VALPARAISO, CHILE by J. W. Westphal

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jul 16, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 29.

VALPARAISO, CHILE.

By J. W. Westphal

[Mission Board Correspondence.]

THE Lord is surely blessing the work in Chile. Considering the few laborers that have been in this field, we wonder how the Lord has wrought. Much of this work has been done by canvassing. Sabbath-keepers have been and are springing up in many places. Elder Ogden and I baptized four on our trip south, and Elder Ketring baptized five on a trip just before. We learned of seven more who wished to be baptized, but circumstances would not permit it when we were there. There are some German brethren and sisters who are keeping the Sabbath, but need further instruction.

We are planning to go to the north, where there are several places in which they call for baptism and ministerial labor. Some of the lay brethren are active in spreading the truth, with good results.

Our trip to the south covered a distance of about five hundred miles, and we expect now to go to the north beyond Iquique, perhaps eight or nine hundred miles from this place.

Living is cheap in Chile. Fruits, grains, and nuts are very plentiful, especially fruits. I understand that in the northern part they are scarce and more expensive, as there are no rains in this region, and everything has to be shipped from the southern districts. Travel by rail is very cheap, but by water it is expensive, unless one takes third-class passage.

We see the necessity of a school in Chile. More workers must be trained on the ground. A brother offers fifty acres of land for that purpose. We have decided to take it, provided we can get it in proper shape, and of this we have some hopes. As it is, it is stretched out over a mile in length.

We need canvassers more than any other class of laborers. J. W. WESTPHAL.