CHILE by T. H. Davis

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 13, 1900

CHILE

By T. H. Davis

IQUIQUE.—The Lord's cause is slowly moving onward in Iquique. Over a month ago we began meetings in our new hall, with a good attendance. About two weeks ago five persons were baptized near Iquique, in the sea. Others await baptism. Since the separation of a few who were living in sin, our little company is getting along better. It takes the Spirit of God to know just how to deal with the erring among these people.

A few days ago I was called on to preach the funeral sermon of a young man who poisoned himself. He had attended our meetings several times, but could not be persuaded to accept the truth. He ceased to attend the meetings several days before he took the poison. We had a meeting in the cemetery, and we presented the word of truth to the people. Our congregation was large.

This province, Tarapacá, is one of the most interesting fields in which to labor, as it contains persons from almost every quarter of the globe. The Peruvians, Chilians, and Bolivians predominate. The province is noted for its saltpeter. There are few priests in this district, fewer than in any other part of Chile. Some of these priests are noted for their speculations and vices.

A church-school teacher, to teach English and Bible, and a physician are especially needed here. The general desire of the young men, especially in the north, is to learn the English language, and they are not too prejudiced to enter a Protestant school. Also, many are asking for private lessons. By this means all classes could be reached, and this work could be maintained on a paying basis. The usual price for three private lessons a week is ten dollars a month. Some will offer more to an English teacher. One young man gave me fifteen dollars

for a few months when I was not traveling. A physician would have many patrons here. Thousands of persons come down from the pampas to recuperate their health, and many have become discouraged after taking several hundred dollars' worth of drugs from the physicians. The Chinese doctor of Iquique is the best patronized of any, as his herbs are the least harmful. He charges three dollars a visit at his office, medicine included; while the others charge two dollars at their offices, and give a prescription to be filled at the drug store. These prices are in the paper money used in this country, which is valued at one-third United States gold.

Water, the best remedy, and God's remedy, for most diseases, is less used here than anything else. Many do not even wash their face the whole year round. One woman told me that she had not washed the baby's face for about a month and a half because it was “poco constipado,” or had a little cold. Frequent bathing would relieve or cure about ninety per cent of these ignorant sick. A good bath establishment could be conducted on a paying basis.

The Lord has told us to pray the Lord of the harvest to send more laborers into his vineyard. We have prayed. Have the hearts of the brethren been slow to respond, or does the Lord turn a dull ear to our cries? We think the latter can not be true, as he fills our hearts with his Spirit, which causes us to plead more earnestly for the perishing multitudes. May the Lord continue to bless you, brethren; and if a desire is awakened to help in this field, write to me, or to the director, G. H. Baker, Casilla 1125, Valparaiso, for further information.

T. H. DAVIS.

Casilla 240, Iquique, Chile.