ED. W. THOMANN by Ed. W. Thomann

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 18, 1907

ED. W. THOMANN

By Ed. W. Thomann

Chile

VALPARAISO.—We have now a good cylinder press, on which we can print four pages of the Señales, at a speed of about one thousand an hour. We have many sorts of type. Our cutter is a good, large, strong machine, which we bought for less than half price. We have begun work, and I am glad that we can have these machines. I am determined to be faithful to the Lord, and make the best use of the printing plant.

The minimum loss occasioned by the earthquake is over six hundred dollars. But we had a good opportunity for aggressive work. We prepared special numbers on the earthquake, and printed thirty thousand copies of Señales in September, twenty-six thousand in October, ten thousand in November, and six thousand in December. Many of our brethren took a new interest in circulating the paper. The Lord blessed greatly. One day I sold seven hundred and forty copies, another day I sold five hundred, three hundred another day, two hundred several times, and often over one hundred. Brother Steele has also taken hold, and nearly every Sunday he goes out and sells one hundred or more.

We are glad that the General Conference decided to collect two thousand dollars for our printing plant and school. This will enable us to build a little barrack for the press, and avoid the heavy rent and the frequent moving from one house to another. We may also be able to buy some things still needed for the printing plant.

Our work is prospering here. The Lord is adding souls to his church in many places. More calls come than we can attend to. But I am glad the Lord is preparing laborers. Much is to be done, and we need more help to accomplish it.

Personally I lost very little in the earthquake, and all our brethren are happy, praising the Lord for his protection. None suffered bodily. My wife and I were at that time a little farther north, in Serena, so did not experience such shaking as befell Valparaiso.

For Bolivia we should have a young, strong, all-round worker, who could as easily canvass as give Bible readings or preach, and who would be willing to do with very few accommodations. One speaking German or French, besides English, would be best, as there are many of these nationalities in Bolivia. Traveling must be done there mostly on muleback. And as the country is so high, it is cold, and there is frequently snow or rain. So one who is accustomed to a rough climate could endure it better than a delicate person.