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Journey to Ambato

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 9, 1906

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 83, No. 32.

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Journey to Ambato

By T. H. Davis

Ecuador

AMBATO.—As Brother Casebeer decided to make Ambato his central field of labor, we started for that town, in the interior of Ecuador, on the twenty-fourth of April. After a few hours’ ride through the fertile plantations of sugar-cane, cocoa, and rice, we found ourselves entering the foothills which are covered with thick forests and undergrowth. Before noon the train was winding up the steep Andes Mountains.
One of the most interesting scenes on this trip is El Noría del Diablo, or “Nose of the Devil.” As one looks from this height down into the steep mountain gorge below, he is inclined not to look long, as it causes a chill to run over him. At about five o’clock in the evening we were at the highest point, or divide, here on the plains of Palmira, where the water from one side starts for the Pacific, and that on the other for the Atlantic.
This sudden change from a hot climate to the freezing-point, or from sea-level to over eleven thousand feet above the sea-level, had quite an effect on us. But it was not for the worse, as was shown by our good appetites on reaching the hotel at Cajabamba, our last station.
On this trip we got acquainted with one of the bosses on the railroad, who has three boys whom he wishes to place in a Christian school. We promised him that as soon as one could be started, we would let him know.
From Cajabamba we made our journey to Ambato in two days, suffering some from cold as we passed Mount Chimborazo, which is covered with perpetual snow.
In all our journey we could see the hand of the Lord manifested for our good and comfort. The conductor sent us from third-class to first. The first day at Ambato the brethren were able to rent a house with a fine flower and vegetable garden, from an unprejudiced man, which means a great deal in this country.
The people of the interior of Ecuador are noted for their great devotion to the Catholic Church. While at Ambato, we noticed that when the vaticum passed, all the lower class of people fell on their knees, while the upper classes removed their hats. Several cried at me to remove mine, but without avail. The first Protestant missionaries in Ambato were threatened with death by a fanatical mob, but were protected by a few young men of liberal ideas. From six days’work at this place, the Lord gave me fifty orders for “Patriarchs.”
While we read of open doors for our work in other countries, there can not, it seems to me, be another field so inviting as this is at present. English teachers could find plenty to do here, and be self-supporting missionaries. The Methodists have teachers in the high school at the capital. The young men here are very anxious to learn the English language. Ignorance in regard to healthful living causes the death of thousands every year, especially among the children along the coast. Nurses and doctors would have their hands full. Canvassers to distribute the printed page could find plenty to do. A printer has set up a tract for us at actual cost. So while I travel, I am giving out tracts laden with the third angel’s message. To our people who want to settle down to farming, gardening, and trading, the interior of this country offers a good site. First, the climate is good. Second, as the railroad is passing rapidly into the interior, products could easily be brought down to the coast in a day, where they demand a good price. Potatoes sell on the coast for from eight to ten pesos a quintal, or one-half that price in American money. Onions are much dearer. All legumes are in proportion. Boiled alfalfa is brought here from Chile, and only the rich buy it, to feed fancy stock, paying fabulous prices. Products from the coast, such as bananas, oranges, etc., which are very cheap, could be taken from the coast to the interior, and sold for a good price. While I go about sowing the seeds of truth, by selling books, giving out tracts, etc., it would be good to see others come and develop the work.
Last night a barber came to see me. He is the only barber in Posorja, and, as he says, the only one who upholds and propagates the gospel as he knows it. He became much interested in the prophecies and the ten commandments, and stated that he was going to find a way to keep the Sabbath.
T. H. DAVIS.