A. G. NELSON by A. G. Nelson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Aug 5, 1915

A. G. NELSON

By A. G. Nelson

Patagonia

A. G. NELSON

A YEAR has passed since we landed in Patagonia. Our health has been good, and the interest here is encouraging. The greater part of our time has been spent in Punta Arenas, as it is the most important place in the field. Although it is the southernmost city in the world, it is not by any means the coldest. The wind blows a great deal, the summers are cool and dry, and the winters damp and cold.

No fruit is grown, but short-season vegetables thrive. There is no grain, except oats for hay, which is cut green, as it will not ripen.

The country is owned or leased by a few large companies, who use it for grazing. The hills are covered with an excellent grass which furnishes pasture for thousands of sheep. The forests supply plenty of fuel and lumber.

There has been much prospecting for gold in Patagonia. It is said that anywhere a post hole is dug it can be found, but nowhere in very paying quantities. More has been spent searching for it than has ever been found.

Nearly half the population is foreign, a large per cent being English and Scotch. Only a very few of the Indians are left. The government did not protect them, and their land was taken away until nearly all were crowded out or killed. The few remaining are scattered here and there on the sheep farms, where they are given meat and some provisions for their work. A few have gone north into less-developed parts.

As the standard of truth is lifted, souls are drawn to it. Four thus far have taken their stand for the Sabbath. One of these, a boy twelve years old, is doing good work selling our papers. We are reading with his father now, and he seems quite favorable. We are studying with a number of good, substantial families, and we hope there will be more fruitage soon.

A short time ago I arranged with a native, who is a Methodist, for studies. When I went to meet the appointment, I found his minister present. They had been prejudiced against us, and Satan was working; but the Lord can always give victory. His Spirit led away from the study I intended to give, to just the thoughts that could touch their hearts. We studied an hour and a half with the deepest interest, and as we separated, the minister assured us he would come to the next study. I am now reading with him regularly in his own home.

Here and there on the lonely hills of these extended pastures of Patagonia the shepherds are tending their flocks. We believe there are among them, as in the days of the Star of Bethlehem, those who would be glad to hear of the coming of the Messiah. We are mailing to hundreds of them the Eastern Question and War Extras of the REVIEW. Isolated as they are, many of them will never be found by the living messenger. We hope this message-laden paper, like the angels of old, as it announces to them that Jesus is coming, may cause them to go in search of him until they find him. Remember the work in this field in your prayers.

Punta Arenas.