Chile by H. F. Ketring

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Oct 13, 1904

Chile

By H. F. Ketring

IQUIQUE.—I am now holding the annual meeting with the church here, and with those who come in from other places. I am very busy, having two meetings a day; with the necessary visiting and work here in the office, my time is full. I hold a preaching service every night. As nearly all are poor, and must work, we hold a meeting every morning at six o'clock, in which I read and translate some of the testimonies concerning the importance of the church being a working church, and we talk over plans for future work.

The tithe and offerings for the entire field this year are two hundred dollars more than they were last year.

This morning nearly all attended the six-o'clock service. They seem to appreciate their condition, and want to be helped. May the dear Lord, who cares for his flock as for a precious treasure, give wisdom. I read from Volume VI this morning, where Sister White says that the church is the case which contains God's jewels. They all enjoyed the meeting.

The rest of the time was occupied in discussing methods of labor. At the close of the meeting, recommendations were passed, mentioning their determination to extend the message among the people about them, and especially to work the city of Iquique thoroughly with Senales and other literature. Faithfulness in tithe and offerings was also included in the list of recommendations. This was the first experience of this church in doing committee work.

For a long time I have desired to see manifested among these people a real seeking after God. I have tried to present the word to them in such a way as to awaken in them a sense of their need; but all their former education has been a form of godliness, without the power. Sabbath it seemed as though the Lord, by his Spirit, came a little nearer. I had spoken very plainly to the church all through the meetings; and as we expected to celebrate the ordinances, I tried to impress all with the solemnity of the occasion. Before participating, many went through the congregation, and with tears in their eyes, begged one another's pardon for faults committed. Two left the meeting to go to the home

of an absent one, to make matters right before partaking of the emblems. We believe the coming year will be a better one for the Iquique church.

We appreciate the efforts of our brethren and sisters at home to forward re-enforcements and ammunition. We are pressing forward just as fast as we possibly can. Our courage is the best it has ever been. Mrs. Ketring reports good meetings among the English in the south, where she is continuing the work that I began last winter.

I realize more and more the necessity of those who take up the work in these Spanish fields dedicating themselves to it for life. In order to work successfully for people steeped in Romanism, we who have been reared Protestants need years of experience. The difference can not be imagined by one in the home land. One must learn to adapt himself to the special needs of poor Catholic souls. H. F. KETRING.