MRS. H. F. KETRING by Mrs. H. F. Ketring

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 20, 1902

MRS. H. F. KETRING

By Mrs. H. F. Ketring

Chile

VALPARAISO.—While becoming familiar with the language, I have taken “Ladies’ Guide,” and some smaller books for the children, and gone out among the English-speaking people, to canvass.

The place where I have been working is called “English Hill,” although there are French, Spanish, and a great many Germans there, which makes it quite difficult to find the English. This hill is so steep, and the English families are so scattered, that it is often more difficult to find them than to canvass them. It has been especially hard for me, on account of understanding so little Spanish as I do at present.

The houses are built with a high wall around them, and I must first ring at the outer gate, where I am met by a Spanish servant. I say, “Está la Señora?” which means, “Is the lady of the house in?” If she is in, and is prepared to receive callers, the servant will say, “Sí, Señora; pase para adentro,” which means, “Yes, Madam (or lady; pass in.” She will then take my card, and present it to the lady, and I am met in a very polite manner.

As a class, the English here have no religious experience, and care little for anything but making money, as that is their mission here. But the Lord has given success among them. For every hour out I have taken orders for, and delivered, about two dollars’ worth of books. After placing “Ladies’ Guide” in their homes, I have been enabled to take some subscriptions for Good Health. This may seem like an indirect way of reaching the people, but in a recent REVIEW I read the following, from Sister White’s pen: “The circulation of the health journals will be a powerful agency in preparing the people to accept those special truths that are to fit them for the soon coming of the Son of man.” The promise is, “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days.” I have enjoyed going forth, sowing the seed, claiming this promise.