F. H. WESTPHAL by F. H. Westphal

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 1, 1901

F. H. WESTPHAL

By F. H. Westphal

We held our general meeting in the city of Diamante, from September 28 to October 8. It was the first time that our tent had been pitched in a city. We had printed a special issue of the El Faro for the purpose of advertising the meeting, a plan which proved very effective. God gave His messengers special power in presenting the Word, and the conviction forced itself upon the people that the messages delivered were indeed the truth. Nearly all the business men of the place came to the meeting every evening, and manifested great interest in our general welfare. The attendance averaged from four to six hundred persons from the city, besides those of our faith. In one evening meeting there was some disturbance, and the next day the business men visited the chief of police, and secured order for us without any appeal on our part. Generally the order was good, and the deepest attention was given to the word spoken.

Much prejudice had been fostered by a prominent business man of Diamante, who, for the last five years, had published articles in the city papers, awakening fear, distrust, and malice in the hearts of the people, against us. He was a man beloved and honored by his fellow citizens, and seemed honest in his opposition to our work, believing that I was simply collecting money from the people with the intention of leaving Diamante as soon as I had a goodly sum. Just a few months before our meeting, he left the city, after borrowing from one hundred to fifteen thousand dollars from several persons in Diamante. This, of course, destroyed not only the people’s confidence in him, but also the effect of his work against us. During the meeting we heard many say, “It is not at all as has been reported to us;” and, “These people tell the truth,” etc.

God’s blessing rested upon us all, as we met together for consultation and prayer. Our own people were encouraged to see so many interested in the truth; and it gave them a broader idea of the work now before us. A tract society for this field was organized, and the officers elected. The name adopted is “Sociedad de Tratados de Argentina del Adventistas del Día séptimo.” Every decision was unanimous. The Sabbath-school interests were considered, and a corresponding secretary was elected. The educational work was also presented, and placed under the supervision of a school board of fifteen members. As these are from different parts of the republic, we have a general working force in behalf of the school. Lessons were also given in health reform.

The following-named laborers were present: L. Brooking, J. A. Leland, Juan McCarthy, N. Z. Town, and the writer. We were sorry that Brother Vuilleumier could not attend, but sickness in his family made it impossible for him to do so. Much interest having been awakened in our work, Brethren Town and Leland stayed to continue labor. We hope to see fruit as the result of their work. The Lord has opened the way for the promulgation of the truth in the city, and for this we are thankful.