Post 13 Funeral of a baby

About four months after arriving in San Joaquin, Jim made the acquaintance of Don Olegario Anez, an elderly man who had formerly lived in San Ramon and was a believer.  However, he was afraid to show his colours by attending our meetings, because he feared the priest's threats to his livelihood as well as to that of his family.  

In the next few months, on two occasions he came into our Sunday evening meeting but made no commitment.

One Sunday in February, early in the morning he knocked on our door and asked if we would be willing to go to his home and give an injection to his four month old granddaughter who was dying. The town ‘practicantes’ had abandoned them.

We went along and I put in the injection and ministered to the baby, although it was quite evident that the case was hopeless, and about midday she died.  

They were very grateful for my offer to lay out the baby, but I did not know that it was then my duty to provide the little frock, according to their custom.  So with my limited dressmaking ability I hurriedly made it.  

Later that day, after the evening service, Jim and I walked around to the house where the "wake" was held.  The baby, dressed like a little doll, with candles burning at the head and feet, lay in a room on a raised platform surrounded by flowers.  

This was in the home of the parents and although they were Catholics there were no images or pictures of saints about.  We were sure that Don Olegario, who hated idolatry, had had his way in that.

Forty people were there to watch through the night, though our motive in going was not to share in the "wake" but rather, having been invited, we took the opportunity to testify for the Lord.  

We were offered a seat just outside the door on the verandah where a number of men were seeking the coolness of the evening.  

After receiving permission from Don Olegario, Jim read from the Catholic Bible some verses of comfort and hope, saying that the child was in heaven saved by the blood of Christ, and that if they wanted to see her again one day, it was necessary to trust in the Saviour.

The women, who had kept up a loud chatter as Jim commenced reading, quietened down and listened intently as he read of the resurrection hope in 1 Corinthians 15 and 2 Corinthians 5.  

As we left, Don Olegario thanked us, and we trusted that the Lord would bless the Word to them all, including a number of town officials who were present.

The next day we were invited to the funeral, which took the form of a procession headed by a band comprised of drums and one whistle.  The band was followed by the coffin with the lid off, and the baby looked like a little painted doll lying in it.

Children carried the coffin and then came the mourners with someone carrying the lid.  Men with spades and hoes to dig the grave brought up the rear. As the procession was to stop at the Catholic Church for the blessing of the priest, we declined the invitation to take part in it but promised to meet them at the cemetery.

The priest did not attend the graveside except in the case of important personages. Purposely we arrived late at the cemetery, and after the fanatical women retired, we had the opportunity to sing in Spanish to the boys and girls gathered around the grave, "When He cometh to make up His jewels".

Don Olegario sang with us, and then Jim explained simply to them that the little baby was with the Lord Jesus.  All this had helped to strengthen Don Olegario in the faith, and to take his stand openly for Christ in San Joaquin.