Argentina, South America
By R. H. Habenicht
It has been some time since I have reported to the Review. The interval of silence, however, has not been one of inactivity. I have spent some time in trying to re-validate my medical diploma in this country, but for the present have had to give up the idea of receiving national recognition because of the prejudice against North Americans, especially those who are professionals. One of the secretaries told me that it was useless to try, as they would not allow me to pass; but this was not till I had spent three months and had visited the offices more than fifty times to get the privilege to try the examination. The final result was a great disappointment, yet not a discouragement. It gave me a chance to go out into the field again. I have just returned from a trip in the northern part of Argentina, where I visited some brethren whom I had the privilege of leading into the truth and baptizing about eighteen months ago. This was near the city of Empedrado, in the province of Corrientes. One of the families moved down the Parana River to the next city below, in the same province, called Bella Vista. The name means “beautiful view,” and it is truly beautiful, for great orange orchards line the shore for some miles. This family, although unable to read a word, began to work for those whom they met, and in their simple way to tell the truth. Some became much interested, and procuring Bibles, began to read, although their teacher could not cite them to a single text. Later some brethren passed through the place en route to the South American Union meeting in Parana last March. Having to wait two days for their boat in this place, they improved their time visiting those who were interested. During the first part of last month these same two brethren came back and spent several days in the city, holding Bible studies and visiting from house to house. Thus the interest deepened, and some had begun in a formal way to lay aside their work on the Sabbath. The two brethren had promised them that a minister would come and visit them, and they were anxiously waiting for the promise to be fulfilled; so when I came, they were as ready to hear as was the house of Cornelius when Peter arrived. I visited from house to house, treating the sick and holding Bible studies. Each evening we had a public meeting, presenting the prophecies and special truths for this time. The Lord greatly blessed the work, and the interest was much greater when I had to leave than when I came. The priest announced his warnings against us in the public school, but the influence of the word still grew. My work for the sick especially opened the door in many places. Before leaving, I had the privilege of baptizing fifteen, and there are ten others who hope to be baptized soon. A Sabbath-school of about thirty members was organized, and those baptized united with a church on the other side of the river, of which the two brethren before mentioned are elder and deacon. It inspires one to see the readiness with which many of these Catholic people receive the truth for this time. Surely the Lord has many jewels among the millions of Spanish Catholics; but where are the workers to go and hunt them out? We are praying that the Lord of the harvest may send forth laborers into his harvest. Will not some of the strong young people who may read this report volunteer to come and help us? There are in these fields more millions of souls than there are missionaries to take the message to them. May the Lord roll upon us the burden of the message. R. H. HABENICHT, M. D.