A Year on the Canal Zone by D. E. Blake, M. D.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 15, 1914

A Year on the Canal Zone

By D. E. Blake, M. D.

D. E. BLAKE, M. D.

A YEAR ago I landed in Colon, having separated from the Sanitarium work in Nashville, Tenn., to engage in self-supporting medical missionary work in this field. We were welcomed by the brethren here, this being a very needy field with but few workers.

The town of Empire, an important section about twelve miles from Panama City, was chosen for beginning our medical work, and as there was a small, struggling company at this place, we felt that our assistance would be needed in strengthening the believers, also in making additions to the church.

The Lord has blessed us in our medical work far beyond our highest expectation, and our efforts in evangelical work have also been very gratifying.

The need of a small sanitarium was one of our early observations, but as the government of the Canal Zone forbids the acquisition of land and the putting up of buildings, we were perplexed to know how to meet this pressing need. We were thus compelled to work with what facilities we had at hand, and await developments of certain plans we had in view.

Two weeks ago we were favored with the lease of twelve rooms in a large building in Cristobal, the American settlement adjoining Colon, at a very reasonable price, the owner giving twenty-five dollars for the special electrical installation in our section of the building.

The Isthmian Canal Commission maintained a hospital in Colon, but owing to the early completion of the canal, it was decided to discontinue it. This action removed the only hospital from Colon, thus leaving the field clear for our work.

We were also privileged to secure the equipment we needed from Commission's Colon Hospital, in the way of surgical instruments, beds, bedding, etc., some of these new, and at an exceedingly low price. Thus within a few weeks our institution will be ready for business.

We feel very thankful for these evidences of divine leading. They encourage and strengthen us. We are also thankful for the hearty support of the conference brethren.

Our only purpose is to assist in the furtherance of the third angel's message. Our success is not measured by the money made, but by reaching souls with this glorious message. To the above end we solicit your prayers for the success of our work in this needy field.

Empire, Canal Zone.