Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1916-01-29
MISSIONARY WORK IN PERU

c. " Achenbach. who left the Wash
ington Missionary College in Takoma
Park a few months ago for Peru. as a
missionary among the Indians in that
country, has sent a letter describing
what he and other Seventh-day Ad-
ventist workers are doing for the red
men there. They are not only teaching
the Indians the gospel, but also ad-
ministering to their physical needs. he
declares. Mr.. Auchenbach says:
I'VE are truly glad for the privilege
Of working for the Indians. They are
very appreciative of any help we can
give them. Our mission Is situated
about twenty one miles from the rail-
road, and as there are no vehicles OF
any kind in this part of the country
we had to make the journey on horse
back. and all our freight was carried
on the backs of donkeys.
The country is rough-very noun
famous and rocky. The mission Is ~
500 feet above sea level. The climate
is cold. In summer the nights are cool
but during the day the sun is very
hot. The altitude does not affect us very
much. Sometimes we have to pant for
| breath and are not able to exert our
selves as much as in a lower altitude;
otherwise we are both well and happy.
1.-The Indians live in small mud huts
with grass roof. They are rather dirty
in their habits and do not believe in
washing very often. They live by TILL
ing the soil, raising potatoes and bar
ley. Some also have cows and sheep
and chickens.
"Our Sabbath meetings are well at
tended. averaging from 900 to 700 peo-
pie every Sabbath, and all listen quite
attentively to the preaching of the
word At the close of the services every
one wants to shake hands. and you
can imagine what it means to shake
hands with 700 people. However. we
enjoy it, and so do they. We have
singing Monday mornings at 1880 and
prayer meeting at Wednesday morn
ing Some of the Indians attending the
meetings come a distance OF thirty
miles.
I'VE have three native workers con-
nected with the mission. which serve
as interpreters and also go out to other
places and preach the gospel
"Our house is made of mud bricks
with tin roof and a mud floor. COW
cred with a carpet made of grass. we
are very comfortably situated in our
new home.
"our medical work is also very in
teresting. The Spanish doctors do not
treat Indians and so this is practically
the first time that the Indian has ever
had the chance to have medical help.
1t is rather amusing sometimes to nave
them come to our dispensary and ask
hurting them so bad. Some say that
they consulted spiritualists, but did not
get any better.
1.-The other day call came to the
mission for some one to go and see
sick man. Mr.. Howell and l, with an
interpreter, went to attend to the case.
1t was about six miles from the mis-
sion. After attending to the patient
there were a great many people walt
ing outside also wanting medical help,
Il haf hnr haH f
ed nineteen patients. This all hap
pened in half a day. Some had eye
troubles. others stomach, etc. We gen
orally pray with them and invite them
to the mission.
Last week Mr.. Stahl and l were
coming home from visiting some sick
people and we noticed in the distance
to our left display of many colors
and soon learned it was an Indian we'd
ding feast. There were about 800 In
dams present. We went there to see
1t. The women were dressed in the
brightest colors and dancing to music
made by flutes. When they saw us
come many of them came running to
ent belong to our church. and SO We
had a very cordial reception. We got
off our horses and went to see the
bride and shook hands with her and
presented her little present. Before
we left they gave US some fruit juice
and left for home.
I'VE have many interesting expert
ences here. The Lord is working for
these people. A few days ago the law
making body of Peru made a law
granting religious liberty to all re-
lgions. This tx quite a step and it
shows that the Lord is making bare
His arm for the work in Peru. Already
some of the governors of the small
towns near here are posting notices
warning the people against abusing US,
stating that they would be fined and
imprisoned. few days ago "a govern
or of one of the towns near here called
for US. He was very sick. He used
to be one of the worst enemies of the
mission.
MANY calls are coming for US to
open the work in other places. but we
lack sufficient workers.
I'VE are glad for the privilege of
helping these dear people and we trust
that many more workers will be sent
to help US in reaching the many thou
sands of Indians who are calling for
help"