Where they heard the Gospel for the first time
At noon we stopped again for rest and for food. The food they offered was so seasoned with flies and worms that we decided to buy a chicken and cook it ourselves. We bought a “fryer” but it proved to be an old hen of many years. We were invited by our hostess to come into her kitchen to fry our fowl. As we were trying to get the earthen pot fixed on the fire, which was made in a sort of furnace in the corner, the smoke poured out into the room.
We noticed some strange sights in that kitchen. In one corner a nice fat pig was having his noon-day swim in a trough of slop that had been arranged for his benefit. Meanwhile a large red rooster lifted up his merry “cock-a-doodle-doo” above the noise of all the rest of the fowls and animals that filled the place.
We managed to get the old hen smoked as well as fried, and as we went out to place it on the small table which had been fixed for us, we discovered Brother Schoenich had gathered a company together and in his enthusiastic way was preaching to them, showing them that worshiping the Virgin Mary and the santos, (saints), and learning catechisms, etc., was not the true religion of the Bible. They listened with great interest, asking many questions about the Bible.
After our meal we lay down on some boards to rest, and fell asleep, only to be awakened by the chattering of many little voices. On investigating we found the children were having school in one room, all reading at the same time, taking turns at the door with a stick to keep the pigs and chickens out. We left there and traveled until dark, then stopped for the night. Rising early the next morning we traveled several leagues, and then came in sight of the lovely little city of Matagalpa, nestling at the foot of the mountains. The only evil and unlovely thing, there, was man, who has sinned and gone far away from God.
Dear Sister Schoenich and some of the native Christians came out to meet us, as Isaac came out to meet Rebekah. We alighted, had a drink of water, and rested a little before going into town. We certainly were glad to see the entrance-gate to our new home, which was, I think, the largest gate I had ever seen. We thought of our entrance through the gate of Heaven, after our long, weary journey through this world of sin and sorrow.
On dismounting, we were met by some more of our dear brown-faced friends who had gathered to greet the new missionaries. When we saw their faces shining with the glory of God, and heard them sing the praises of Jesus we were refreshed in soul and body. After a few hours of rest we were able to go into the meeting and help push the battle for our King.
We will work here with Brother and Sister Schoenich for a while, for they have a large work, and need help. They are much worn in body after almost eight years on the field, and need a furlough. Pray for us. The fields are white unto harvest, and the laborers are few. We want to bring some glad trophies home to God.