Argentina by N. Z. TOWN.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 2, 1908

Argentina

By N. Z. TOWN.

FLORIDA, F. C. R.—I have just returned from a six-weeks' trip among some of our churches. My first stop after leaving home was at Concordia, which place I reached by a twenty-four-hours' boat ride up the Uruguay River. In 1904 four canvassers arrived in that town, where they were able to sell a goodly number of books, and found some souls who were interested in the truth. Later, Dr. Habenicht, with several native workers, held a tent-meeting there for a few weeks. Since then, other workers have labored there more or less, with the result that there is a company now of about twenty who keep the Sabbath, the greater number of whom are natives. I spent ten days there, laboring in connection with Brother Jacob Mangold; and during that time we organized a church of eighteen members. This company has been one of the most active in the conference, in missionary work, so we expect to see its numbers increase.

From Concordia Brother Mangold accompanied me to the province of Corrientes, where formerly there were but two companies of believers. Every member of one of these companies had removed to other places, so we were unable to see them. But in Bella Vista we had the privilege of visiting a company for the first time. In this place Dr. Habenicht baptized fifteen souls about eighteen months ago. Since then they have been left largely to themselves, and the enemy has known how to take advantage of the opportunity. A large mob, headed by the Catholic priest of the town, swore death to one of the brethren there, and gathered about his house to carry out their threat. But others who were his friends heard of what was going on, and they also gathered there at the same time, so the priest and his mob left. We were able to restore the confidence of these souls to some degree.

We next crossed over the Paraná River to the Chaco, where we spent nearly two weeks visiting the brethren and holding meetings. These Sabbath-keepers are very much scattered, and we had to make some long journeys on horseback, in order to see them all.

In every place we visit we can see that we are truly in the shaking time. Those who are true to God and his truth are making progress in the divine life; while those who are half-hearted hangers-on are losing their grip.

On arriving home, I found that the masons had just finished plastering the printing-office and the offices on the outside. The different departments are already installed in their respective places. We have a good place now in which to carry on our work.

There is no discouraging word to send in regard to the progress of the work in general. Since our annual meeting in October, twenty persons have been baptized. Our canvassers are having good

success, principally with La Verdad Presente. Leaving out the wages of the editor, last year that paper gained about eighty dollars, gold. In our tithe receipts for Argentina there was also a gain of more than two thousand dollars over the previous year. Our school buildings and printing plant are humble affairs, in comparison with some of our larger institutions; but they have been paid for from funds raised here in the field, and are practically free from debt. The printing plant is entirely free, and the school has only a small debt. Our union meeting in March will be held in the Camarero school, and we hope at that time to be able to dedicate the new school building we are putting up.

N. Z. TOWN.