Experiences in Bolivia

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 18, 1911

Experiences in Bolivia

We have just received the following interesting letter from Brother F. A. Stahl:—

“I have been in Oruro for the past two weeks, helping Brother Schulz. We have had some trouble with the authorities, as they wanted us to pay them for the right to sell our papers and books. Strange as it may seem, the Bolivians themselves were willing to give us freedom; but there were five or six foreigners who came into office about two months ago, and they have given our work opposition. The commissioners requested me to appear before the president of the municipality, which I did, and explained our work to him. He became much interested, and said that he was only one of twelve men who controlled the city, but that he would help us all he could. He asked me to pay the small sum of eight bolivianos under protest, and he would give me a paper insuring us protection and the full right to sell our books. The foreigners did not like this at all. I called upon a few of them, and talked with them. I asked them why they wanted to hinder the work of God, and told them I believed they had Christian mothers who had taught them better things. We went to work with good courage, and the Lord blessed wonderfully. Our only fear is that we shall run out of books and papers.

“Last week I received a call to nurse a sick man. When I arrived at the place, I found that he was one of the foreigners belonging to the class that opposed us. He was dying of pneumonia. I took hold of the case, and worked day and night over him, not forgetting to ask God’s help. The man is now recovering. The people marveled at the success of our treatments. Not much has been said, but a clasp of the hand sometimes counts more than words. We are of good courage in the Lord.”