CHILE by T. H. Davis

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 5, 1900

CHILE

By T. H. Davis

Since Brother Baber's leaving here for Valparaiso in December, I have had a varied experience with the small company in Iquique.

After the formation of this company of native believers, the enemy came in like a flood to destroy the union that existed among the believers, fulfilling the words of Paul: “Of your own selves shall men arise, . . . to draw away disciples after them.” Acts 20:30. Those led away soon saw their error, and returned to the church again. So all are united, save one who caused the trouble.

Two of our number have recently died, one sister in Huara and the other here in Iquique, Catalina de Melian by name. The one who died here belonged to one of the oldest women protective societies formed in Iquique. After her death I had the pleasure of speaking twice in her home to a houseful, besides a large congregation which had gathered on the outside. Some became enraged and began shooting off firecrackers near the door, showing their contempt for our faith. During the day of her burial, her body was accompanied by a crowd to the cemetery, and after the societies' ceremonies, I asked the privilege of saying a few words, which was granted. The thirty-seventh chapter of Ezekiel was chosen. The Lord gave me freedom before this crowd, which had never heard of such doctrine. This was an appropriate theme, as the “dry bones” are many in the burying grounds; by the lack of rain everything dries up in a few days, even to the bodies of the dead, as they are buried only a few inches underground. During my short talk, some became uneasy, while others listened with profound interest. One made the statement that in all her life she had never heard such things.

From this it is clearly seen how much people in this country learn from the daily mass. Since this occasion our meetings have been very well attended. Some English-speaking people come in once in a while to hear the truth in the Spanish language.

The province of Tarapacá, of which Iquique is the capital, is one of the most important of Chile, on account of its connection with Bolivia and Peru. Its close proximity causes a mixture of Bolivians, Peruvians, and Chileans; also of a large number of Indians from Peru and Bolivia. Although mixing with the Spanish-speaking people, the Indians hold to their native tongues. From here missionaries should be trained, and sent to these connecting fields, that have never heard the Third Angel's Message.

This locality is one of the most uninviting to the eye, of any part of Chile, as it never rains. A heavy fog, falling once or twice a year, soaks through the roofs of the houses. Being the richest saltpeter mining district in the world, all classes of people are for money making. Living expenses are about twice as high as in other parts, where vegetation is abundant. Watermelons worth twenty cents apiece in the south are worth from eighty cents to one dollar. Other fruit is proportionately high. Workingmen's wages are from two to three times as much as farther south.

Of the interesting things here that attract the attention, one is the many holidays which occur every few days. As Tarapacá belonged formerly to Peru, the many Peruvians celebrate their national feast days, also the large number of Bolivians do the same. February 25-27 is one of the most distinguished celebrations of the year. Hundreds of people during these three days turn out in masquerade suits to make fun for the lookers-on. Many dress as priests and nuns. Flour and colored fluids are thrown on the passers-by until everything in the town, including men, women, and children, is painted some color. Water, although worth ten cents a paraffin can, runs freely on some streets. Those living in the upper streets have the advantage, as buckets of water are thrown on the heads of persons passing along the street. No one seems to know the exact origin of this holiday, but it has been practiced for years in Peru. As I had never seen such a game carried on in any other part of Chile, I thought it would be an easy matter to escape by not taking part in it; but on going out the third day, which is the worst, my face was filled with a sweet, perfumed powder, and a bucket of water was thrown on my back.

With all these feasts (fiestas, Spanish) there are some, we thank the Lord, who wish to separate from Babylon to keep the commandments of God with the remnant people. T. H. DAVIS.