p. 18 | Gleaning in the Byways by J. T. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 7, 1916

Gleaning in the Byways

By J. T. Thompson

A LITTLE more than a year ago two brethren who were living in the Pampa Central, Argentina, learned that there were several Russian families living in Porvenir, near Paysandu, Uruguay. They were very anxious to go there to teach them the truth. They sold their possessions, and without knowing what they would meet in this new place, they went there with no other purpose than to do missionary work for their countrymen. Some months afterward we heard that some of the families had accepted the truth, and these brethren were calling for help. I was unable to notify them of my coming; but as they live near the station, I had little difficulty in finding them, and I was warmly welcomed to their homes. Then I learned the following history of their experiences:—

When they arrived at Porvenir with their families, there was no one to meet them, for no one knew that they were coming. But some Russians of the neighborhood were at the station, and when they heard our brethren talking in their tongue, they made themselves known. They asked, “Where are you going?” “We don’t know,” was the answer. “What are you going to do?” they were asked. “We don’t know,” was the reply. “Well, then, you would better come home with us.” This invitation was accepted; but when they arrived at the house, they found that six families were already occupying it. Fortunately the house was the largest one in that neighborhood, and the only available place where these people could live until they could build houses of their own on land that they had bought of the government.

It was not long before it was known that the newcomers were of a different religious belief, and upon making comparisons it was found that the differences were vital. For two months they remained there, and night after night, sometimes until nearly morning, they studied, discussed, argued, and sometimes waxed eloquent in debate, but somehow always maintained their good feeling. By that time their houses were built, and each family was on its own chacra.

For a time it seemed as if the efforts of our brethren were in vain; but one Sabbath while they were having Sabbath school, one of these neighbors came in and joined in the study of the lesson. Afterward he was asked if he had decided to keep the Sabbath. He answered, “I have already kept one Sabbath, but I kept it at home last week.” Imagine the joy of these brethren when they saw the first fruit of their labor. They were encouraged to believe that God was guiding, though moving had cost them dear, and prospects were none too bright for the future. A few weeks and another family decided in favor of the truth, then another, and later still another. The week before I arrived the fifth family came to the Sabbath school, and all are very hopeful of seeing the remaining two families join them before long.

The missionary spirit of these brethren was contagious, for no sooner had the first two families accepted the truth than they desired to return to a Russian colony in Brazil where they formerly lived. Brethren Sucalo and Gordienko tried to dissuade them, but to no avail. They said, “You left your homes in Argentina against the wishes of the brethren there to teach us the truth; so you ought not to impede us now when we want to do the same thing.” There was no appeal from this argument, and they were encouraged to follow their convictions, believing that the Lord would bless them. Letters from them tell how already they, too, have a great interest among their neighbors, and need some one to come to instruct them more fully. Brother Henry Meyer, of Rio Grande do Sul, has been notified of this, and doubtless some worker will be sent there soon.

These brethren who went to Uruguay to give the message to their fellow countrymen told me how Brother Klatt heard of them in Argentina, and drove many leagues in his wagon to teach them, and because of his zeal they are obeying the Lord. So we see how the work begun by a faithful brother in Argentina was extended to Uruguay, and then reached over into Brazil. Who knows how much farther it will go?

On the Sabbath of our visit to these believers in Uruguay we had two meetings. No one had visited them before, so these services were a feast to them. A brother who had recently moved over from Entre Rios interpreted for me, and our simple service was abundantly blessed of the Lord. Only he and the two brethren from Pampa Central understand Spanish, but this did not hinder our having a good meeting.

J. T. THOMPSON.