Argentine Annual Conference by J. W. WESTPHAL

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 21, 1915

Argentine Annual Conference

By J. W. WESTPHAL

J. W. WESTPHAL

THIS conference was held Oct. 8-18, 1914, in the city of Rosario, the second city of the republic, containing a population of 350,000. The conference was preceded by a workers’ meeting of a week. Brother Nicholas Hansen and others had been laboring in the city about nine months, with some results. The meetings were held in a good location on a principal street, and here also the conference convened. All the union conference employees in Argentina, and Elder F. L. Perry and one of the Bible workers of Uruguay, besides all the laborers of the Argentine Conference, were present. The attendance was upward of one hundred and fifty.

The workers’ meeting was very profitable. Each forenoon was occupied in giving lessons on the Spirit of God, prayer, and the ministry. In the afternoon, in round-table talks, methods of work and kindred subjects were discussed. All the meetings were very practical. In the afternoon, some time was devoted to selling the Atalaya war specials, in which practically all the workers took part, disposing of nearly three thousand copies. Regular evening preaching services were held during both the workers’ meetings and the conference, which were well advertised and well attended. Reports of the sermons were given to the two daily papers of the place, one of which published them entire. Through this means many learned of the Seventh-day Adventists and their faith and work. A goodly force of workers remained to follow up the interest. The agent of the American Bible Society in the city, and his wife, both natives of Spain, began to obey the truth as far as it was presented. Many others, after the law, the Sabbath, and the change of the Sabbath had been presented, indicated their determination to obey. According to all appearances, it was by far the most promising and fruitful effort we have ever had in connection with any conference. Indeed, the people seem to be ready to listen to the truth as never before.

In the conference sessions all passed off harmoniously. The Lord greatly blessed the gathering. The principal topic was how we may all unite, laborers and lay brethren, in completing the work. To this there was a hearty response. Our brethren had taken an active part in circulating the war specials, and are anxious to do more in proclaiming the truth. Although money is very scarce, owing to the crisis and two crop failures, over one thousand dollars was promised toward a tent, the work in Buenos Aires, and to help out in the European Division. Elder B. C. Haak was elected president; Guillemeo Eumeneger, secretary and treasurer, and secretary of the tract society department; and Sister Elva Haak, secretary of the Sabbath school department. The young people’s and home missionary secretaries remain to be supplied. We look forward to a speedy finishing of the work.

Diamante, Entre Rios.