough had been given to remove one. They were then asked if they would not like to give a further donation, so that two idols might be removed. This was the wish of all, and after the second collection had been taken, it was found that the total gift amounted to sixteen dollars. This is how it came about that the Hog Island company, with the assistance of its visitors, was able to remove three idols.