p. 17 | Peru by F. L. Perry

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Feb 1, 1906

Peru

By F. L. Perry

LIMA.—At Payta, our first stopping-place in Peru, the fourth officer of the ship was taken off the boat to the pest-house, the doctors saying that he had Bubonic plague. In consequence of this, the intermediate ports to Callao refused to receive the ship, and when we arrived at Callao, November 14, we were quarantined for four days. Providentially, there were on board several influential Peruvians, a consul from Australia, members of the cabinet, and others. These were anxious to be released, and as a result, the time was cut to two days.

As soon as the yellow flag was hauled down, the ship was surrounded with small boats, for the service of those wishing to land, and their owners were soon crowding the decks. I did not know that the brethren had been notified of our arrival, and was planning to go ashore to find Brother Espinosa or Brother Beltran, and return for our things. Soon a man came by, waving a letter, and calling, “Perry! Perry.” It proved to be Brother Hamon Beltran, with a letter for me from Elder Westphal, of Chile. He could say scarcely a word of English, but by the aid of an interpreter, we arranged for him to take us to his house, with our trunks, then we could go to a hotel, or find rooms.

We were soon on the electric street-car for Lima, our trunks to follow in a cart. The electric line between Callao and Lima is as fine as any I have seen in the United States, and the cars run faster. In Lima there is an excellent service of horse-cars, but the suburban towns are connected by trolley. There is also a steam railroad from Callao to Lima, and back into the interior. Brother Beltran’s home is in a residence part of the city, yet there are small tiendas, or shops, all along. Into one of these he led us, and presented us to his wife. Back of the shop is a poorly lighted room, fitted up for meetings. There is a sort of pulpit, a melodion, some benches, and chairs. The wall is covered with mottoes and charts, including the familiar prophetic chart. A lamp hangs from the ceiling. This is lighted during meeting, even in the day-time.

Soon a sister came in, who speaks excellent English. She came here from northern Chile, having left her home in order to keep the Sabbath. When Brother Beltran knew our wants, he went out, and returned with a key. In the same block he had found two rooms, up-stairs. These were rented for seven dollars a month, and we are staying here while looking for a house.

We praise God for his continual care. We have had many assurances that his hand is guiding. We think we have quite good quarters in sight, for twenty dollars a month. This is more than we can afford, but is the best we can do at present. We must provide room for meetings, as Brother Beltran is doing more than he reasonably should. On Sabbath there were fourteen out. They study the lesson carefully, and then Brother Beltran reads a chapter, talks awhile, and they have a social meeting. He also has service Tuesday and Friday evenings. He has worked in this way about two years, and there is a substantial though small Sabbath-school here. Brother Espinosa and his family live in Callao.

I am making some headway with the language, and can make myself understood in some things. Yesterday was our third Sabbath here. There were nineteen present, old and young. I had written a few pages in Spanish, which I read. They seemed to understand it, and appreciated my effort. They pray fervently that God will bless the “brother pastor,” and help him to quickly learn the Spanish. I suppose it will be a few weeks before I can do much definite work, aside from becoming familiar with the language and the ways of the people.

The climate so far has been well-nigh perfect. The only thing we have found to annoy us is the fleas, which are numerous.

May God richly bless the brethren in the home land, so that they may arise and speedily finish the work. F. L. PERRY.