p. 12 | Alta Parana General Meeting by J. W. Westphal

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 25, 1914

Alta Parana General Meeting

By J. W. Westphal

J. W. WESTPHAL

THE largest and best meeting ever held in the Alta Parana Mission was the one at Posadas, March 30 to April 5. The regular attendance of brethren (adults) was about eighty-five, and on Sabbath about one hundred and twenty. Besides the local laborers, Dr. G. B. Replogle and the writer were present. The prayer week came at the time of this meeting, which doubtless added to its blessings. Dr. Replogle gave some studies on healthful living, which were well received.

As the meeting was composed of natives and Germans, all but the evening discourses were translated. The special themes of the meetings were the nearness

of the end, our preparation for it, and our work in view of it. To all this there was a hearty response. Plans laid by the union conference in regard to home missionary work and other important questions, were discussed and approved. The clear ring of the message, that we are almost home, and that we must now arise and finish the work, is bringing new hope and life into the hearts of our brethren everywhere in our field. Surely our people will arise to finish the work in the little time still left us.

Never before in that field have we had such a large attendance of those not of our faith. Evening after evening the tent was crowded, and many were outside. The attention was good. The authorities took special pains to insure quiet. The local laborers are continuing the meeting.

The brethren at Posadas had bought a lot and begun the erection of a small meetinghouse. But as it was beyond their ability to complete it, contributions to the amount of about $265 were secured from the brethren at the meeting. Owing to poverty, the annual offering was small.

To me the meeting was one of great blessing. Seven presented themselves for baptism, but the ceremony was deferred.