Peru Unentered by H. F. KETRING

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Dec 22, 1904

Peru Unentered

By H. F. KETRING

H. F. KETRING

AMONG the dark countries of this neglected continent, the darkest and most intolerant is Peru. In fact, there are few countries in the world whose doors are so tightly closed against the entrance of the gospel. For a long time Ecuador was considered the most intolerant of all South American countries; but a few years ago the liberal spirit gained a footing, and the state was separated from the church, and now there is perfect religious freedom there, the Catholic Church, which for centuries held its people in ignorance and bondage, having no more privilege than any other.

LLAMAS' CARRYING SILVER ORE FROM THE MINES

But here, the Romish priests have absolute control; and they consider themselves extremely benignant because they permit a Protestant to live, after having deprived him of every religious right. Nevertheless, that meager bit of tolerance is not voluntary, but of necessity. One of the laws instituted by the Spaniards says, “Whosoever shall celebrate acts of public worship different from the apostolic Roman Catholic religion, shall be punished with imprisonment in the first degree” (one year). Hence there is no public worship permitted Protestants within the limits of the entire republic.

For the past three weeks I have had secret meetings in a room of a private house, with windows and doors securely fastened. Naturally, the meetings are small, we having to extend personal invitations. But the Lord has met with us, and they have been refreshing seasons, indeed. Eleven are keeping the Sabbath, and are rejoicing in the truth. I hope to leave them thoroughly established in the truth, so that they will stand alone; for, indeed, they must stand alone, if they stand at all, as we have no worker in all this republic of three million souls. I am endeavoring to get them to look to Jesus for their help and strength.

O my brethren, can we not have a worker for Peru? Must these dear souls struggle along here with no one to lead them further into the treasure-house of God’s truth? Is there no one who has had some experience in the home field who will rise up and say, “I will go to Peru, God helping me”? He need not expect an easy field, where he can go out and preach to a large congregation, and report a goodly number of additions to the church. He will have a very different experience here from what he has at home. The first Methodist missionary who came here some years ago was thrown into prison, where he lay in the filth for months. He was, nevertheless, faithful, and, thanks to the few rays of light that have entered since then, it is a little better now.

In the “great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues,” that “stood before the throne, and before the Lamb,” do you not think that some will have come from Peru? — There certainly will. O that God would move upon the hearts of some faithful, God-fearing workers to come here to help give the last message of mercy to this people! You, brother, who have not yet decided which field you will enter, ask the Lord if he would be pleased for you to come to this field.

Lima, Peru.