The Uruguay Mission by Arturo Fulton

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 13, 1908

The Uruguay Mission

By Arturo Fulton

ARTURO FULTON

It was the writer's privilege to spend a week lately with the brethren of the Nueva Palmira church. The trip is about seven hours by steamboat across the La Plata River, and a few hours up the Uruguay. On the journey we passed the island of Martin Garcia, where for over two months our young brother Pedro Kalbermatten has been confined for refusing to work on the Sabbath while in military service. The island is situated at the mouth of the Uruguay River, where, uniting with the Parana, it forms the broad La Plata.

The military prisoners have now been removed to Campo de Mayo near Buenos Aires. The day before the removal, the officers called our brother to them, and told him of the proposed change, imploring him to give up, as surely in the new prison he could not expect such leniency as they had granted him. For after the first struggle he has been entirely free on the Sabbath to take his Bible and go where he chose on the island,—a concession granted to no other prisoner.

At first it seemed as if he could not bear the thought of having to go to a new place, and pass through the same experiences as at the other three. He went to his room, and pleaded with the Lord until he gained the victory, and set out in full confidence that the Lord, who had thus far helped him in his troubles, would not now forsake him. On his arrival he asked permission to speak to the keeper, telling him why he was a prisoner. The latter, after questioning him about his religion, said: “That is good. I am very glad to let you go free on the Sabbath. I am a Protestant, and you are doing well to be true to your faith.” How grateful he was to God for this privilege, and that he had remained true to him!

On the island one of his fellow prisoners gave his heart to the Lord, and told him when he was free, he wished to be baptized.

After passing the island, in a few hours we reached Palmira, where a small boat comes out, and takes the passengers to land. It is only a small place, with not much commercial life, but there is a bill before congress to make of it a free port, which, if passed, will be a great advantage. All except the elder of the church here are sisters. Some have passed through severe trials because opposed by their husbands, but at last some of these are now much more friendly to the truth. There are some very bright young people here, who, if properly trained, could become efficient workers for the Master. One young man has lately taken his stand to serve the Lord, and his decision has caused great rejoicing in his family and the church. He offers a lot in town on which to build a church. Others have also offered to give for this purpose, and with a few hundred dollars more they could erect a substantial brick building.

In visiting among them it was pleasing to see how thoroughly they understood the truth. At one place each morning the mother calls in the family and servants, and they study the Sabbath-school lesson until it is well learned, then other lessons are taken up. It is needless to say that they have an interest in the Sabbath-school, and it is pleasing to see even the servants attend and answer the questions correctly. One sister I visited reads English, German, French, Italian, and of course the Spanish. One son is soon to take his degree in the university, and a daughter in the conservatory of music in Buenos Aires.

I had expected to meet here the superintendent of the mission, Brother J. V. Maas, and together cross by stage to our other churches; but Brother Maas had been called home by a telegram, and on account of a plague among the animals I was told it was doubtful if I could get through without delay. My work taking longer than I had planned, I decided to return home. This was providential, as on my arrival I had the pleasure of welcoming Brother Walton John and family, who had just arrived. This was a great privilege. We feel very grateful to our brethren at home for these additional workers. Our needs in this direction are many, as our unentered fields are calling loudly for help. May the Lord of the harvest impress the hearts of those of more favored lands to respond to these many calls. We would be glad to correspond with any who feel a burden for this field.