The Work in Argentina by J. W. Westphal

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 27, 1915

The Work in Argentina

By J. W. Westphal

J. W. WESTPHAL

OUR work in this field is making some progress. There are eight or ten persons now awaiting baptism in the city of Rosario de Santa Fe. A year ago we had done practically nothing in this city; now we have a flourishing and growing church. Brother Nicolas Hansen is still carrying on the work in this place with vigor, and with every prospect of an increase in the membership of our company here. A few have begun to keep the Sabbath.

From our public effort in Buenos Aires, after holding meetings for two months in a very central position, we removed to a new location ten blocks away, and a number of interested ones continue coming to our meetings. The new hall has a seating capacity for about one hundred and sixty persons, and it is filled night after night, and usually more come than can find room. The class of people, generally speaking, is much better than we had in the other place, and the attendance is more regular.

A young man who has already begun to keep the Sabbath and is very zealous in the truth, has had an interesting experience. Ten or twelve years ago, in the northwestern part of the republic, a Protestant tent was pitched on his mother's lot. On account of opposition the tent was soon removed from the place, and the effort stopped. He was then only a boy, but was impressed with some of the Bible teachings that he heard. From that time until recently he heard nothing more about the Bible. He, with his mother and sister, came to live in this city about the time we started our effort here. One day a desire was aroused in his heart to go out and see if he could not find some place where the gospel was taught, and he made inquiries in regard to meetings. He was directed to a certain street in the city, and there sought during the whole day the Protestant meeting place, but without result. He returned the next day, continuing his search and making inquiries among the people. None seemed able to give him any information until some newsboys told him that meetings were being held on another street, which happened to be our place.

The result was that he came to our meetings, and is the first Sabbath keeper from our public effort. Thus we see how the Lord works upon hearts at the opportune time to bring them to the gospel message now due the world.