Chile, South America by F. H. Westphal

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 15, 1907

Chile, South America

By F. H. Westphal

The work of the Master is progressing in Chile, and fruit is being seen. The distribution of our literature is giving its results. About a week ago a gentleman came to Valparaiso to find the office of our paper, but being disappointed, he returned to Santiago, and met Brother Soto, who took pleasure in speaking with him. After a little conversation, it was found that he had become interested in the truth by reading the Senales de los Tiempos, and was looking for a minister to visit him and conduct meetings in his home. Brother Soto accepted the invitation.

At San Filipi another family embraced the message, and has now kept the second Sabbath. Three of the children have been sent to our school, where they are now receiving instruction. We are very glad that the Lord is planting the banner of his truth in various places.

At the meeting at Pitnuquen three were baptized, and at the beginning of the school three others, and last Sabbath two adults who are attending the institute were also baptized, and two boys from twelve to fifteen years of age offered themselves for baptism. We are glad that the Lord is working in the school, reaching out after the young people.

I shall remain in the school a few months to conduct a four-months' institute, to prepare workers for the field. All told, our family at the school numbers thirty-five, and in a few days seven or eight more will come. We did not expect so many, but the Lord wants to send more workers into his vineyard.

The students manifest deep interest in their work, as is shown by their early rising. At twenty minutes past five in the morning my first class, fifteen members, recites. It seemed to me that it might interest our brethren who have donated of their means to help start this school, and others who are donating to help raise the $150,000 fund, to know that there are persons who appreciate those gifts.

With reference to our buildings I will say that we are in very straitened circumstances for want of room. The new house is a skeleton, the boards not having been nailed on yet. We have but little space for the dining tables and recitation rooms, but the interest in trying to get an education makes hearts contented, and especially since they see a new building rising a little more each day.

The donation that we shall receive for our printing plant and the school is very much needed. We are planning to buy a lot and build a house for the printing plant and the tract society office. This building is much needed to furnish the room that we require, and to save the high rents.

Some of the people here are deeply interested, and we hope that some may take their stand for the truth.

I am teaching five classes in the Spanish language daily,—two in language, two in Bible, and one in general history,—besides the conference work. Pray for the work here that the message may be speedily given. F. H. WESTPHAL.