The Chile Conference by J. W. Westphal

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 15, 1909

The Chile Conference

By J. W. Westphal

The annual conference of Chile has again been held at Santiago, and in the same hall as previously. Owing to circumstances, the attendance was not so large as last year, but the south was better represented. Harmony prevailed throughout all the councils. The officials of last year were re-elected. Brother Carter E. Krieghoff, secretary and treasurer of the conference and tract society, and local editor of the Señales, had given excellent satisfaction in all these capacities. Owing to unfavorable exchange conditions and a tardy payment of accounts by canvassers, the tract society had become somewhat embarrassed. Notwithstanding the unfavorable exchange, the gold value of the tithe was more than the year before. The donations had averaged about the same. A goodly number had been baptized during the year, and there were many interests calling for help.

The Chile school, located at Pua, received considerable attention. Means were raised to further complete the building and to supply it with necessary conveniences. However, the one hundred fifty dollars given, or promised, is only a small fraction of what is needed to make it what it should be. The necessity of an educational fund to assist students in the school was thoroughly discussed, and the payment of a second tithe and donations were recommended to start it. Elder George Casebeer and Sister Gertrude Leiva have done a good work in the school during the last year, and from the colporteurs’ class there are a number in the canvassing work. Sister Sanchez, of Argentina, was invited by telegraph to come and take the matronship of the school.

For some years the annual meeting and conference has been held here in Santiago, and at each a goodly number have been baptized, at one time seventeen who nearly all united with this church. This shows that there is here an active and growing work.

On Sabbath, February 20, seven were baptized by the writer. The place of baptism was outside the city, whence all repaired immediately after the morning service. All united with the Santiago church. As time did not permit the brethren to return home for refreshments, they had brought with them well-laden lunch baskets; and there on the dry gravelly river bed, under the shadow of a sluiceway, we enjoyed a Sabbath picnic dinner. An interesting feature of the Santiago conferences has been the celebration of the ordinances of the Lord’s house. After dinner all gathered at the place of worship. My brother took charge of the ordinance service. A few respectful spectators were present. There were few, if any, of the brethren who did not take part with happy hearts. Before closing, a sister, who had once been a member of the church, but had gone off into sin, and was consequently disfellowshipped, came forward, broken-hearted, confessed her wrong, and then handing over a fuller, written confession, asked the church’s forgiveness. She related how she had sought for peace, and tried to make herself believe that she could be saved in her sin, but was left without consolation. Not until she had decided to leave her wrong course and return, did she find happiness. Gladly did the brethren forgive and forget, and receive her back into the fold. The work of the message in Chile is onward. J. W. WESTPHAL.