The Work in Bolivia by E. W. Thomann; Mrs. E. W. Thomann

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 17, 1907

The Work in Bolivia

By E. W. Thomann; Mrs. E. W. Thomann

At last this long-neglected land has a chance to hear the third angel's message. It is the last country of South America to be entered by our people.

We began our journey from Valparaiso, Chile, the twenty-fifth of May, and the fourteenth of June we reached Cochabamba, Bolivia. Here we expect to establish our mission station, for this city is nearer the central point of Bolivia than any other of importance, and living is much cheaper here than in most other places. From here we hope to work the other localities and districts, and as far as possible carry forward the work equally in all parts of the country.

We have no churches or Sabbath-keepers here in Bolivia yet, but there are several persons who have a little inclination to search for the truth. This gives us hope that soon some will begin to keep the commandments of God.

The official language of this republic is Spanish, but Quichua is spoken more than the Spanish. In La Paz and the surrounding neighborhood the natives speak Aimarah. Of all the population only about one hundred thousand can read, therefore the work progresses under great difficulties, and as the means of traveling is so very poor, it is not easy to spread the gospel rapidly. Still according to Rom. 9:28, Matt. 24:14 must be fulfilled here too.

To be able to bring present truth as soon as possible to all the people, I have decided to write simple articles, which can be easily understood, on the most important points of the three angels' messages, and have them translated into Quichua and Aimarah, and print on a cyclostyle hundreds and, if possible, thousands of copies. These we wish to send to persons who read Spanish and know one or both of the Indian languages, and who also show an interest in the Word of God. They can read them to the natives, and in that way impart the saving message to them.

Evangelistic work by other denominations has not been done much yet in Bolivia. The American, and also the British and Foreign, Bible Society have spread a great many Bibles and parts of the same, but sad to say, a great many of them have fallen into the hands of the priests and been burned or destroyed in some other way, and thus kept from the people.

Baptists from Canada have been working in some of the most important cities for about eight years, and in Oruro and Cochabamba have had some success, and have organized small churches. One of their missionaries thought we should not come where they had already started. I told him that the three angels' messages must be proclaimed to all nations and people, and as the other denominations do not teach all that Christ commanded, the Seventh-day Adventists have to teach these messages.

With the help of God we hope to begin the work right, and follow it up until

all the people are warned, and our Lord shall come to gather his chosen ones. Brethren, pray for the work in Bolivia. From time to time we will let you hear what the Lord is doing here.

MR. AND MRS. E. W. THOMANN.