ARGENTINA by L. Brooking

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Michigan · Oct 2, 1900

ARGENTINA

By L. Brooking

BARRACAS AL NORTE, BUENOS AYRES.—Landing here after almost three-years' absence, I found things had changed, electric cars running on many streets, and bicycles much used. I held meetings every evening in the front room of the house where the book depository is. Many children and a number of adults came, so we held two meetings—one for the children and one for the adults. After two weeks a young man and his wife asked for baptism. I told him about the Sabbath. He said if it was taught in the Bible, he would keep it; so I gave him several studies on the subject, and he began its observance. Brother McCarthy had other studies with him and baptized him. He is an Italian watchmaker; his wife also keeps the Sabbath. We decided to discontinue the meetings for a while, as there was much disturbance with the boys. We expect to hold meetings in the tenement houses near by.

We have been able to do good with health foods, and make friends. My wife has had talks with several women on healthful dress, diet, etc., and is invited to go two hundred miles south, to my relatives. They are interested in healthful living. Thus we are sowing seeds of truth, which we hope to see bear fruit to God's glory. There are many difficulties in this field, but we thank God that our Saviour is with us, and his angels have gone before us to prepare the way.

GENERAL LA MADRID.—This place is south of Buenos Ayres, and has a population of about two thousand, mostly natives, Italians, and Spaniards. In the outskirts of the town, many of the houses are only mud huts. I have been here a few days, holding meetings and giving Bible readings. Some are glad to hear the gospel, and I know God's word will not return void. There is great need of instruction in healthful cookery. Meat, being cheap, is the principal food. I realize more than ever the necessity of correcting the physical habits of those whom we would elevate morally.

There are three Sabbath-keepers in this place. Mr. Robinson, a self-supporting evangelist, came to

this country about three years ago, and about a year ago received the Sabbath truth from a Danish Sabbath-keeper. Through the efforts of his friends and the inconsistent life of the Dane, he became much prejudiced against Seventh-day Adventists, and concluded that their doctrines are a delusion. But the Spirit of the Lord would not let him rest. Being under conviction, he came to this town, traveling forty miles, in order to get away from the influence of all his friends, that he might study the Sabbath question. While at a Hollander's house, he learned that his hostess was a Sabbath-keeper, and improved this opportunity to make further inquiries after truth. When afterward asked by a native if Saturday is the Sabbath, he could only answer Yes, and from that time has kept it. He is now teaching school and holding meetings.

Sister Gudemond, whose husband is a stone mason, has kept the Sabbath about a year, having learned of it from tracts sent by a Sabbath-keeper in Rosario. At first her husband opposed her, but has now ceased to do so. An Irish shoemaker named Miller has kept a few Sabbaths, and been victorious over the drink habit.

Brethren, pray for the work in these darkened lands. L. BROOKING.