At one hut, we saw about 50 carved wooden images of different sizes lined up alongside the entrance. Bolivar explained that these were for warding off evil spirits. When the woman came to the door and told us that her husband was not well, we understood why the images were there, for sickness is often attributed to demons.

After we were invited inside, we saw the husband lying in a hammock. Suspended from a cord above him were dozens of miniature bows strung with red-tipped arrows aimed at the sick man. These were supposed to frighten the evil spirits. On the floor were several round gourds containing small images, tobacco pipes, and smoldering cocoa beans. These were supposed to appease the spirits.

Since 1969, Jehovah’s Witnesses have been preaching the good news of the Kingdom in San Blas, and about 50 people now attend our meetings. (Matthew 24:14) However, local authorities have denied us permission to preach on some of the islands. Recently, the Sahilas of Ustupu, the second-most-populated island in the group, requested an interview with Jehovah’s Witnesses in order to decide whether to grant us official recognition or not. It appears that Jehovah is ‘opening the door’ for us.​—1 Corinthians 16:9.

At a preliminary meeting, the main concern of the local authorities became clear. They pointed out that there were already four religions in the community​—Catholic, Baptist, Church of God, and Mormon. Each of these has a large church building, some of which are in a state of abandonment. With land being so scarce on the island, the officials would have to be cautious about letting in another religious group.

By means of an interpreter, we explained that in over 200 lands around the world, Jehovah’s Witnesses have contributed to the welfare of the community by the high moral standards they maintain. We assured the officials that meetings would now be held in the homes of the local Witnesses, and if it should become necessary to build a special meeting place, it would not fall into disuse, for our meetings are well attended.

After about an hour’s discussion, the officials decided to present the matter at the next Sahilas meeting, held later in the week. We would have to wait for the answer.