p. 16 | River Plate Conference by J. W. Westphal

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Aug 11, 1904

River Plate Conference

By J. W. Westphal

The River Plate Conference was held at San Geronimo, in the Sante Fe Province, according to appointment, March 17-27. In connection with this meeting, the South American Mission committee also met to audit the laborers' accounts, and to transact other necessary business.

The meeting was not largely attended, only about forty being present. This was due in part to the fact that we have but few brethren in this portion of the field, and the continuous heavy rains during the three weeks previous had prevented our brethren from completing their thrashing and getting their grain cared for. However, during the meeting we had excellent weather.

The Lord's presence was manifest in the meetings. Instruction was given along different lines; the leading hand of God in the development of this work in its early history, and what it means to us who have come into the message and work at a later time, was also dwelt upon. There is nothing that gives our brethren more enthusiasm than the recital of these past experiences in the light of the prophetic word; it fills them with faith and courage. These experiences, and especially the midnight cry, together with its history and meaning, still serve as a bright light to guide and strengthen the steps of God's people.

There was most bitter prejudice against us in the village, and steps were even taken to compel us to leave. But since we had created no disturbance, they found themselves under the necessity of dropping the matter. Disturbance was also made at the meetings. The outside attendance at first was small. But as the meetings progressed, the attendance increased. The Lord gave freedom in presenting the truth for this time, which left an impression upon some hearts.

Elders Town and Maas remained to follow up the work. Three were baptized; two of these were Swiss, and one was French. The former had been brought into the truth through the work of Brother Diriwaechter and others during the summer, and the latter had purchased a copy of “Great Controversy” twelve years ago, as the result of which he had been led into the truth. He had given up liquor, tobacco, and other evil habits before he had the privilege of attending our meetings.

Elders Ketring and Thomann, from the West Coast, and Brother Schenk, from Brazil, were present, and rendered valuable assistance in the meetings and in counsel. Elder McCarthy could not attend on account of ill health.

The business passed off harmoniously. The officers elected were practically the same as last year. Three new churches were added to the conference. Since the preceding conference, about one hundred and twenty persons had been baptized in this field. Thus the last year has witnessed its largest growth. The tithe for 1903 was $2,754.92, or nearly one thousand dollars more than for the previous year. The Sabbath-school offerings amounted to $229.91, and the other offerings that have gone directly into the conference treasury to $331.80. Besides these, there have been donations to local enterprises.

At the conference $309.89 was either paid or pledged toward the purchase of a press to be connected with the mission school. A publishing fund for the printing of tracts in the Spanish language was started with $180.77. The press will be the property of the River Plate Conference, while the publishing fund is the property of the South American Mission. Both of these funds ought to be increased to one thousand dollars. We hope to raise some more here for both, but it is not to be expected that we can raise what will be needed, and so we still extend our hands for help.

Two brethren—John V. Maas and Edward W. Thomann—were ordained to the sacred work of the gospel ministry, in the presence of a good audience. The former is a member of this conference, while Brother Thomann was recommended to be ordained by the South American Mission committee, and will continue as a laborer of the West Coast field.

We are of good courage in the Lord, and our faith that the work can and will be finished in this generation increases. It was our special desire and prayer at the conference to be prepared, and to prepare now, for the reception of the latter rain, by which alone the work can be accomplished.

J. W. WESTPHAL.