Untitled article by N. Z. T.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 25, 1912

From South America

By N. Z. T.

Brother Max Trummer, general agent of the South American Union Conference, sent us the following interesting items just after the close of their union conference, which was held in Santiago, Chile, February 22 to March 5:—

“We had an excellent time here at our union meeting. Nearly all the workers in the field were present; and as a result of this meeting, the work has been bound together more closely than ever before.

“The studies by Elder W. A. Spicer were much appreciated, and the task of working among these Catholic people appears much easier. All the workers have returned to their fields with the best of courage.

“I wish to mention especially our book work. We had the privilege of having Brother Caesar Lopez, the field agent of Peru, with us. Brethren J. P. Lorenz and R. B. Stauffer were also present. This gave us a good chance to get acquainted with one another, and to plan together for the canvassing work in the South American Union. The conference recommended that Brother Lorenz take charge of the book work in Chile, that Brother Lopez change from Peru to Ecuador, and that Brother Stauffer take the field agency in Peru. It was also decided to ask the General Conference for a successful canvasser to take charge of the Argentine field, and for a man to go to Patagonia and the Falkland Islands. I trust that you will soon be able to send us these two men.

“At present we are in the midst of an institute in Santiago, Chile. There are seven in attendance, most of whom are experienced workers; but we are doing our best to give them a more thorough training in the work with ‘Patriarchs and Prophets,’ which will be the principal book this year. All are taking hold energetically, and you will doubtless see an increase in orders from this field, as well as from Peru and Ecuador.

“It was recommended that I go to Peru in about two weeks to assist Brother Stauffer in holding an institute in his field. The knowledge which I am gaining of these west coast fields will be a great help to me in my future work. I am thankful also for the privilege of becoming acquainted with all the laborers in the book work, and I see only success and advance ahead of us.

Front Row: Max Trummer, union agent; Pastor W. A. Spicer; Pastor J. W. Westphal.
Back Row : J. P. Lorenz, Chile; R. B. Stauffer, Peru; Cæsar López, Ecuador. — Front Row: Max Trummer, union agent; Pastor W. A. Spicer; Pastor J. W. Westphal. Back Row : J. P. Lorenz, Chile; R. B. Stauffer, Peru; Cæsar López, Ecuador.

“The following figures show the value of literature sold in the different fields in this union during the past two years:—

	1910	1911
Argentina	$9174	$17252
Chile	3896	6677
Peru	3398	2801
Uruguay	2053	2700
Bolivia	556	1400
Paraguay	300	500
Ecuador	174	481
Totals	$19260	$31811

Net gain for 1911, $12,551 (North American currency).

“You will notice that the only field that did not have an increase is Peru. This is due to the fact that the work in that country was quite largely with the periodicals. Nevertheless, that field has had a good experience in the periodical work, and we shall learn from it how to push that branch of the missionary work in other fields. The Lord has certainly blessed us wonderfully during the time we have been here, and no doubt we shall see still more accomplished during the next two years.

“The outlook is certainly bright. The fields on the west coast are now well manned; and as the workers have all met together and have the same aim before them, we look forward to a successful record. At the same time we remember that your prayers have aided us much in doing what we have done, and we thank you most heartily for not forgetting us. We also ask you to continue to pray for us, that we may have wisdom from above to know how to work in this great Catholic field.”

N. Z. T.