Chile by A. R. Ogden

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Oct 22, 1903

Chile

By A. R. Ogden

IQUIQUE.—The work is moving forward with a reasonable degree of success. We frequently meet persons who have recently become interested by means of our paper. Many are not only manifesting their interest by renewing their own subscriptions, but also by taking subscriptions from others. I have just received twenty subscriptions from one man who has become interested solely by reading the paper. This is only one of several who are showing their appreciation by working for the paper. When we see people sufficiently interested to work, as many of these who are not Seventh-day Adventists are doing, we look upon them as in a most favorable position to receive the truth.

As the work with the paper is now moving, its prosperity will be greater this year than it was last year. To the Lord we give the praise for success and blessing. I believe that one of the most sure ways of laying the foundation of our work is by the circulation of literature—and the books are an important part of it. Canvassers in the Catholic countries can do much more than the public speaker. One of our strongest companies here is the result of the labors of Brother T. H. Davis. While he was canvassing, he held Bible studies in the place, and thus raised up a company of eight or ten Sabbath-keepers.

Because of my interest in this work, I feel a deep interest in Brother Davis’s return to the field. He is a tried laborer, and knows the language, so there is no experiment in sending him, and he is ready for work the day he lands. I have just received a letter from him, saying that he is anxious to return; so I have decided to ask the Mission Board to advance him fifty dollars, and charge the same to my personal account. This is to be used toward paying his return passage to the field, so that he may come as soon as possible. I would be glad to pay the whole amount, but because of heavy expenses here, I can not do more than this at present.

Last Friday I was out canvassing for a short time, and found a family who seemed quite interested. They bought some of our small books, and ordered a copy of “Patriarchs and Prophets,” and renewed their subscription to the paper, Senales. In fact, it was because of the paper that they were found, and their interest was developed. I feel to praise the Lord every day for the printed page.

During the past few weeks I have sold for the time spent in canvassing. I have done well.

One day I sold books for cash to the amount of ninety-nine and one-half dollars Chilean currency, or thirty-three dollars in United States gold. Every day I did well, but not always so well as that.

I expect to go to Peru soon, and will take some books with me, and canvass during the day, holding services on Sabbath and in the evenings, as there are some who are calling for baptism.

A. R. OGDEN.