Bolivia by Ed. W. Thomann

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 16, 1908

Bolivia

By Ed. W. Thomann

This is one of the most intensely Catholic countries in the world, and consequently one in which civilization is least advanced; yet there are some people who are willing to listen to the truth.

We have already about one hundred subscribers to our Spanish Signs (Señales de los Tiempos), and Bibles, books, and tracts have also been circulated to some extent. Several thousand pages of literature have been distributed, and people accept them eagerly.

We have meetings every evening, to which come from ten to fifty, generally about twenty. Most of them are students of the university; and several of them are showing an interest. The members of the Baptist Church also came to our meetings, and most of them are subscribers to our paper, and help distribute tracts which contain the law of God, etc.

At the end of the meeting on a recent Saturday night, I asked those present, what I should say to the people of other towns where I was going, if they would ask me how many had accepted the truth in Cochabamba, where I had been laboring now for several months. One stood up and said he was willing to obey the Lord, but he did not dare to promise in his own strength to keep the commandments. Then I told them I would present the question in other words. I asked them: “How many of you have decided to keep the commandments in the strength of the Lord? Show it by rising to your feet.” Then six stood up. We ended the meeting with a season of prayer, in which nearly all took part. So we see that the Lord is beginning to bless the work in this country, and is helping honest souls to stand for his precious present truth.

It is a privilege to be co-workers with the Lord. I never before realized so much the meaning of Gal. 4:19 as I do now. I am longing to see Christ formed in the people, and I am confident that the Lord has the same power now as in the days of old, and that some will really become so transformed as to show their Saviour in their lives.

When I think of the many people in this country who still are in ignorance of the soon coming of Jesus and of the law of his kingdom, I am anxious to see other laborers come and help give the message. It is not that I forget that there are many other countries that need workers also, but I see the need here more, because I am here where the need is felt. O, if I could only say something to awaken the lay members everywhere

to prepare for work! I am sure that if they could see how we work here, they would be willing to put their hands to the plow also. Luke 9:62.

One day, as soon as I got up in the morning, a man came for Bible study; as soon as he went away, nine boys came, so we had to postpone breakfast for an hour or more. After these had gone, and we had eaten breakfast, several other boys came, and we had not finished the Bible class with them, when two grown students came for Bible studies. Dinner was ready then, but we postponed it to give them the instruction they wanted. In the afternoon several came, and in the evening we had the regular meeting; so we had six meetings that day. Frequently we have three studies in a day, and sometimes four; and we are confident that the word will not return empty. Isa. 55: 10, 11. Pray for the work in Bolivia, brethren, and you will have a part in the work here, and will rejoice in the day of gathering (Matt. 24: 31) when you see souls rescued from the dense heathenism of this dark land.

ED. W. THOMANN.