Ecuador by Thomas H. Davis

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Apr 21, 1904

Ecuador

By Thomas H. Davis

THOS. H. DAVIS

Ecuador, meaning “equator” in Spanish, is properly named, as its territory lies directly under the equator. It is the only country in the world that has its capital directly under the equatorial line. Although Quito (the capital) has the direct rays of the sun, being elevated over nine thousand feet above sea-level, it has a temperate climate.

Many persons have a vague idea of all the South American republics. Such, with whom the writer has talked, almost invariably think that the people spend their time in drunkenness and laziness.

True, this is carried on to a great extent.

There is a strong effort in Ecuador to throw off the Roman yoke, which has so long held them in darkness and superstition. Should not the people who have the direct warning against the beast be as willing as other denominations, who have already entered this field, to come here and aid in this work?

To tell a Californian that Ecuador has a larger population than his State, would hardly be believed. Yes, it has more

people than California, and a greater population than Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming all put together. Are these souls as precious in God's sight as those in the States? If the California Conference should send all of its workers into Ecuador, it would be meagerly manned, for there are nearly eighty thousand more inhabitants in Ecuador than in California. That, of course, would not be wise; but if more would go, greater interest would be taken in the foreign work. If any are planning for the West Coast field, the writer would be glad to give all information possible. Do not stop to study the Spanish language three or four years. To learn it as one goes, has proved to be the best way. . . .

On returning to California for a rest, it seemed that a company could easily be got together for South America. Several have expressed their desire to go. I am sure that many will go, as the people of God are made willing in the day of his power. What a precious thing it is to find in these new fields persons who are hungry for what we term “present truth.” But it has always been with a degree of shame that I tell them that the Adventist Church began over fifty years ago, for it always causes expressions of surprise, as though to say, “Why have you been so long coming this way?” Thank the Lord that there is to be delay no longer.

Esmerelda, Cal.