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The Chile Conference

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · May 11, 1911

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 88, No. 19.

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The Chile Conference

By J. W. Westphal

The fifth annual session of the Chile Conference was held at the Pua Training School, March 11-18, 1911. Owing to adverse circumstances, the attendance was small. The meetings were excellent, however, and the Lord gave liberty in the presentation of the Word. The business meetings passed off harmoniously, and the resolutions and discussions were of a helpful character. The former officials were reelected; and the Chile Conference entered upon another year with faith and courage.
The past year has been a good one for the conference. The membership has increased about fifty. The tithe shows a gain of $597.64, the total amounting to $2,905.05. The Sabbath-school and annual offerings increased in the aggregate $204.92, showing a total of $1,810.10. The conference had set the amount of Sabbath-school offerings for 1910 at $426, gold; and they exceeded this amount by $68.78. This experience has given the brethren courage to set the mark at 2,500 milreis (about $532.50) for 1911.
The tract society had a net gain of $296.56 on its business. This is not large, but two years ago it was bankrupt. The brethren are of good courage regarding this important branch of their work.
The school balance showed a loss. With the prices charged, this could hardly be otherwise. However, some things in regard to the school are very encouraging. It is gradually gaining an influence, especially among those without. The poverty of our Chilean brethren makes the attendance of their children, especially of the larger ones, quite small. The school, however, is now in a position to provide a better home for those who come, and to raise the standard of the work done.
Difficulties face the Chile Conference. The severe drought has affected the crops so that the outlook is that the income will be reduced rather than increased. The brethren are faithful in the payment of tithe and offerings, being in this respect an example to others more favorably situated; but when they do not have anything, they can not give. The situation is especially perplexing, as they are trying to do more work in the large cities, where expenses are necessarily higher; but he who has told us to move forward will also provide. There is no occasion for discouragement. J. W. WESTPHAL.