Chile by F. H. Westphal

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 1, 1912

Chile

By F. H. Westphal

We have been putting forth some labor in the cities of Chile, with visible results. The accompanying picture represents, partially at least, the work accomplished in Valparaiso. Since the organization of the church in this city, a few years ago, many changes have taken place. Some of the members have moved away, and are representing the truth elsewhere; others have died; while a few have apostatized.

Last year we made a public effort in Valparaiso, and some souls were gathered into the fold. Since then, Octavio Navarrete and Charles Foster labored from house to house selling books and periodicals, and the Lord blessed the efforts put forth. There are quite a number interested, who regularly attend the church services. A few of these we hope to see baptized soon.

In Santiago there is also an interest, which seems a more marked one than we have ever seen before. The time is ripe for a public effort, and we are planning to hold meetings during the months of January and February. At this time the Chile Conference will convene, and an institute for colporteurs will be held. We hope several workers may enter the field at the close of the conference.

Lately I visited among the people in the country. At Capital Pastene there is an interest in the truth. One of our colporteurs went with me. On our return we had but one horse, and, as we had no saddle, we could use the horse for luggage only, while we walked. Afterward we learned that we walked sixty-three miles.

In a short time I visited Temuco, expecting that the brethren from Huichahue would meet me to take me to their place to celebrate the ordinances. They did not get the word, so after the meeting at Temuco, I walked to Huichahue, a distance of twenty-seven miles. I was traveling from seven o'clock in the morning until four in the afternoon, and without dinner.

We celebrated the ordinances of the Lord's house and baptized five believers. Just as the Sabbath was closing, and the meeting also, an army sergeant and another brother came forward for baptism. During the moment of the setting sun these persons were buried in the beautiful river near by. Then followed the marriage ceremony of a brother and his wife who had been legally married by a justice of the peace.

After visiting Valdivia I returned to the school. Here was great excitement, for the officers had come to take with them two of our students to serve in the army. One had just been converted, and was afraid of Sabbath service in the army. The students prayed for these brethren and they also prayed. We were all surprised that the Lord immediately answered our prayers by letting them go free. The one recently converted was a strong young man, yet the doctor gave him a certificate which permitted him to go free. The other student had a defect in the eye and a broken arm, so he was also dismissed. When the students met for evening worship, these young men came back, and there was great rejoicing.

THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH IN VALPARAISO, CHILE

The news comes that several are asking for baptism at Limares, Los Andes, and Bajo Imperial. In other places there is interest, and the colporteurs are having good success. We are very much encouraged. There are jewels to be gathered, and strong young men ought to prepare for service and enter the field to seek for the lost. Truly the end is very near, and those who go forth with weeping shall come again, bringing their sheaves with them. We ought to have many men in the field who can gather souls for Christ. “He that winneth souls is wise.” Why not be wise and labor for the meat that perisheth not?

We ask all to remember us in their prayers. We feel our need of a baptism of the Holy Spirit. The time for the latter rain has truly come. The nations are angry, and the wrath of the Lord is about to fall upon a guilty world. How solemn these last days of mercy! The Lord is still waiting that all may seek a refuge in Christ. All should be active in such a time as this. Attila, the king of the Huns, said: “He that can be idly indifferent when Attila fights and is engaged in battle, is worthy of death.” What about those who can be indifferent when Jesus is closing up his work in the heavenly sanctuary?

F. H. WESTPHAL.