Stories of the Grace of God in Bolivia

These stories are all true. They are about real people, many of whom are now with the Lord, awaiting the glorious day when we shall be CAUGHT UP TOGETHER TO BE FOREVER WITH OUR LORD!

The Bolivian Incas were a people very much neglected by their own government. When the missionary first arrived among them, they did not even have hospitals or schools. He was able to start several schools and, and many of the boys from those schools earned teachers' certificates and are now teachers themselves.

Since those early days of the missionary's work among the Incas, the government has taken over all the schools, allowing boys with teachers' certificates to continue teaching in the schools. How thankful the missionary has been that they were also permitted to continue with the fifteen minutes of Bible study and prayer every morning!

The eldest son of Demetio, whose story is included in these memoirs, is a Director of one of the schools. The son-in-law of Lino Bueno, whose story is also included, is also a Director. Both of these men are saved and gathered to the Lord's name, and trying to serve Him in some little way. Dear Lino Bueno wrote recently, "I am not able to write very much, my eye is failing me, and my wife and I are ready to depart to be with Christ. She is very frail, but happy in the Lord."

It is wonderful to see these dear Indians "gathered to the precious Name of the Lord Jesus Christ" and to know that there in Bolivia He is in the midst even as He is with us here. The knowledge they have of the Scriptures is amazing, truly showing that "they received the Word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily" Acts 17:11. Many of the native brethren have been the means of bringing others to Christ and of helping them see their place at the Lord's table, "without the camp" (Heb. 13:13) and "afar off from the camp" (Ex. 33:7).

The missionary is not able to visit them anymore because of his age and health, but the Lord has graciously raised up faithful young men to continue with the work for Him in Bolivia.

We trust you will enjoy these stories, written to show how God in His love is still working and saving souls in His own gracious way. Our prayer is that telling you about these dear Inca Indians will be a blessing to many.

Frances Smith

Firstfruits of a Missionary Journey

Many years ago a young man, who had been preaching the Gospel of the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord in his own home town in New Zealand, felt led of the Lord to take the same wonderful Gospel message to the Inca Indians in Bolivia. He told his parents and friends of his desire to serve the Lord in Bolivia and was sent out with the blessings of his parents and his brethren with whom he was associated at that time.

Leaving New Zealand in October, 1920, he traveled by ship, the only means of transportation to Bolivia, arriving there in July, 1921. Due to a shipping strike which held up all vessels from Los Angeles, the young missionary took the last lap of the journey on a Japanese freighter called "Haya Maru."

Being the only white man on board the Haya Maru was quite an experience, but the Lord had His plans and one of the officers was brightly saved. This officer could speak English, and thus the young missionary was able to eventually lead him to Christ by reading Isa. 53 with him and showing him his need of salvation. But we are already ahead of our story!

The young Japanese officer had been acquainted with a very bright Christian young woman in Tokyo, and really loved her. Furthermore, he had even requested her to marry him, but she had replied, "Never! You are a heathen, a Shintoist, and I belong to Christ, so you had better seek elsewhere for a bride."

The officer often spoke to the missionary of this young lady. In fact, the fellowship on board was usually concerning his love for her and why she so stoutly refused to marry him. The missionary showed him from the Word of God why she refused. As the missionary daily pointed him to God's Word, at last the young officer began to take an interest.

He frequently invited the missionary to his cabin to talk over matters. The missionary could clearly understand why this man was rejected by the young Christian woman. On his table were cigars and cards, on the walls were obscene pictures, and on a rack in a corner of his cabin were bottles of rum and whiskey. These things were distressing to the servant of the Lord, but he never remarked about them, never even permitted the officer to know he had noticed them. Instead, he prayed much about them. He felt it was his work to lead the officer to Christ first, so he persisted day after day in bringing before him his need of accepting Christ as his Savior, and being born again.

At the end of the fourth week, about two-thirty in the morning, the missionary was startled by a heavy knock on the door of his cabin. Sitting up, he called, "Who is it?"

It was the Japanese officer and he answered, "Don't be alarmed, it is just me. I am here to request that you come to my cabin right away."

Wondering what might have prompted this early morning request, the young missionary hurriedly dressed and was ushered into the officer's room. He noticed immediately a difference in his room: there were no cards and cigars on the table, no obscene pictures on the wall, no bottles of liquor in the corner rack; but he did not say anything. He also noticed that the young officer seemed so changed, and he asked kindly, "What happened?"

The young Japanese smiled and said, "I awakened at 2 a.m. and thought of the things we had been talking about. Do you know I became so convicted that I was not only a sinner, but that I was a lost sinner, that I got out of bed and I accepted Christ as my Savior. That is why I called you at this hour, to let you know of my decision. I knew you would be glad." He and the missionary got on their knees and praised God for such a decision, and for His love and grace.

Rising from prayer the missionary asked the officer, "What happened to the obscene pictures, the tobacco, the cigars and the whiskey?"

His reply was wonderful! He said, "Do you know when I got up from my knees, after accepting the Lord Jesus as my Savior, I looked at those worldly things and couldn't even bear the sight of them. I tore the pictures down, got hold of the bottles, cigars and tobacco, and threw everything into the Pacific Ocean!"

With joy the young missionary asked him, "Who told you to do that?"

"I don't exactly know," he answered, "but something-or Someone-inside me told me to rid myself of such forever!"

The missionary smiled happily and quoted 2 Cor. 5:17: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

Days of happy fellowship passed all too quickly, and one day the ship docked at a port called Arica, in Peru. Here the young officer and the missionary said "Goodbye" and parted until they will meet in glory in the presence of their Lord and Savior.

About two years later the missionary received a letter from "Yoshi." It read: Dear Sir, You will remember how I accepted Christ as my personal Savior, also the number of times I spoke of a certain beautiful Christian young woman, and how she refused my offers of marriage because I was not a Christian.

Well, when the ship reached Tokyo, I made bold to visit her. She at first refused to see me, but, as I had something of much importance to tell her, I asked if she would graciously listen, which she did. I told her that God had wonderfully saved me on the high seas off the coast of Peru, and that I was now "a new creature in Christ Jesus." She believed me, seeing my manner of walk. After some time I asked her whether she would marry me, and she said, "SURE!"

Another letter written about two years later told the missionary of their happiness and of how the Lord had blessed them with a little son.

"A VIRTUOUS WOMAN IS A CROWN TO HER HUSBAND" (Prov. 12:4).

The Angel of the Lord

Our young missionary made his way from the Port of Arica to the Railway Station. It was confusing to be rushing along with others who were all shouting and talking, yet not to be able to understand a word, even though he had studied Spanish as much as possible on shipboard.

At last he arrived at the Station. As the old train puffed into the station, he noticed the wheels were different from any he had seen before. Later he learned this system of locomotion was necessary in order to climb the very steep mountains.

Another difference he noticed in train travel in Bolivia was that the train made frequent stops for servicing. During these stops passengers could get off and buy fruit, bread, meat and other things from women who sat around on the ground selling these items.

After the two day train trip from Arica he arrived in La Paz, Bolivia, feeling very much alone and very weary. The Lord enabled him to find a room with a gentleman about whom someone on the train had told him. He was there only one day when he became seriously ill with "soroche," or what we call "mountain sickness." This was caused by the high altitude of 13,000 feet above sea level. The gentleman in whose house he was staying advised him to go to the hospital immediately and kindly offered to walk over there with him.

The doctor who treated him was an American. He advised him he must go to a lower altitude and then get accustomed to the high altitude slowly. When he realized the young man had no friends in Bolivia and no way to go to a lower altitude, the doctor told him he would be welcome to use a little cabin he owned in the valley just outside La Paz, if he wished. The young man thankfully accepted the doctor's kind offer, believing that it was truly of the Lord.

Before discharging the missionary, the doctor called in a young American nurse to give him the needed shots to relieve his sickness. Some years before this young nurse had volunteered to leave her home in New York to help open an American Hospital in Bolivia and to train Bolivian nurses there. Of course she and the doctor became interested in this young man who had such a desire to preach Christ to a people whom he had never seen and whose language he could not even speak. He returned to his room praising the Lord for His faithful care over him, and packed his belongings.

He spent two quiet and peaceful weeks alone with the Lord in the doctor's little cabin, reading the Scriptures and studying Spanish. As soon as he was feeling better he went back to La Paz to thank the doctor for his kindness. The doctor gave him a thorough check-up and advised him to go slowly in the high altitudes because he was having some difficulty with his heart. It was good advice.

Hearing of the Inca Indians who worked in the mines, he soon bought a train ticket to go to Potosi, a large mining city, where he rented a room on one of the main streets. Every morning he walked the streets giving out gospel tracts. Sometimes he visited the Conventilla in the city of Potosi. A "conventilla" is a large building where many families live.

In those early days there was much opposition from the people and their religious leaders, so his life was often in danger. One morning just as he had finished distributing gospel tracts to many in the Conventilla, a howling mob of some 200 people followed him, crying out loudly, "Kill him! Get rid of him! Do away with this heretic!" They followed him down the street. Some had already picked up stones to throw at him. He walked on, earnestly praying that the Lord would graciously protect him as He had promised.

"Call unto Me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not" (Jer. 33:3).

Just ahead of them was a pile of stones, ready to be used in some new building, which he feared would be used to throw at him when they came near him. But just at the critical moment a little boy-a fair-haired little fellow-came across the street, threw his little arms around him, and looked up at him with loving blue eyes, as much as to say, "Don't be afraid!"

The missionary was so surprised to see such a blond-haired lad in a land where everyone has such black hair. He gently stroked the little fellow's head and spoke lovingly to him.

Suddenly the mob stopped, ceased from their shouting, and someone was heard to say, "Leave him alone; he must be a good man. See how he loves that little fellow." Dropping their stones, the crowd dispersed, and he was left alone with his little fair-haired friend. Soon after, the lad crossed the street, and the missionary never saw him again even though every day he went that way to see if he could see him again. He came to the conclusion that this was another instance of which that wonderful Scripture speaks: "The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them" (Psa. 34:7).

He spent much time in studying Spanish and began to make friends with the children and young people on the street. In a few months he was able to preach the Gospel on the main square. Many were opposed, but others showed a real interest which was a great encouragement to him. He soon made friends with a few young men who listened to the Word of God. They accepted Christ as their Savior. They often went to his room to read the Scriptures with him.

A little later, through the help of his family and friends at home, he was able to rent a small Meeting Room. He was also able to find work teaching English in the University of Potosi. Sometimes he used the Gospel of John as a text book to encourage his students to read English. Some became interested in the Word of God and came to the little Meeting Room in the evening.

Two of the young men went with him everywhere and also helped him with his Spanish. Then they started having Special Meetings, giving out invitations with the Gospel tracts to invite people to come and hear the Good News of salvation, In this way he was gradually able to expand the sphere of his work for the Lord.

The Lord Provides a Helpmeet

About two years later a young American woman entered the Meeting Room one evening and sat at the back. The young missionary felt he had seen her somewhere before, but at first he could not remember where he had seen her. Suddenly he remembered! She was the nurse who had given the "shots" when he was sick in La Paz.

She came every evening but left right away before he could get to the door to greet her. One evening he asked one of the brothers to close the meeting while he went down to the door before the meeting was over. He learned she had resigned from the "Board" that had sent her to Bolivia because the "Board" gave only a limited number of years to serve there, and, for this reason, had scheduled her to return to the States. In resigning she explained to the "Board" that she had come to Bolivia to serve the Lord and had learned to love the people and did not wish to return. Following her resignation she had come to Potosi to teach in the University.

She attended the Gospel Meetings every time there was a meeting. Although she and the missionary had a little visit after the meeting, with others present, they never even walked down the street together. It was not considered proper for a young man and woman to be seen together in public. However, the Lord had His eyes upon them to work together for Him amongst the Inca Indians.

A year later, in August, 1924, they were happily married in the Lord. They were able to find a little apartment in a two-story building on one of the cobbled streets in the city of Potosi. The lower section, or flat, was occupied by a Colonel and his wife and four children. The Colonel became friendly and listened attentively to what the young missionary told him as regards the gospel of Christ. We shall see in another story that he was later used of the Lord to help the missionary in a time of great trouble.

"THE LORD IS MY Defense; AND MY GOD IS THE ROCK OF MY REFUGE" (Psa. 94:22).

A Prisoner of the Lord

It was the missionary's custom to preach the Gospel every Lord's Day from 3 to 4 p.m. on the steps of the Liberty Statue in the main square of Potosi. Occasionally the Colonel stopped to listen and then passed on. One day the Colonel called him aside to warn him of coming violence on the part of the police if he did not desist from preaching in the square. (The Cathedral was near the Liberty Statue, and the Vicar was not very pleased with his preaching the gospel there.) He thanked the Colonel for his concern as to his safety; however, because the Constitution in Bolivia prescribed liberty of worship, he felt he would rather suffer persecution than give up the privilege of making known the story of our Lord Jesus and His love for the lost.

Sure enough! The next Lord's Day the persecution began. The missionary had just finished preaching the gospel when a police officer appeared. Drawing his sword he ordered the missionary to "March!" Upon questioning the officer as to where he was being taken and why he was arrested without a judicial order, the reply was a more harsh order to "March immediately!" He was taken to the police station and roughly shoved into the inner prison by one of the guards. It was a cold, bleak and dirty room with just a small hole in the wall through which some light filtered-no bed and no food.

He remarked later that he would never forget the experience. When the huge steel doors closed behind him, he fell on his knees and prayed, "Lord Jesus, I am not a prisoner of the State but a prisoner of Thine. Thou alone canst free Thy servant from this dungeon. Thou didst deliver Peter-Thou canst deliver me." Well, the Lord lives! Praise His Name! "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning" (Lam. 3:22,23).

On the next day he was brought up from his cell to the office of the Chief of Police. Imagine his delight to find the Colonel waiting there for him. Evidently he had missed his friend; also, the missionary's wife had told him that her husband had not come home all night. He quickly went to the police station and ordered them to bring his friend out of prison immediately. He asked him what he was doing there. The missionary answered quietly, "Sir, I am a prisoner of the Lord Jesus Christ for preaching His precious Word."

Quickly turning to the Chief of Police the Colonel asked, "Why is this man arrested? What has he done?"

All the Chief could say was, "He is a perverter of the peace of this city, and the Vicar said he should be expelled to Uruguay. Besides, he is a trouble-maker and opposed to the Government of this Country."

Taking the matter over the head of the Chief of Police, the Colonel said to the young missionary, "You go straight home to your wife, and I shall look after you." This he faithfully did. He ordered a soldier to go home with him to guard him and to be present at the meetings in order to report to the Colonel any danger that he might think the missionary to be in. The missionary expressed his profound gratitude to the Commander of the Southern Army for his faithful care of him.

He hurried home to his dear wife who was waiting patiently and watching anxiously at the window, where she had watched for him ever since he had gone out two days before. Weeping on his shoulder she said, "Honey, I am so afraid that your enemy (the Vicar) will yet do some harm to you."

He comforted her by saying, "Never mind, Dear, we will continue to pray for him, that the Lord may humble him and convict him of his need of the Savior." Someone had told his wife that it was the Vicar of the Cathedral who had had her dear one arrested. For nearly a year they, and also some of the young men in the meeting, prayed for the Vicar, and their prayers were rewarded, as we shall see later.

Meanwhile a revolution broke out, headed by this same Vicar. The President of the land was put out of power by the Army and replaced by another President. For this the Vicar was made a Bishop and transferred from that state to another.

The Lord surely hears the prayers of His own. Two years later it was published in the newspaper that the Bishop had thrown off his robes and become a "heretic." What had really happened was that the Lord had shown him mercy and saved him from his sins! This happened through his reading the small booklet of the Gospel of John which the missionary had given out all over the city before he was arrested. At that time the Vicar was supposed to have destroyed all he could gather up-all but one which he had slipped in his pocket to read later on privately. The Lord used this booklet to save his precious soul. What grace! Persecution broke out against him and ultimately he had to leave the country.

How wonderful is the grace of God! "Ye shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free.... If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (John 8:32,36).

An Answer to Prayer

The little meeting in Potosi grew, and this was a joy to the young missionaries. Each week there were some who confessed the Lord as their Savior. Despite this encouragement, however, they both felt they were not accomplishing what the Lord had sent them to Bolivia for-to work among the Inca Indians. They enjoyed their home very much, and yet their exercise grew as to where their work for the Lord really was. Both of them had a deep desire to go into the mountains and valleys, among the Inca Indians who were neglected by the Government, to areas where there were no schools or hospitals.

One day the young husband became so burdened about this that as he walked down the street alone he prayed, "Lord, I really cannot go unless I have $500.00!" Then he had a conscience about praying in this manner to the Lord, as it were demanding $500.00 to serve the Lord. On arriving home he said to his wife, "I have sinned miserably, Honey!" and he told her how he had prayed. She tried to comfort him, and they knelt down together and prayed about it.

The following morning he went as usual to the post office. (Mail had been coming in slowly at that time because there had been a number of "strikes" in some of the post offices.) A letter-almost torn open-was awaiting him. Enclosed was a check for 100 pounds, English money (exactly $500.00 in American money). With it was a small note saying: "I am an old lady of eighty-five years and will soon be with the Lord. I have been praying for years for someone to go to the Inca Indians. Enclosed you will find 100 pounds to start this work for the Lord." The letter was from Australia and had been on the way for over three months! His eyes filled with tears as he remembered, "It shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." Isa. 65:24.

He could hardly wait to get home to his dear one to share the news with her! Rushing into their little apartment he called, "Honey, when can you get ready to go to the Incas?"

She laughed and replied, "Right now, Sweetheart. Why?"

How true are the words of the Lord Jesus in Matt. 18:19, "If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven." Kneeling down together beside their bed they thanked the Lord, asking His guidance in everything. This was an important milestone in their lives.

That evening he told the small group in the Meeting Room what had happened. Two of the young brothers volunteered to accompany him in search of the place the Lord had chosen for the work. They had heard of a place where there were Indian huts on both sides of a river many miles to the south. On hearing about this the young missionary believed the Lord would have them go. He knew the Indians spoke Quichua and few of them could speak Spanish. He did not know a word of Quichua, but one of the brothers who offered to go with him knew Quichua fairly well, so the Lord filled this need.

In the early part of 1925 he left his beloved wife in their apartment to undertake the preparations necessary in order to be ready to accompany him when he returned. He started out on foot with his two brethren, walking south "by faith,... not knowing whither they went." (Heb. 11:8.) As they traveled along the way, they were able to give out many Gospel tracts. Sometimes when they saw a group of people who could speak Spanish, they stopped and had a Gospel meeting in Spanish.

Each night the two brothers would say wearily, "Brother, where are we going?" All he could say was, "Let us keep going South. I believe the river is in the South, but I don't know." By the fourth day he also was very weary and somewhat discouraged; but in the afternoon they came to a river, and as they looked down the hillside they could see Indian huts on each side of the river! With a sigh of thanksgiving to the Lord in his heart, he stopped, and pointing to the huts said, "Brethren, this is where the Lord wants us to stop." They rested that night on the hillside among the thorn trees, which are so common in Bolivia even to this day.

The next day they made their way to one of the huts they had seen in the distance, praying for guidance. To their surprise they found an old Slav living with a half-Indian woman in a small one-room shack. The dirt and poverty were terrible. They learned he had come to Bolivia many years before in hopes of getting rich in the mines. But he had spent all that he had and was living in absolute poverty. The missionary asked him who owned the property. He said it was his own-he had bought it many years before from one of the Indians. The missionary then asked him if he would like to sell it, and, if so, how much would he take for it? At first the man was too surprised to speak. Recovering from his surprise he said, "Do you really want to buy this place?"

The missionary replied, "Yes, I want to live among these Indians, to tell them about the Lord Jesus Christ and how God loves them and sent His Son to die for them. And I want to tell you that He loves you also, Sir, and He died for you."

The man did not answer. Then the missionary said, "How much would you take for this place?"

The man thought for a while, then slowly looking up he said, "Five hundred dollars!"

The missionary could hardly believe his ears! He thought of the five hundred dollars which he had changed into Bolivian money before leaving Potosi, and which he carried with him. Then he asked, "Do you know anyone who can make or write out a suitable paper confirming this purchase, and witness the same?"

The man replied that he did not know anyone who could write in Spanish or Quichua in that district. It was two days before they could find anyone who could write out a receipt for them and witness the sale between the two.

This gave the missionary an opportunity to look around, and also to find out what kind of people these Incas were. He loved them right from the beginning, but realized it was going to be very difficult to get acquainted with them or to win their confidence in any way. But his heart was filled with joy as he looked at these intelligent-looking Indians, whom he hoped to win for his Lord and Savior as soon as possible. He tried to get near to them and to show that he was a friend, but they would move away. They seemed surprised as they looked at this pale-faced, tired-looking man.

With thanksgiving and joy he carefully folded the precious paper, putting it in his inside pocket carefully. Next morning they started their four-day walk back to Potosi-back to his dear one, whom he knew was anxiously waiting for him. He carefully noticed the road back and places where they could stop over to rest on their way to their new home.

Upon arrival in Potosi he went to the Courthouse to register his property which he had paid for in full. When the lawyer looked it over, he seemed very concerned. After reading it he said, "I am sorry, but I am afraid you are in trouble. This is Indian property and no one can buy Indian property anymore; neither can the Indians sell it."

The lawyer had met the missionary at the University when he was teaching English there. He had also attended some of the Gospel meetings and had showed much interest. He felt sorry for him when he saw how very distressed he looked (as he thought he had spent the money which belonged to the Lord on property that he could not have.) The lawyer tried to comfort him, saying, "Don't worry, I will check into it and see what I can do. Come back in two or three days."

The missionary was back in the lawyer's office three days later, early in the morning. The lawyer looked much happier that morning as he exclaimed, "SURELY, your God is with you! This property in Yulo has been out of the hands of the Indians for over 25 years, so it is yours without any difficulty. If it had belonged to an Indian you could have been arrested for buying it."

How happy the missionary was as he hurried home to tell his dear one. Again they knelt together to thank the Lord for His goodness to them. Then they started to prepare for the journey to their new home. Their apartment had to be rented, certain things that they needed and that they could take with them had to be set aside, and tents and blankets had to be bought and packed.

Reluctantly the young husband left his wife again. Once more the two brothers traveled with him. This time they had a donkey to carry some of the heavier things they would need to begin building a little one-room house. He took his shotgun which his father had given him when he was fourteen years old. Little did he realize what a blessing this would be in providing food for them. For some time the Indians would not sell them anything to eat, so he had to shoot birds and little animals for food. He was thankful for some fruit trees already on the small property and for seeds with which to begin a little vegetable garden.

The Lord had answered their prayers in so many ways thus far, and they trusted Him that it would not be long before they would be re-united again-this time to work together among the dear Inca Indians.

"The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad" (Psa. 126:3).

Building the Home and Getting Acquainted

The two brothers helped the missionary straighten things out a little and also strengthened the little tent so the wind couldn't blow it down. They tried to clean the old shack that the Slav had left, but it was impossible to do much with it. It did provide storage area for some of their supplies.

The two brothers had to leave him at last and return to their work in the mines in Potosi. Now the missionary was left alone in Yulo, but he had much to do. He found a quarry where he could get stones to help build a little house for when his wife, Rose, would come. The days were long and lonesome, but his Lord and Savior had promised to never leave him nor forsake him (Heb. 13:5). How often he would stop to ask His guidance and thank Him for His blessings.

One day while he was busy, he heard a well-known voice calling, "Hi, Honey!"

Looking up he saw his dear wife, Rose, walking towards him-alone. He ran to her exclaiming, "Honey, however did you get here!"

She looked so weary but she smiled and said, "I came by truck to Vitichi and stayed all night there; then I started very early this morning to walk here-twenty-one miles-following the directions given me by friends in Vitichi. I really couldn't wait for you any longer, Dear, knowing you were alone after the brothers arrived home in Potosi!"

What a joy it was to have her there with him. She did all she could to help build the little home and to find food to eat-a very difficult task since the Indians would not sell food to them.

Little by little the natives came nearer to watch them work. The missionaries did their best to befriend them, especially the children. They discovered the task of getting acquainted with the natives was more difficult than they had expected. The Indians in that district could speak only Quichua. They would not help them or even advise them where to find clean water.

One of the Indians, however, who spoke a little Spanish, responded to them and even offered to bring anything on his donkey whenever he went to Potosi. This was a real blessing to the young missionaries because there were so many things they could not buy in Vitichi.

The tasks of making mud bricks and sawing timber with a handsaw were very hard for the missionary, but the language barrier was the greatest trial of all. How he longed to speak to those who stood watching him work. He longed to tell them about His Lord and Savior-how He loved them and died for them, too.

Gradually they noticed the younger boys were beginning to come nearer and nearer to watch them, and they tried to show all the love and kindness they could to the children. They both prayed that in some way they might be able to reach the children.

One day while shopping in town the missionary noticed some hard candies in a bag and some different-colored marbles. He bought some of these, hoping it would help to encourage the boys to come around more and be friendly.

This really worked, for the boys would stay around to get the candy, one at a time, chattering with all their might. The marbles also helped open up communication with the boys as they taught the boys how to play the game of "shooting marbles." Often quite a war would break out when one of the boys stole a marble from another boy.

All this time the missionary carefully listened to hear certain words, which he jotted down in a little book, using Spanish orthography. After six months of prayerful listening he learned the five vowels -A E I O U. This was just the beginning, but a definite answer to prayer, for he was then able to decline nouns and conjugate verbs.

What a joy to their hearts was this beginning in communication! They praised God for His gracious undertaking thus far and knew they could trust Him to help them eventually become fluent in the Quichua language.

"Ah Lord God! behold, Thou hast made the heaven and the earth by Thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for Thee" (Jer. 32:17).

The Plague of Smallpox

Following the communication breakthrough the Lord Himself opened the door for them to get the Gospel into the homes. A terrible plague of smallpox broke out among the natives. Almost every but had some one in the family ill with smallpox. The two children of God often knelt together before the Lord to plead for these people whom they had learned to love, asking the Lord the best way for them to help them.

Rose was a registered nurse from New York and had also worked in the hospital in La Paz for several years. Her husband had partly finished studying a medical course in New Zealand but gave it up to go to Bolivia. They decided to do what they could to help these poor stricken people. It was with fear and trembling they put on their white coats and masks and went from but to but to see what they could do to help. Many were already suffering with the infection in their eyes. Carefully and gently the missionaries opened their eyes and dropped a 10% boric solution into them. In this way many eyes were saved from blindness and, as a result, each day the missionaries were welcomed more and more into their homes.

One day, to their surprise, they received an ampule of vaccine, enough vaccine for twenty children, from a doctor in Sucre who had heard of their work among the Indians. The missionaries lovingly advised the mothers to bring their small children to be vaccinated against the disease. One by one some of the mothers fearfully brought their little ones to be vaccinated. The missionaries made arrangements for them to stay around so they could watch that they did not remove the covering from their children's arms and thus cause infection.

After three days the children's arms began to swell and some of them ran a high fever. The mothers became very angry, accusing them of killing their children. The missionaries tried to explain, saying their children would not die but in another day or so would be well again. Oh, how they prayed that the Lord would not allow any of the children to die! Every one of the children was soon well again, and other mothers hearing about this brought their younger children many miles to be vaccinated.

The kind doctor in Sucre heard about this and sent more ampules of vaccine. How very thankful the missionaries were for his kindness! This opened the door to the Gospel. Also they had the joy of seeing many Indians come to offer their help in some way. The epidemic was soon over, but the missionaries' hearts were sad as they realized so many had died without Christ during that time.

This whole experience prompted the young couple to start another little room for a small clinic. Here they thought the Indians might come for help when sick. They still had only part of one room finished for their own little home.

The Light

The priest in that district realized the missionaries were winning the hearts of the people. This displeased him greatly. Up the river where the Indians were celebrating a great feast, he got many of them drunk, then told them the missionaries had come to steal their land. Also, he warned them that they possessed certain powers to cast spells on them which would remove the fat from their bodies, leaving them to untold suffering and death. He advised them to get rid of both missionaries as soon as possible.

What an unforgettable experience that was for the missionary and his dear wife! They spent most of that night on their knees in the dark house. The shouting of those drunken Indians was something terrible as slowly they came nearer and nearer to the little one-room dwelling the missionaries had just finished building. Suddenly everything went quiet! They could hear the Indians slipping away quickly as if frightened for their lives. How the Lord's dear children thanked Him once again for His merciful deliverance and goodness to them!

A week later the Governor of the Province, hearing of this riot, came with three armed guards to visit the missionaries. This visit distressed the missionaries because of the influence it might have on the Indians if they thought that the missionaries had reported them. They told the Governor that they did not denounce the Indians but believed others were to blame for the uprising.

The Governor smiled kindly and said, "I understand, but it is my duty to investigate and deal with the Indians responsible for the riot." He then sent his guards to demand that the Indians involved in the riot come immediately with their Chief.

They all came, trembling and fearful. The Governor demanded, "Why were you so determined to kill these dear people, who have come from a far country to do you good, to help you and to teach your children that which is right? They have already done so much for you during the epidemic of smallpox, as you well know."

The Chief replied that the priest had told them they had come to steal their land and to make their children sick.

Then the Governor asked, "What made you so suddenly run away since you were determined to kill them?"

The Chief eyed him nervously and said, "Sir, we were afraid of the LIGHT! It was so bright we could hardly see."

Turning to the missionary the Governor queried, "What LIGHT!"

With a smile of confidence the missionary quoted Psa. 34:7 in Spanish: " 'The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them,' and defends them. We saw no light."

Smiling, the Governor responded, "I understand!" He then warned the Indians not to let it happen again and quoted the Scripture the missionary had told him.

The Storm That Brought Blessing to Many

The young missionaries were often ill with dysentery caused by the polluted water. Although their bodies began to feel and to show the strain of their living conditions, the Lord graciously gave them the needed strength for each day as He had promised in Deut. 33:25, "As thy days, so shall thy strength be." They carefully boiled every drop of water, but it was too polluted to do much good.

They had settled in the midst of a tribe of Indians called "The Red Belt Indians," whose huts occupied both sides of the river for some thirty miles. All manner of filth and waste was thrown into the river; everyone did their laundry in it; and they all bathed in it. But this was also the only water available for the Indians and the missionaries to drink. For long years the Indians had suffered because of it, and many of their children died.

The missionary had tried to dig a well a number of times but in vain. This drove them to their knees often as they asked the Lord to undertake for them and give them pure water to drink.

In the winter the river was dry and water was scarce. In contrast, summertime brought the rainy season when the river often overflowed its banks, causing great loss of crops.

It was just such a typical summer season when the missionaries completed and settled into their little one-room dwelling. The heavy rains had started, and that season were heavier than ever. The main dam defending the Indians' properties on their side of the river broke, causing the heavy deluge of flood water to come straight toward the missionaries' little property.

About three o'clock in the morning they could hear the waters rushing right for their little home. Dressing hurriedly, they got on their knees and prayed that the Lord would turn that mighty flood to the other side of the river for the sake of the testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ. While they prayed, the water roared out in front of the property, then turned away to the other side of the river. Suddenly, all was silent. After thanking the Lord, they lay down and slept peacefully for the few remaining hours before starting their day.

In the morning they went out to see what had happened during the storm. Together they went all around their property. To their joy they found the flood had dug out a deep hole behind the property, from which a lovely clear spring of water flowed. With thanksgiving they knelt down and scooped up a handful of the cold water. It tasted so good! They had not tasted deliciously cold and pure water since coming to live amongst the Inca Indians.

Later that morning some of the Indians came to see how they had gotten along during the storm. When they saw the spring of water, they cried, "Caika!" That means "Behold it!" And it was certainly something to behold what God can do! This was a direct answer to prayer. The Indians began to believe these missionaries were indeed sent of "AMI"-"The One True God." They warned the missionaries not to drink the water, however, because they thought it came from the mountains from a place where witches lived. Later the missionary was able to persuade some of them to go with him to find the source of the water, and to prove to them there were no witches there.

The river has never returned to that spot during the past fifty years, and all have clear, clean water to drink. The spring still flows and irrigates quite a large portion of the Indian property when everything is dry. The Lord lives! He is still "the same yesterday, and today, and forever" (Heb. 13:8). And He still says, "Call upon Me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify Me" (Psa. 50:15).

"HE CUTTETH OUT RIVERS AMONG THE ROCKS; AND HIS EYE SEETH EVERY PRECIOUS THING. HE BINDETH THE FLOODS FROM OVERFLOWING; AND THE THING THAT IS HID BRINGETH HE FORTH TO LIGHT" (Job 28:10,11).

The Tranquilized Bull

When the little clinic was just about finished, the missionaries tried to explain how they hoped the Indians would come when they were ill so the missionaries could try to help them.

One day the brother of the Chief of the tribe stood at the door of their little home. He explained that his wife was experiencing great difficulty giving birth to their second child. He feared she would die. Would the missionary let his wife come to help with the birth of the child?

The missionaries felt this was indeed of the Lord. They prayed together about it, and then the Indian returned to his wife. Rose prepared a bag of equipment she thought she might need, before heading across the field to the place where the Indian had said their but was located. The missionary went back into the house after Rose's departure. Kneeling down he committed his dear one to the Lord's care and guidance.

He was still on his knees when he heard someone calling, "Senor, come behold it, quickly!" He ran out to find a couple of Indians pointing very excitedly to the fields where just a little while before his beloved one had crossed. He could see her in the distance returning. Between them and her in the field was a bull quietly feeding. The Indians were distraught as they warned, "Behold it, she will be killed, that is the wildest bull ever seen in this district! It came down from the hills with the cows and we are not able to go near him." The Under-Chief had also come down. He was holding his head, crying, "What shall we do? She is going to pass close to the bull! He will kill her!"

The missionary calmly replied, "We must be quiet and not alarm the bull in any way. We must commit my wife to God. He will take care of her." He bowed his head and prayed. The Indians all took off their hats while he did so. When they looked up, Rose was already passing right in front of the bull, and the bull didn't even lift up his head!

As Rose came nearer to them she could hear the Indians saying very excitedly, "Caika!" (Behold it!) The missionary went out to meet his wife and embraced her lovingly, with tears in his eyes, while the Indians looked on.

Looking at them in bewilderment she asked, "Honey, what's all the excitement about?" He explained how they were all concerned for her safety, as she had just passed the wildest bull they had ever seen. "Why!" she exclaimed, "he was so tame he didn't even look at me. I wasn't afraid of him!"

Surely the Lord had fulfilled His promise in Psa. 34:7 once again: "The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them."

School Days

After seeing the Lord's wondrous undertaking in the missionaries' lives, the Indians became more interested. Mothers were bringing their babies to be vaccinated. They also wanted their babies to be named with a name from the Bible. The missionaries happily did this and then entered the names in a book. Most of these babies are grandparents now.

Since more children were coming around now, the missionaries decided to build a school near the little clinic. A number of the Indians helped with this building project. Once in session the school had to be operated according to the government curriculum. Although the children could speak only Quichua, they were required by law to learn Spanish in school. This meant a qualified teacher had to be paid to teach in the school. At the close of the year the government inspector who came to examine the work of the boys was very pleased with the results.

The priest of that district opposed the school and told the parents their children were being taught a foreign language-not Spanish-as they had been led to believe. He influenced the Second-Chief to stop the classes. Putting the boys out with a whip, the Chief warned them not to come back again.

Two of the boys did come back at the risk of being punished by their parents. Their names were Francisco and Valeriano. The missionary had to dismiss the teacher, and he and his wife continued to teach these two faithful boys. They were old enough to realize they were being taught Spanish and not a foreign language as the priest had told their parents.

The missionary took the long journey to La Paz to see the Minister of Education and told him their difficulty. As a result the Minister of Education instructed the Inspector of the Department of Potosi to the effect that the school was to be re-opened; no private schools were to be closed, providing they fulfilled the educational requirements of the country.

The two boys soon learned to speak Spanish. When the other boys saw how their friends enjoyed the school, they became interested and came back again. Once more the school began to function. Another government teacher was hired to teach the children. Soon there were twenty boys and one girl. (The Indians did not believe girls should go to school. Instead, they were usually kept at home to watch the goats or sheep in the fields and also to learn weaving.)

Every morning the Word of God was read in the school. While reading the Gospel of John the boys seemed to especially enjoy Chapter 10, particularly when it was explained to them. One morning Valeriano, whom the boys called TATA NOKA (to this day they still call him by that name, although he is a grandfather now), went to the missionary shyly and quietly said, "Sir, I am saved!"

With joy the missionary asked, "How do you know, Valeriano?"

He opened his little Spanish New Testament, which each boy had received when he started to school, and answered with real confidence, putting his finger on verses 27 and 28 of chapter 10, "Because God says so! 'My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.' "

What a joy this was to the heart of the missionary! And what rejoicing in heaven "over one sinner that repenteth" (Luke 15:7).

This was the first school started among the Incas. Later the missionary had the joy of starting seven other schools in other places at the people's request. School was started each morning with Bible reading; many have been saved in these schools. Later the-Government took over all the schools. Some of the: boys were allowed to continue as teachers and also to continue with the fifteen minutes of Bible reading each morning.

"MY VOICE SHALT THOU HEAR IN THE MORNING, O LORD" (Psa. 5:3).

The Story of Fabian Estrada

Fabian Estrada was one of the brothers who had accompanied the missionary from Potosi to seek out the Inca Indians and to buy the property among them. He had been one of the first to be saved in Potosi. One day he came to visit the missionary and his wife. They were both shocked when they saw how ill and thin he looked. He had worked many years in the tin mines of Potosi and had developed silicosis, a lung disease which results in the early death of many Bolivian miners. The missionary and his wife took care of Fabian, trying to get him to rest as much as possible. In a few weeks his health was very much improved, but not enough for him to ever go back to work in the mines.

One day Fabian, who spoke both Quichua and Spanish fluently, said to the missionary, "I know that I cannot return to work in the mines. I wonder if I could help you in the missionary work by trying to take the Gospel to certain places where you have not been able to go? But I am concerned for my wife and children in Potosi."

The missionary replied, "Let's pray about it, because I am very exercised about a district in the south of the Department of Potosi, called Uyuni, where I have heard that the Gospel has never been preached. It is a long way from here. Do you think it would be too much for you to visit those parts?"

Fabian immediately answered, "I would be so happy to do so, with the Lord's help. But what about my family?"

"Well," said the missionary, "by the grace of God, my wife and I will try to help your wife and children, for our Lord has promised to •supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:19). I will give you enough money to rent a mule for the trip to Potosi, where you can visit your family and buy a backpack and certain articles that you can sell along the way, such as needles, knives, scissors, thread, and a few pieces of material for the ladies to make dresses."

His wife was happy to see him looking better and to know that he was free to leave the mines and serve the Lord whom they both loved and trusted. She decided to find some kind of work. The missionary promised to see that the children would be able to go to school.

Fabian and his wife purchased different things which they thought would sell among the Indians. Then he bought a second class train ticket to Uyuni. From there he walked to the little village of Chita, trying to sell what he could, and also looking for opportunities to preach Christ, giving out many Gospel tracts along the way. It was a very fanatical province and he met with much opposition everywhere. He was feeling much better now that he was outdoors so much and able to rest now and again.

He went from door to door selling his goods, speaking a word here and there for his Savior. He became very friendly there with one man named Lino Bueno, who showed a great interest in the Lord Jesus.

Some years before when Lino Bueno was a young man he had heard about the Lord Jesus, and often longed to hear more about Him. Even though Fabian spoke so convincingly and seemed so happy, Lino decided to think more about what Fabian was teaching after the Big Feast and parade which was to be celebrated. He was the Band Master and thus had a special part in the parade. Each man usually wore a belt holding sticks of dynamite, one of which they would light now and again and throw to scare off the devil. It was a heathen feast, and most of the men became very drunk.

Because he too was drunk, Lino Bueno was too slow in throwing a stick of dynamite. It detonated in his hand, blowing his hand off and his eye out. When he woke up in the hospital, the first thing he thought about was deciding for Christ as Fabian had begged him to do before the feast. He prayed, "Oh, Lord Jesus, I believe you love me and died for me. I know I am a sinner. Please don't blow my head off! I accept Thee as my Savior now." What peace came into his heart right then! He is still enjoying that peace with his family.

Fabian did not stay for the feast. He did leave a Bible for Lino Bueno, but he never knew that he was saved.

A whole year Fabian trudged up and down preaching the Gospel to the Indians in that large southern section of Oruro, but he saw no visible fruit from his labors. Weary and downhearted he returned to the missionary and said, "Brother, I'm so sorry but I haven't seen any response to the Gospel. I know it is the power of God unto salvation, but I haven't had the joy of leading one soul to Christ." The missionary tried to comfort him with the Scripture in Eccl. 11:1, "Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days." Also Psa. 126:6, "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bring his sheaves with him."

When the Chaco War broke out between Bolivia and Paraguay, Fabian was drafted into the army, and the missionary became a chaplain. One day a Commander of one of the regiments sent a message to the Chaplain: "There's a man who wants to see you. He is dying." He left at once, going through the jungle to the outer trenches, and there he found dear Fabian, just skin and bones, about to depart to be with Christ.

"Oh, dear brother," said Fabian feebly, "I'm so glad to see you." He tried to get up on his feet, but he was too weak. Kneeling down in the trench beside him, his friend who loved him so prayed for him and they both wept together. When it was time for the missionary to leave, Fabian whispered, "Brother, I'll see you in the morning."

Early the next morning the missionary went back to the trench, but all there was left of dear Fabian was a stick with his name on it, stuck in the ground to mark his grave. He had died during the night. Like so many thousands of other men who had perished in the war, they had just dug a hole and buried him in the jungle. But dear Fabian was at Home with the Lord, to await the trump of God and that glorious resurrection morning-that "morning without clouds" (2 Sam. 23:4).

The stick which marked the grave of Fabian has long since gone, but God has erected a monument to his memory that neither time nor eternity will ever erase. That monument is the life and labors of Lino Bueno, one of the richest trophies of the Lord's grace among the mountains of Bolivia. Lino, who was saved through hearing the Gospel from the lips of Fabian Estrada, has served the Lord in those remote mountainous regions. Many an Indian brother has cause to thank God for the life-giving message heard from his Ups, for he has won many for Christ. As a result there are in that area at least fifteen assemblies of believers, gathered simply to the precious Name of Christ, fruit of His wonderful grace and the faithful labors of Lino Bueno who was brought to know the Lord by Fabian Estrada.

Ricardo Gomez

One day after Fabian Estrada left Potosi to preach the Gospel, the missionary visited Potosi to see how the little group of believers there was getting along. He also wanted to inquire as to the welfare of Fabian's wife and children. As he walked down the street toward the Meeting Room, he saw a man ahead of him who was so drunk that he was staggering down the street from side to side. The missionary was afraid he would fall on his face on the cobblestones. He was dirty and unshaven with long, tangled hair and ragged clothes, though his clothes looked as if they had originally been an expensive make.

The missionary hastened his steps toward him and took him firmly but gently by the arm. The man pulled away from him saying unpleasantly, "Who are you? Leave me alone!"

The missionary replied, "I am just an evangelist. I was afraid you were going to fall. May I take you home?"

Surprised, the man asked, "Why do you even touch me? Everybody else runs away from me."

The missionary answered, "We are all the same in God's sight. I want you to know He loves you as He loves me, and sent His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to die for you, to redeem you from your sins and from this kind of life you are now living." He quoted John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life."

The poor man listened quietly. Just then they passed the little Meeting Room. The missionary pointed it out to the drunken man, saying, "This is our Gospel Hall. I will take you home before I go in. If you would like to come to the Gospel meeting some evening at seven o'clock, you are very welcome." He then took him home, holding him by the arm to keep him from falling. He did not live too far from the Meeting Room, but oh! what a terrible "home."

The missionary found out later that his name was Ricardo Gomez and that he was from Chile. He had owned two jewelry stores there and was very rich when he came to Bolivia, but he had sold all he had for drink. He had come to Potosi looking for gold, was unsuccessful, and lost all he had. He became a "drunken sot," as he called himself.

He continued to attend the meetings and was very brightly saved. To the joy of the missionary he heard that Gomez was also preaching the Gospel in the Meeting Hall and on the street corner. Next time the missionary went back to Potosi he could not believe his eyes; Gomez had changed so! He was truly a new creature in Christ Jesus.

One day the missionary met the Governor of the Province of Potosi, who asked him, "Whatever have you done to Gomez? He was the worst character in Potosi. We didn't know what to do with him. He was in and out of prison so many times; we even considered sending him back to Chile. Now he is the mildest character, and he is loved by everyone, even the children. Everyone was afraid of him before."

Smiling the missionary replied, "That is what Christ can do for lost souls when they accept Him as their own personal Savior and trust in His precious blood to wash their sins away. 'For there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved' " (Acts 4:12).

The Governor was silent for a moment before saying, "If Christ can do that for a man like Gomez, it is surely worthwhile knowing Him as Savior."

As he handed him a little Gospel of John, the missionary told him, "Here is a little book that will tell you how much God loves you, too."

"I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST: FOR IT IS THE POWER OF GOD UNTO SALVATION TO EVERY ONE THAT BELIEVETH" (Rom. 1:16).

The Fellowship of the Lord's Suffering

It became the custom of Ricardo and others of his friends to preach the Gospel in the town where Gomez had often been in prison, before the Lord saved him by His matchless grace. He now longed for others to know his Savior.

One day the missionary and five brethren decided to visit this same town, known to be fanatical, to preach the Gospel. They had not been there long when the church bells began to ring very loudly. Soon two policemen appeared and arrested the five brethren but, for some reason not known then, they did not arrest the missionary. It soon became apparent why the Lord allowed him to remain free.

The brethren were first put in the local jail and later deported to Argentina, without extra clothes, beds or money. They were not even permitted to advise their families of their predicament.

After much prayer the missionary, by the grace of God, was able to find out where his dear brethren had been taken. He felt he should see the Governor of the State, whom he knew well, to tell him what had happened to his friends and to plead for their return to their families. Upon hearing of the imprisonment and deportation of the five Bolivians, the Governor not only had them brought back to Bolivia, but also gave them a letter which permitted them to continue to preach the Gospel of the grace of God in that town. They were in Argentina over a week before being returned to their native country.

The Governor sent for the policemen, whom he reprimanded, telling them if they did it again, they would lose their positions. "Furthermore," he added, "these are honest men. They were only preaching the Word of God which is permitted in this land. They are not to be molested again."

It was with happy hearts that the brethren returned to their families, rejoicing in their deliverance and in the love and mercy of their Lord and Savior. The night of their deliverance was a happy occasion at the Meeting Hall, also. During the meeting the missionary asked how they felt when they were in prison and put out of their own country. One older brother, with the joy of the Lord shining in his face, said, "The Word of God says, 'If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified' (1 Peter 4:14). This gave us peace." Truly the Lord had sustained these dear brothers during their trial.

While Gomez had been imprisoned in this fanatical town for his misdeeds, he had made some friends. One friend was still in prison after Gomez left. Gomez had a powerful voice which could be heard well at a distance, and the Lord used his voice to the salvation of his friend in prison. The friend heard the preaching and recognized the voice of his former prison friend. He listened very carefully whenever Gomez spoke, and the Lord graciously saved him during that time.

It was not long afterward that he was released. The first thing he did was to look up his old friend Gomez to tell him how he had been saved in prison while listening to his street preaching. He started to attend the meetings with Gomez and was soon gathered to the Lord's name, to remember Him in His death. It was not long before he, too, joined the little group in the Plaza to preach the Gospel of the grace of God to others.

"TO OPEN THE BLIND EYES, TO BRING OUT THE PRISONERS FROM THE PRISON, AND THEM THAT SIT IN DARKNESS OUT OF THE PRISON HOUSE. I AM THE LORD; THAT IS MY NAME" (Isa. 42:7,8).

Betsy the Gospel Mule

It was the usual "Fair Time" in Vitichi, the second Capital of the Province. Many attended-some 4,000 people each year. Business men from all over Bolivia set up "marquees" (or large tents), laden with every kind of clothing, foodstuffs, pots, pans, needles, threads and other items. Patrons brought cattle, sheep, goats and other animals for sale. Cowboys from Argentina brought dozens of donkeys and mules to sell.

It was of special interest to all concerned, and more especially of interest to the missionary and Indian converts, for they were able to carry the Gospel to so many souls during those days. One evening the missionary, his wife, and several young believers had a special meeting during which they decided to go to the Fair.

Six young brothers volunteered, each one with his donkey with saddlecloths and extra ponchos. A "poncho" is a warm blanket of sheep or llama wool with a hole in the middle to enable the wearer to insert his head through it and thus cover his whole body. Great excitement prevailed as each one made the necessary preparations to stay at the Fairgrounds for several days. There they could testify by singing Quichua hymns and speaking for the Lord Jesus. Also, they planned to purchase things most needful for the coming year before returning home. The missionary always took with him a good supply of the Gospel of John, New Testaments and Gospel tracts for distribution.

The missionary was concerned as to how his wife could travel the long distance-twenty-one miles-to the Fair. He had a donkey named "Jacko" which he had trained for his wife to ride. He decided she should ride Jacko while he accompanied her on foot. The Indians had their donkeys to bring back supplies, but they were not trained for anyone to ride on.

The missionaries, their young Christian friends and their mules with all their supplies left home early in the morning and arrived late the same day. The missionaries' companions were given money for food. (Open kitchens and restaurants were everywhere.) He and his wife located a suitable room in one of the small hotels.

Every morning they and the young believers met for prayer before giving out the Gospel, singing hymns and distributing the Gospel of John. The missionary's wife quietly went among the women and children, giving out Gospel tracts and trying to speak a loving word to some who understood Spanish.

One afternoon, after being at the Fair for several days, and after having purchased flour, sugar, wheat, coffee and other necessities for use at home, they came upon the Mayor of the Village. He knew the missionary so he came over to speak to him and his wife. When he asked the missionary how his wife would make the long journey home, the missionary replied, "Mounted on Jacko, my donkey!"

"She certainly will not go back that way!" the Mayor emphatically responded. "She will travel on my wife's special mule. I had her trained in Argentina especially for my wife. She is very tame, and if you cannot reach home and are forced to spend the night in the woods, you will just tie her right foot to a tree and she will stay by you as a lamb would."

Because they left late in the afternoon, they did have to pass the night in the woods. The young believers tied the mule's foot to a tree, took the loads from the other donkeys and heaped together their saddlecloths to make the missionary and his wife a suitable bed. They slipped into their ponchos and spread their goatskins to sleep on. Then they built a big fire to keep away any mountain lions which might be lurking around. All night the brothers took turns in keeping the fire going. Thus they passed a very comfortable night and reached home early in the morning.

The missionary sent the mule back to the Mayor with a special letter, thanking him from the heart for his kindness. He suggested that if he ever wished to sell her, he would be very glad to buy her. A letter by return mail from the Mayor said he would talk things over with his wife. Two weeks later another letter arrived saying his wife was so concerned when she saw the missionary's wife riding on Jacko that she would be glad to sell the mule for $100.00, as she needed some American money.

The missionary bought the lovely six and one-half year-old mule for the price arranged and brought her home to his wife. She named her "Betsy." What a comfort and blessing Betsy was to dear Rose during the few years she lived! Betsy served the missionary for over twenty years and was his companion on many a Gospel trip. During the years she carried him over many hundreds of miles of hazardous roads and never once fell.

The missionary will never forget one special event which occurred while riding Betsy in the mountains. He had been away on a Gospel effort in a new and rugged section of the country. Rain had fallen, making it difficult to cross the rivers. The Indian brothers, six in all, suggested they follow a "goat track" and thereby avoid the rivers which were in flood. They very carefully wended their way to the "goat track," the missionary going ahead so the Indians could watch him in case he had any trouble.

Suddenly he came to a big landslide which had wiped out the track completely, and stones were still rolling down. What was he to do? Because of the landslide the path was narrower than ever. It was impossible for him to get off Betsy and impossible for Betsy to turn around. The Indians behind him were afraid to disturb Betsy. What was going to happen to their dear friend? The missionary bowed his head and prayed; then speaking to his faithful Betsy, he stroked her neck and said, "Betsy, it is up to you!"

Betsy rose up on her hind feet, with the missionary on her back, and swinging her front feet rapidly over the precipice, she just made the turn back the other way. The missionary marveled at the maneuver! He remarked later that he had never been through such an experience in his life. Surely the Lord heard his prayer and strengthened Betsy the mule to act in such a manner.

The Indians accompanying the missionary joined in prayerful thanksgiving when he reached them where they were waiting for him. Together on the mountainside they read Psa. 34:7: "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them."

Betsy lived to be thirty-one years old, a good old age for a mule. The last few years the missionary would not mount her, but every morning when he went out to feed her, she would nudge him with her nose, waiting for him to mount. Instead the missionary would kindly stroke her saying, "Betsy, I just can't do it, you are too old!" Betsy would look at him and slowly turn away.

The Bible Puncher

The missionary became quite exercised about visiting a very large mine in a place called Siete Suyos. This mine was owned by a Bolivian named Aramayo, but many of the mine officials and engineers were English. Thousands of Indians worked in the mines in that area.

After much prayer the missionary set out on his mule, Betsy, to seek permission to preach the gospel to the Indian workers in Siete Suyos. It was a four-day journey by mule (from Yulo to Siete Suyos) with night time spent sleeping under the stars.

Arriving at the mine about 5:00 p.m. he went directly to the mine office where, just as he had hoped, he found an Englishman who inquired as to what he wanted. "Sir," said the missionary, "I am an evangelist, and speak Quichua. I would very much like to preach the Gospel to the Indians in this mine. They have not heard the Gospel and do not know Christ."

In a very strong Oxford accent the Englishman answered, "We don't want any Bible punchers around here. Get going!"

He left as requested, feeling discouraged and a little downcast. It was getting dark and he wondered where he could find a place for the night. Starting up the hill toward Betsy, he heard a car coming up behind him and a voice asking in English, "Like a lift up this hill, it is pretty steep." Next thing he knew, the car had stopped and the driver cheerfully said, "Jump in!" After a pause the driver of the car asked, "By the way, what were you doing at the mine?"

The missionary then responded, "I was asking for permission to preach the Gospel to the Indians and give them some Gospel booklets, as I speak Quichua fairly well now. But the gentleman at the mine told me they didn't want any Bible-punchers there!"

With a smile the man said, "I am head manager of this mine. You most certainly may come and preach the Gospel to the Indians. You may use the Miners' Meeting Room every Wednesday and Friday evening if you wish. It is not occupied those evenings."

At the top of the hill, where Betsy was waiting in the corral, very happy to see her master, the missionary asked the gentleman where he could find a place to rest for the night. He was thankful to learn about a little hotel in town. The missionary thanked him for his kindness, saying he would accept his offer to use the Meeting Room on Wednesday. He also made arrangements as to a convenient time to invite some to come.

Many miners there have since accepted Christ as their Savior and have gone on faithfully in the Lord. ' In fact, today there is a nice little assembly there.

Every Lord's Day many remember the Lord in His death "till He come," as He has asked us to do in 1 Cor. 11:26.

One day some time later the missionary and his wife, Rose, were having lunch when they heard a car stop outside. Rose went to the window to see who it was and said, "Honey, there is an English gentleman out there in a little old car."

The missionary looked out the window and exclaimed, "Why, Rose, that's the gentleman from the mines who told me they didn't want any Bible-punchers at the mine! I wonder what he wants?" Then he hurried out to welcome him and to invite him to have lunch with them.

The gentleman from the mines gladly accepted the invitation. When the missionary asked him why he was in that district, he told him he had heard the Spanish had owned a mine in that district many years ago. It was believed they had left a supply of mercury there which they had used to separate the silver from the dross. He wanted to check out that mine, but the mountains were too much for his car. He was grateful when the missionary offered to let him use Betsy.

Day by day he went in search of the mine but didn't find anything where he thought it was. At night he came back and had supper with the missionaries. After supper each night they read from the Bible as was their custom. One night while reading in John 10, their visitor said he didn't believe John 10:28-"I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish"-was true or that it was worded that way in the Greek Bible.

When the missionary asked him if he knew Greek, he said "Yes, I majored in it."

"Here is a Greek Bible," responded the missionary, "maybe you would like to read it yourself." Opening the Bible to John 10, he handed it to the gentleman and asked him to read it.

He did so and found it to be even stronger than in the English Bible. In the Greek it read "and they shall never, no never, perish." Surprised, he admitted, "Why I never noticed that. It is a double negative, and is certain!"

Although he did not find any mercury on that side of the mountain, he persisted in his search. Eventually he made a tunnel through the mountain. The mercury had flowed down the mountain until it hit clay, forming a lake there. This lake of mercury proved to be a valuable discovery for him. He shipped specially-made, not-too-large bottles filled with mercury to England. In return for these bottles, heavy with mercury, he received large amounts of English money. He was soon able to pay all his debts, buy a new car, and still have plenty of money left over. He gave the missionaries his old car, which they enjoyed using for some time.

He had found this lake of mercury after the missionary had advised him to pray about it. In fact, both the missionary and Rose prayed with him. Later, through their faithfulness, he was truly saved and enjoyed preaching the Gospel of the grace of God to the Indians, also helping the missionary in his work. He himself had become a Bible-puncher, and a number of Indians were saved through his ministry. He was saved reading John 10:27-28 alone. Some time later his heart, weakened by years of working in the mines and high altitudes, gave out, and the Lord took him Home to be with Himself in glory.

"I GIVE UNTO THEM ETERNAL LIFE; AND THEY SHALL NEVER PERISH, NEITHER SHALL ANY MAN PLUCK THEM OUT OF MY HAND" (John 10:28).

First Visit to the Capital of the Province of North Chichas

One day the missionary felt exercised to visit the Governor of North Chichas. He and his wife, Rose, had heard there was no Gospel testimony in the Province of North Chichas and so were praying together about it.

The thought of leaving his wife grieved the missionary, but she said she did not mind for she would not be alone. She had become very friendly with the women and children so she was never alone. One of the women who had confessed Christ as her Savior-a sister in the Lord-would stay with her when the missionary was away all night.

The missionary first visited the Governor, the head of the Municipality, to ask permission to preach the Gospel in the Plaza there. The Governor gave him permission to do so but also warned him that the people in that place were very fanatical. He explained that some years earlier an Argentine colporteur, passing through the City selling Bibles, was attacked by a fanatical mob who stoned him to death and threw his body in the river, where he was eaten by buzzards and dogs. To this day the town has never prospered since this terrible act of the people. The people themselves have noticed it.

Consequently, the Governor told the missionary he could not promise what might happen, but he was glad for him to preach the Gospel there, and he would do all in his power to see that he was protected. The missionary was grateful that his request was granted.

The father of the Governor became very interested in the Gospel. Some time later he became very ill and sent for the missionary a number of times to come and read the Scriptures to him and to explain the Gospel of the grace of God to him. He was brightly saved before he died and forbade the priest to visit him or to give him "Mass," saying that he had accepted Christ as his Savior, and the blood of Jesus Christ, God's Son, had washed all his sins away. He was a lovely testimony to his family and friends and would often quote to them 1 John 1:7: "The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin."

The Governor's Conversion

After seeing his father die so happily trusting in the Lord, the Governor (Gil) became very interested in the Gospel and the work of the Lord. Gil was the Governor in that Province for three terms and was a real friend to the missionary and his wife as well as to the Indians.

One day the missionary visited him in his office. To his surprise one of the Indians, who had been saved some time before, came out of the Governor's office. When the missionary mentioned he had seen the Indian coming out of his office, the Governor replied, smiling, "Oh, we were having a little talk over the Word of God!"

The missionary bought a nice leather Bible for the Governor, which he often read, even in his office. He marked many verses that he wanted to remember and understand better.

One day when the missionary was there to preach the Gospel in the Plaza, the Governor asked him if he would mind taking him to a certain town where he had to attend to some business. Someone had fired six shots at his car one day, so it was being repaired.

The missionary was glad to do this and asked if it would be all right to preach the Gospel in the Plaza while he was busy. The Governor said, "I think you will be safe here, and the Lord be with you!"

When the Governor came back, he asked the missionary if he would stay overnight with him in the hotel there as he had not finished his business. He wanted so much to have time to ask many questions concerning the Word of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Soon he accepted the Lord as his Savior.

Later he took his place at the Lord's table with the dear Indians. It was years, however, before his wife accepted Christ as her Savior. One day the Governor and his wife invited the missionary to have breakfast with them. They were talking about the Lord's coming, the Governor's wife silently listening to their conversation. At last he looked up at her lovingly and said, "Ursula, do you know that if the Lord were to come at this moment, I would never see you again?" She burst into tears. Later she accepted Christ as her Savior. To their joy their eldest daughter was saved at the same time.

Chief Agapo

When death claimed the Chief of the Red Belt Indians, he was replaced by a man named Agapo. This new Chief had been very impressed at the time they tried to mob the missionary because he himself had seen "the Light" with the others. The Governor solemnly advised the new Chief to take good care of the missionary and his wife, telling him the missionaries were there because they loved the Indians. He reminded the Chief that the missionaries had come from a far country, not to injure them, but to do them good and to tell them about the love of God.

One day the missionary saw Chief Agapo coming to visit them. He quickly went in the house to tell his wife, "Honey, hurry, here comes the new Chief all alone; get a cup of coffee, and some bread and quince jelly ready for him."

He invited Agapo in, and they sat opposite each other at the table. It was not long before the missionary told him about the Lord Jesus, of his love for and grace toward all men, and how He died to save sinners who believe on Him. At first Agapo didn't seem very interested. He sat silently, listening politely. Then the missionary got out his Bible and read John 3:16 in Quichua: "JANAJPACHA CHAI JINATAPUNI CAI P'ACHATA MUNACURKA C'ATA CHURINTA KORKA TUCUY JAKAI PAIPI CREEJ AMA HUANUNAMPAJ ANTES HUIRAY, CAUSAYNOIJ CANAMPAJ."

On hearing that, the Chief put his bread down, as if he were angry. The missionary didn't know just what to think or say. Then it dawned on him that the Indian was surprised at what he had just read because he had never understood that God loved him. This was the first time he had heard such a thought. The Indians viewed God as an angry God who displayed His anger in the trials, storms and accidents which happened in their lives. They did not think of Him as a loving God.

Agapo and the missionary became good friends. He came over often for the missionary to read the Scriptures to him from the New Testament which the missionary had given to him. Like most Indians in those days, he could not read.

Some time later Agapo became very ill. His last request was to ask his men to carry him down to the missionary and lay him under the tree where they had seen "the Light." The missionary and his wife came out to see what they could do for him. The missionary comforted him with the Word of God. He listened quietly, then smiled. Lifting up his right hand, which is a sign the Indians make when they want to say "ALL IS WELL!", he departed "to be with Christ; which is far better" (Phil. 1:23). Those of us who know Christ as our Savior shall some day see Chief Agapo in glory with Christ, a trophy of the grace of God.

Faithful Unto Death

The Inca Indians occupy large areas of land. Some of their land holdings are very suitable for growing wheat, corn and potatoes, while others are mountainous and suitable for grazing. Most own cattle, sheep and particularly goats; others pasture numbers of llamas, donkeys and mules.

The Government is the owner of the Inca's territory and imposes a tax upon each family to be paid yearly. This tax is obligatory. At the close of the year each head of the family must present himself before the Chief of the Tribe, called in their language a "Casique," to pay this yearly tax. The Casique is responsible to the Government for this money received, which is quite a large sum when all is collected. As the Indians usually pay in "billetes" or bills of small denominations, you can imagine the size of this amount. The Chief, therefore, has this amount carried by the Under-Chiefs to the nearest bank to be changed into bills of larger denominations. These then are delivered to the Chief of the Tribe, who orders such to be tightly bound into a bundle and duly dispatched to the Governor's office. He, in turn, remits this payment to what would be called in this country the Internal Revenue Service.

The missionary recounts the following story regarding the delivery on one occasion of this bundle of money, sent by the tribe he was working among with the Gospel. The Chief was saved, but no one knew whether or not the Under-Chief was saved.

The Chief carefully counted the money and made it up into a big bundle which he strapped to the Under-Chief's shoulders. The delivery of this money is always made at the close of each year when all the rivers are usually in flood. As there are very few bridges to cross the turbulent waters, the Under-Chief must carry "the treasure" on his back and wait for a suitable opportunity to wade across the river.

He arrived at a dangerous river of that region, not far from where the missionary lived. The water was bank to bank, so the Under-Chief had to wait a long time for the river to go down. That year it was more turbulent than usual and kept overflowing its banks. Because it was important to deliver the treasure at a certain time, the Under-Chief thought he would make an attempt to cross. At last he entered the river at a place he thought he could make it without wetting the bundle tied to his back. But alas, before he was able to get across, the floods came down stronger than ever. It was too deep and too strong for him to keep his balance. Those murky waters closed over him, and he was drowned and swept away.

News reached the Indians that their Under-Chief had been drowned. What a calamity! Search was made for his body, but what about the treasure? All was lost! The Chief notified the Governor of their loss, assuring him they would do what they could to replace it.

One day a man noticed the naked body of an Indian miles down the river on the bank among the rocks and timber. It was the Under-Chief. The raging torrent had beaten his body against the rocks and his clothes were torn off his back, but upon examining the body more carefully, the man noticed that in his left hand was a bundle which his hand was still firmly clasping. In death he had closed his hand on the bundle and the treasure was preserved!

The Chief came and intervened. He had the money dried and delivered to the Governor as quickly as possible. He arranged for his Under-Chief to have a suitable funeral and burial. Those who knew Christ as their Savior hoped that during the struggle with the waters he had accepted Christ as his Savior.

The Lord has entrusted "a treasure" to us. Are we keeping it? In 1 Sam. 31 God tells us "the Word of the Lord was precious in those days." The apostle Paul writes to Timothy, saying, "O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust" (1 Tim. 6:20).

In Rev. 3:8,10 & 11, the Lord gives a wonderful promise to those who keep His Word: "Thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My Word, and hast not denied My Name.... because thou hast kept the Word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown."

Thou Shalt Not Remove Thy Neighbor's Landmark

In Bolivia there are large areas of land granted to the Inca Indians which are marked out by what is called in Spanish, "mojones," or "landmarks." Greedy Spanish Americans or "patrones" came to Bolivia long after the Incas were there and were continually breaking through these hedges (landmarks) by removal of the stones.

One day five hundred Indians led by their Chief, all mounted on mules, stopped outside the little home of the missionary. When the missionary asked him where they were going, the Chief said they were going to kill every one who had removed their "mojones" or had advanced into Indian property. The missionary warned him of the danger of doing such a thing because the Government would punish them for injuring anyone or even fighting with them.

The Chief had become very friendly with the missionary. Holding out a roll of papers in his hand, he said, "These are the titles of our property, and the landmarks have been moved." He handed them to the missionary, saying, "Will you kindly read these titles, and define the old landmarks carefully for me, and let me know where the real landmarks are?" Dismissing his armed men, he confided in the missionary, "I trust you with these papers, but I would never trust anyone else. I know you will tell me the truth."

It was not too difficult to decipher the titles, for the landmarks were distinctly built on the top of the Inner Andes, called in Latin, EL DIVORCIO AQUORAM, that is, the division of the head streams. The land nourished by the waters flowing to the West was Indian property, whereas the land nourished by the waters flowing to the East was the white man's. Huge stones built in the year 1600 marked this.

The missionary took the Chief personally to show him the old landmarks. It was a trip of several days. Together then they visited the patrones in that district to discuss the problem with them and show them where the landmarks should have been. The missionary explained to the patrones that he had stopped the Chief and his tribe from coming to kill them because of this infringement on their ancestral property rights.

The missionary and the Chief made the following agreement with the whites: the old landmarks would be respected from now on; if Indian cattle, goats or other livestock passed over into the patrones' property, they would be moved back again and the Indians would be notified. The Indians would do the same if animals belonging to the Patrones passed over onto Indian property. This worked marvelously and continues to this day; thus, a massacre because of the "mojones" was averted. Friendships were recovered and the landmarks were not broken through, for which we praise the Lord.

One of the patrones, as well as his youngest daughter, was brought to trust in the Lord as Savior through this. Both are now with the Lord. They were friends with the Indians until the last.

Another of the patrones, though unsaved, invited the missionary to preach the Gospel to his servants who lived on his property. At a certain time every day he gathered them together for the missionary to speak to them. Only eternity will reveal the results.

There were twenty-six families in all. Several were saved, including some of their children. Today there are two assemblies there, one with seventy in fellowship, remembering the Lord until He come. There are ten in the other assembly.

Love never fails-truth in love and love in truth. Such is irresistible, beloved. May we ever be faithful in all things!

A Great Sorrow

The missionary's wife, Rose, was not well. Very naturally her husband was greatly concerned about her. The Indians loved her dearly. Her timely ministrations had been helpful in relieving many of their aches and pains. She had assisted many in the birth of their children into the world. She had given of herself without reservation, but when her ill-health was mentioned, she would only smile and say, "I'll be alright soon."

One day one of the English engineers in the Aramayo Mines in Siete Suyos sent for her to help his wife, who was in the hospital at the mines waiting for the birth of their first child. Rose hurriedly packed her little bag, but her husband would not let her go alone. He hoped to get one of the good doctors at the hospital to give his loved one a "check-up."

To her joy she knew well one of the doctors working there. She had worked with him in surgery in the hospital in La Paz before she was married. When he remarked how sick she looked, she told him her husband was with her and he wanted her to have a good check-up before going back to Yulo. Later she introduced her husband to this doctor. He was thankful for this opportunity to ask him if he would examine his wife, to see what was wrong, because she had not been well for some time.

Next day the doctor gave Rose all the tests possible. Later he told her husband he was afraid there was not much that could be done. It appeared that she had advanced cancer of the stomach. He didn't think it possible to operate on it. The missionary's heart was well nigh broken to think of his loved one suffering so. They prayed together that the Lord would guide them as to what He would have them do.

Rose had a cousin in London, England, who was known to be a clever surgeon. The missionary suggested they go to England-maybe her cousin could help his dear one. Also, perhaps the sea voyage would do her good. So they started to pack, asking two Indian families to take care of their home while they were away. The two families were very happy to do this, and the missionary believed they could be trusted to do the right thing and to keep things in order.

The trip to England was a great joy and blessing to them both. But when the missionary was alone, he shed many tears. Dear Rose was sometimes too weak to leave her stateroom. Other times she would come out and rest on deck where she enjoyed watching the sea-gulls and waves, while her loved one sat beside her, reading the Word of God to her, or talking with her.

Once safely in England they went directly to London where they found a room near the hospital where her cousin, who was a surgeon, was located. He was not a Christian but, little by little, when he heard of their work for the Lord among the Incas, he showed more interest in his Cousin, Rose. He gave her a complete examination and had other specialists do the same. Sadly he told her husband there was absolutely nothing anyone could do. It was impossible to operate. It would not help but would cause her more suffering. Rose always came out of these consultations with that sweet smile of hers. She would say, "Never mind, Sweetheart, the Lord's will be done. There is just one thing I desire, and that is to go back to Bolivia, and go to be with our Lord and Savior from among the dear ones we love there."

After receiving the opinion of the doctors, there was no reason to prolong their stay in England, so the missionary bought two tickets from Liverpool to Buenos Aires on the first ship sailing out of Liverpool.

Despite all he did to relieve her, it was a very hard voyage for dear Rose in her weakening condition. But it was not all sad. For instance, one day it was very hot in the cabin (no air-conditioning of the Staterooms in those days), and she was not strong enough to be on deck. So he opened the porthole so she could get some fresh air. How refreshing this was! She was enjoying the breeze so very much when suddenly a huge wave struck that side of the ship and water poured through the porthole, drenching dear Rose. Her sense of humor rose to the occasion. She just smiled and laughed as she sat up while her dear one helped her change to dry clothes.

The next stage of this long, arduous journey was by train from Buenos Aires to the Bolivian border. The trains in those days were not the comfortable type we see in America, and the missionary prayed earnestly that the Lord would undertake for them and give Rose the needed strength for the train ride.

The final part of the trip would probably be more difficult before they would reach their little home, and the missionary just did not know how he was going to arrange for that segment from the Bolivian border. He was completely cast on the Lord, feeling his helplessness. The Lord had to arrange for this-which He did in His own wonderful way. He knew their need and had gone before them to prepare the way. "And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear" (Isa. 65:24).

Since they were not expecting to know anyone when they got off the train, imagine their surprise and delight to meet the Colonel on the station platform! This was the Colonel who had rescued the missionary from jail in Potosi. He was at the station that day because Bolivia, on the verge of war with Paraguay, was under "martial law" and the Colonel was in charge of the Forces there.

When the Colonel saw them, he greeted them warmly, then remarked how very ill Rose looked. The missionary told him of their long journey to England with the hope that she might receive beneficial treatment. He told him they had learned treatment was not possible, but it was her desire to return to Bolivia so she could go to be with the Lord among the people she dearly loved. The Colonel was very gracious and said he would do all he could to help them. He ordered an express truck to take them directly home to Yulo. What a great mercy this was indeed!

The Lord strengthened Rose and her loved one for this last part of the trip together. She thanked the Lord that she could go home to her own bed, and go Home to glory to be with Himself from there.

She lived just eight days after they arrived home in Yulo. The day the Lord took her Home to be with Himself Rose called her loved one to her side. She told him she had always hoped to meet his mother and father. She also told him she would like him to claim a sum of money she had deposited in a bank in San Francisco, California, before leaving the States. She handed him the bank book and urged him to try to visit his parents in New Zealand as he had been away for many years, but pleaded, "Do come back, Dear, to our beloved Incas." Then she told him she thought there would be enough money to buy a small car when he returned, which she knew would be a help to him in the work for the Lord in Bolivia.

She lay quietly for a few minutes and then said, "Honey, will you kindly open my Bible to Rom. 15, and read verse 13 to me."

He quickly opened her Bible and read, "Now the God of HOPE fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."

"Honey," she said, "this is a good verse to rest my head on, and for you, too, to rest on in your sorrow. I know you will have a very trying time, but the Lord will be with you." Then she looked up into the afflicted face of her dear one, smiled, and was immediately "WITH CHRIST WHICH IS FAR BETTER" (Phil. 1:23).

The missionary did not know where he would be able to bury his dear one because no Protestant was allowed to be buried in a Catholic cemetery, and there were no cemeteries for Protestants. He went to the Mayor of the nearest town and asked what he should do. The Mayor told him, "You will bury your dear one in the best place in the Catholic cemetery here in this town. She showed so much love and kindness to everyone and was very much loved by all the people here. I myself, and the Chief of Police, with two guards, will help carry her coffin to her burial place."

Many of the Indians, whom they both loved so much, followed her body to its resting place, where it still waits until "the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (1 Thess. 4:16,17). The sympathy and love of these dear people was very touching and so greatly appreciated.

Her dear husband was too heartbroken, weary and ill to go to the funeral; but later on, he, with some of the Indians, cut a special large stone and put a bronze plate on it engraved with her favorite Scripture verse: "By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Eph. 2:8).

It is still there, and although that was forty-six years ago, someone is still keeping the grave and memorial in good condition. It must be someone who loved her so many years ago.

"The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance" (Psa. 112:6).

This One Thing I Do

After Rose's departure to be with her precious Lord and Savior, it was with a sad and lonely heart that the missionary returned to their little home in Yulo, which they had enjoyed so much together. It seemed so empty, so lonely. He felt he couldn't bear to live alone there. Thinking of the Indian couple who had stayed there to take care of it during their absence in England, he asked them to stay on to help him. There was so much to do for the dear Indians, such as visiting and caring for their needs, spiritually and physically. Also he needed time for Bible study, much prayer and writing. It was a good arrangement.

After a time he remembered his wife's request that he visit his parents in New Zealand and her desire that he withdraw her money from the bank in San Francisco. He decided to carry out her wishes.

Around this same time he had occasion to be shopping in Vitichi and bought a newspaper which carried the report of dear Rose's death and funeral. Quite understandably he cut it out and placed it carefully in his wallet. The Lord was definitely guiding him in this in a very special way although he did not realize at the time how important this would be to him later on.

The first part of the trip to visit his family in New Zealand was by train to Chile. He had to wait there eight days before embarking on a German ship to take him to Panama City. It was a long time to wait, but every morning with his Bible in hand he would walk to the seaside and there read and watch the sea birds going back and forth, while inwardly a great struggle was going on. One morning he was so discouraged that he decided when he arrived home he would finish his medical course and forget all about Bolivia. It had too many sad memories for him.

But the sea birds fascinated him. He watched them going out to find food for themselves and returning every evening at exactly the same time, as if this were the only thing that mattered to them. What lesson was there in this display of God's order in His creation?

Finally, a verse in the precious Book he was holding in his hand came into his mind. Turning to it in Phil. 3:13-14, he read, "This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Rose's request, made just before she went to be with the Lord, flashed back into his memory, "Do come back, Dear, to our beloved Incas. They need you." The struggle was over. The Lord gave him the victory. He bowed his head, asking the Lord to forgive him for even thinking of not returning to Bolivia. Next day he was able to embark on the ship going to Panama, and from there to New Zealand.

From Peace to War

With his heart at peace, ready to press on toward whatever his Lord willed for him, the missionary arrived in New Zealand. There he found everything changed. His brother, Hugh, had gone to be with the Lord. His sisters and brother, Frank, had married and all had little ones. He was saddened to find that some had not married "in the Lord."

He spent a few months with his father and mother in New Zealand. What a joy it was to be with them again! Gradually, however, he became more lonesome for his beloved Bolivian brethren. He kept in touch with some of them. It seemed that, as the Apostle Paul had said in Acts 20:29-30, grievous wolves had entered in among them, not sparing the flock. Also, of their own selves some were speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after themselves. He must return! Also, he was lonesome for the boys in the school and for those who had grown up in the schools.

The call to return to Bolivia was clear. With deep longings he prepared for the journey back to Bolivia, via the United States. He went directly to San Francisco to close out Rose's bank account.

Going to the bank officials, he told them he was her husband, and she had told him to withdraw all she had in the bank. He was concerned when they asked for identification which would prove he was her husband. Then the Lord brought to mind the newspaper clipping he had carried in his wallet! It read, "The wife of...," giving his full name. The bank official said it was sufficient identification. How thankful he was that the Lord had guided him to save this clipping! He had never thought of using it in this way.

While in San Francisco he had met a friend who was familiar with American cars and thus able to help him look for a suitable car. He knew Rose would be happy that he had fulfilled her desire to purchase a car with the funds in her account.

Next, he bought his ticket for the passage on a ship to Peru. He was able to buy a ticket on a freighter for both himself and the car as far as the Port of Mollendo, the most southerly port of Peru. From Mollendo he and the car traveled by train to La Paz.

When he arrived in La Paz, he found Bolivia at war with Paraguay. He had become a Bolivian citizen when he was there before, so he was required to report to the President before he could go any further into the interior of the country.

He rented a little room near the hospital where Rose used to work and visited the doctor who had helped him years ago when he first arrived in La Paz. A general physical check-up confirmed his general health was good but indicated he still had to be careful in the very high altitudes.

Next morning he went to the President's office to see what he should do about serving in the Army. The President greeted him kindly and asked him to sit down. The missionary explained to him that he was sorry but he could not with a clear conscience engage in active service as he was an evangelist, his desire being to tell others of the love of God and His grace in sending His only begotten Son to die for them. He further volunteered the information that he had finished part of a medical course and, if he could help at all in that way, he would be very happy.

The President suggested he might like to go right among the men, where they were fighting, as a Chaplain, and also as a Sanitary Captain. There was much malaria among them and there was no one to attend to them on the fields. The missionary told him that by the grace of God he would be delighted to serve in that way. He asked where he would be stationed and what his duties would be.

When the President asked him how he would get to the troops, the missionary told him he had a car outside which he had just brought from the States. The President asked him where it was and walked to the window so the missionary could point it out to him. Upon seeing it, the President exclaimed, "Why, it is a new one, and a good one, too! Are you willing to sacrifice it for such hard service? It will get a lot of use; it is needed there very much."

The missionary answered, "I am willing, Sir. I believe many of my school boys are there already, and I hope I will be able to help some of them, as well as other boys out there."

The President explained, "I will have a GREEN CROSS plate put on the front of the car, and you will be free to go in and out among the troops. You will be Sanitary Captain of 20,000 men and will be free to teach them about the love of God and to help them in other ways also." He touched a little bell and an officer entered the room. The President told him to put a GREEN CROSS plate on the missionary's car, and also to fit him out with the uniform of a Captain, and with ensigns for Chaplain and medical work among the troops.

The missionary was bewildered for awhile-everything had happened so suddenly-but he felt it was truly of the Lord. He was given his orders, and directions as to how to get to the troops, and what to watch out for. The President then embraced him and wished him "good success."

The President radioed the General in the front lines to tell him he was sending the missionary for the encouragement of the soldiers and treatment of the sick. When the General learned the missionary's name, he told the President, "Send him right away. I know him well. He will be a good help among the boys here."

The missionary then went to see the doctor who had been so kind to him before, to tell him what had happened and to ask about the best remedy for malaria. The doctor encouraged him and gave him other advice that he thought he might need.

Early next morning, accompanied by two other officers, he started out for the Chaco, a jungle area on the border of Paraguay. Along the route were young soldiers walking because they had no other transportation. The missionary and officers spent a week getting there by car. They were tired and weary when they arrived; the missionary wondered how the dear soldiers felt who had to walk all the way.

Upon arrival in the war zone, the missionary needed to get acquainted with the different officers, and learn what his duties would be, and how he could best help the boys. He also got his few belongings settled into a small bomb shelter built of heavy timber with earth on top. He was thankful for his own narrow cot and for the shelter of this place. Bombing was already very heavy-at times it was almost impossible to hear anyone speak. One trying aspect of his living situation was the great difficulty he experienced in trying to find a few moments to pray or to quietly read God's Word, which he needed so much for his own spiritual nourishment and encouragement.

The object of the Paraguayan Army was to capture Bolivia's rich petroleum wells in that district. The Bolivian Army had purposely retreated when the missionary arrived, its strategy being to suddenly advance on the Paraguayan Army. This battle plan was a great success. But the missionary's heart was deeply grieved that many young men on both sides were killed in this battle. He did what he could to relieve some of the boys and to comfort those who were dying, telling them of the Savior's dying love.

The climate was very hard on most of the Bolivians. They were accustomed to the high mountains of Bolivia and cooler weather. Here it was all jungle and steaming hot. The Paraguayan soldiers did not even wear shoes while the Bolivian soldiers had heavy boots on. Many of the Bolivian soldiers became ill from the heat as soon as they arrived there.

For three months a continual battle raged between the two armies. Thousands of soldiers died on both sides, many from malaria. Both governments finally agreed to call in the League of Nations to settle the conflict; thus the war ended. Bolivia paid a high price to keep her petroleum wells-the lives of 60,000 soldiers, besides many wounded.

Stories of the Chaco War, Pedro & Francisco

Pedro and Francisco were brothers. Francisco attended the school the missionary and his wife, Rose, had in Yulo. Many times Francisco was beaten by his father for going to school, but he would always go back again. He was brought to know the Lord Jesus as his Savior just before the missionary and his wife went to England.

Pedro and Francisco looked very much alike; but unlike Francisco, Pedro did not know the Lord Jesus as his Savior. He would not listen to the Gospel nor would he attend school.

When the Chaco War broke out, Pedro, who was older than Francisco, was called up for duty right away. Francisco, knowing his brother was not ready to die, was very concerned that he might be killed in the war. One day Francisco, dressed in his best Indian clothes, went to visit Pedro in the barracks. A guard met him at the gate and asked his name and who he wished to see. Francisco answered the guard's questions, was allowed to pass and was directed to the place where he would find his brother. Finding him alone, Francisco said, "Pedro, you are going to war. You may be killed and you are not saved; you are not ready to die! Quickly! take off your clothes, change with me, and go out. When the guard asks your name, don't forget to say 'Francisco Gira.' "

They changed clothes quickly. Pedro thanked him and embraced him. The Lord preserved Francisco, but sad to say, Pedro is still an unsaved man. He has never given his heart to the Lord Jesus.

"GREATER LOVE HATH NO MAN THAN THIS, THAT A MAN LAY DOWN HIS LIFE FOR HIS FRIENDS" (John 15:13).

Francisco and the Tiger

It wasn't too long after this that Francisco, as well as many hundreds of other young men, was sent to the Chaco War. One night he was on sentry duty alone. It was a very dark night, but he had learned to pray, committing everything to the Lord.

Suddenly he heard something moving behind him. He turned around quickly but could see nothing. Then he heard the noise behind him on the other side. Quickly he turned again but saw nothing. He was afraid it might be one of the enemy soldiers but he dare not shoot because if it weren't, and all the army were aroused, he would be court-martialed. He might even be shot for causing a "false alarm"!

Again he heard the sound-this time even nearer. Just then the moon came out brightly. There stood a big jaguar in front of him! The jaguar just looked at him, then ran into the jungle as fast as he could. Francisco thought, "Surely the Lord is with me!" He bowed his head and thanked the Lord for His goodness. "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them" (Psa. 34:7). "He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Heb. 13:5).

A Dying Soldier

The Chaplain was called many times to the side of a seriously wounded soldier, even late at night. One day the fighting had been especially heavy. His time was spent all day and far into weary hours of the night seeking to comfort wounded soldiers and arranging to have the dead removed. His heart went out in deepest sorrow to the many dear boys who had been wounded. He was grieved as he thought of the great number who had died, and he wondered how many knew Christ as Savior.

Finally on this particular day he felt free to try to get a little sleep. Just as he lay down, a soldier, sent by the sergeant, requested him to come immediately. A wounded soldier was dying and wanted to know how he could be saved-how he could be ready to meet God.

The Chaplain hurried to the trench where he had been told the dying soldier was. Kneeling by his side in the trench, the Chaplain heard the dying man say in a very weak voice, "Chaplain, can you help me to die?"

To this he replied, "Soldier, I would be happy to help you die; if I could, I would even be willing to try to carry you on my shoulders into heaven, but I cannot do that. However, I want to tell you of One who can."

"Who is He?" the soldier weakly asked.

The Chaplain told him that this blessed Man was his precious Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, that He had come into the world to seek and to save that which was lost.

A profound silence ensued. The Chaplain thought the soldier had died, when again with a still weaker voice the dying man asked the same question: "How can I meet God; how can I be saved?"

Still kneeling beside the poor soldier, the Chaplain read to him from the Gospel according to John, chapter 3, verse 16, "FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE."

The dear soldier just lay there with his eyes riveted on the Chaplain's face. It seemed every word was going home to his poor heart. "Chaplain," he said weakly, "please read those words again: 'THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVETH IN HIM SHOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE!' "

As the Chaplain slowly read the words again, the dying soldier interrupted, "Oh Sir, stop! Are those words really there?"

"Yes, soldier," the Chaplain affirmed, "this is God's Book, and they are God's own precious words."

"Please read them again! Do repeat them, please, Chaplain!" pleaded the soldier.

So he read them a third and a fourth time. The soldier folded his hands on his heaving chest. The Chaplain read on and on, but long before he finished, the dying man had closed his eyes.

Suddenly his eyes opened. The terrified expression on the face of the dying soldier had changed into a sweet, peaceful smile. The fear of death had gone. As the Chaplain bent over him he could hear his parched, quivering lips faintly whispering, "Whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life."

Again his eyes closed and after a short pause suddenly opened. Fixing them on the Chaplain's face he whispered, "That is all I want, Sir," and was gone to be with Christ. "Absent from the body... present with the Lord" (2 Cor. 5:8).

Dear reader, can you say that John 3:16 is enough to take you to Heaven? Yes, it is all you need.

"There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

How the Lord Found Demetrio Tellez

Demetrio was a young man who worked in the tin mines in Potosi, Bolivia. When the war broke out between Bolivia and Paraguay, he was immediately drafted into military service. Because Demetrio was a soldier of courage and ability, he was soon made sergeant of his group.

Demetrio had never heard the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, so he did not know the way of salvation. In fact, he was a thoroughly ungodly fellow who spent much of his spare time drinking with his friends. Many times Demetrio was late for duty, but the punishment which resulted never seemed to affect him.

One day Demetrio was shot six times during a fierce battle which ensued when Bolivian troops were ordered to "fix bayonets" and storm a Paraguayan fort. Badly wounded, Demetrio was taken to a field hospital behind the lines where blood transfusions saved his life.

From the field hospital Demetrio was sent to the main hospital in Potosi, the Capital. Thanks to the skill and care of the surgeons who attended him and by the grace of God, he was healed completely of his serious wounds. After a considerable time he was able to walk again.

The doors of the hospital were heavily guarded, but on some nights Demetrio, along with some other wounded soldiers who were weary of confinement, climbed over the walls, bent on a night's pleasure. They passed the hours in the barrooms and other places of wickedness. Then, returning to the hospital drunk, they were severely reprimanded by the doctor, and a stronger guard put on them.

One Wednesday night Demetrio and his friends escaped over the walls again. But this time Demetrio refused to accompany them to the bar. He wanted to be alone, to be quiet and think things over. He realized he was wasting his life and health.

Walking slowly down Junin Street, he was surprised to hear singing, and stopped to listen. He found himself outside a building with a sign over the door, "Local Evangelico" (Gospel Hall). It wasn't the singing that attracted his attention so much as the words he heard; "Busca a Dios," that, "Seek God." Demetrio had never heard such words before nor had he ever read the book called the "Bible." He stepped inside the door to listen. A gentleman suggested he take a seat, but Demetrio refused, preferring to stand at the back.

After the singing a man in the uniform of Chaplain stood up and opened a Book. (Demetrio remembered seeing him on the battlefield. Some of the fellows used to go to his bomb shelter to speak to him, but Demetrio was not interested then.)

The Chaplain began to speak. He spoke of the "Judgment of God," stressing that there was only one way to escape this judgment. That way was by believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, who came from heaven and who died on the cross of Calvary to save lost sinners. He went on to say we were all lost sinners, and if we refused to accept Christ as our Savior, we could not escape the judgment of God, but eternal punishment would be our sentence.

The Chaplain said he had seen so many soldiers on the battlefields who were afraid to die because they were sinners and did not know the Savior. He had seen others die who had accepted Christ as their Savior, and they had perfect peace and no fear.

Demetrio thought to himself proudly, "Well I'm not afraid of death! Why be afraid? Have I not been a soldier, a proud fighter-wounded, but still not afraid of death?"

Still, the speaker's words lingered in his mind: "You cannot escape the judgment of God unless you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, who took the judgment for you on Calvary's cross."

That night Demetrio went to visit his mother and told her what he had heard. Never before had he done such a thing as that. Then he returned to the hospital. The doctor remarked about his being back so early.

That was on Wednesday night. There was another meeting scheduled for Friday night and Demetrio was present. This time he asked permission of the doctor to go. The doctor was surprised but did not say anything to hinder him.

As he entered the Meeting Room, they were singing "Paz con Dios busque ganarla," that is, "Peace with God I sought to gain." This peace Demetrio knew he did not have, but now he desired it, so after the meeting he went to the speaker and talked with him. The speaker told him, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved. He has made peace through the blood of His cross on Calvary."

Demetrio suddenly understood that the Lord Jesus had been seeking for him. He got down on his knees with the Chaplain and asked God to save him; and God did save him that very night. "There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth" (Luke 15:10).

The next day all noticed the great change in his behavior. The doctors remarked that if he continued as he was doing, he would soon be well again. They even changed his medication, ordered a new suit for him, and instructed the hospital director to allow Demetrio to attend the Gospel meetings. When the director asked what had happened to him lately, Demetrio answered happily, "Sir, I have Christ now and He is my Savior."

A deep friendship developed between Demetrio and the missionary who had led him to Christ. He still looks up to him as his spiritual father and guide in this earthly pilgrimage.

That was many years ago. Demetrio is a grandfather now and has tried to bring his children up for the Lord. He is a devoted, faithful brother in the little assembly in Potosi, and carries on a nice little work. He has gone on faithfully since that night he got down on his knees and asked God to save him. "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature [or creation]: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Cor. 5:17).

General Flores' Conversion

General Flores was Commander-in-Chief of 20,000 Bolivian troops in the Chaco War. In the space of three years 60,000 men died in that awful jungle conflict. The Bolivians were at a terrible disadvantage not being used to the jungle. Many of them died of malaria and fever. The Chaplain yearned for the souls of these dear men and preached the Gospel to them at any hour of the day or night as they moved up to the trenches.

General Flores himself took a real interest in the Gospel. He and his staff would sit around on munition boxes listening while the missionary preached to them of God's love in sending His Son, Jesus Christ, into this world to die for sinful men. He told them, too, of judgment to come if they refused God's way of salvation.

One verse the missionary quoted which seemed especially to awaken in the General a realization of his need of Christ was Heb. 2:3: "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation."

One evening he preached from the verse, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many" (Heb. 9:27,28). At one point he turned to the General, who was sitting near him, and said, "General, you have escaped the bullets and the bombs these three years, but there's one thing you cannot escape."

"What is that?" asked the General.

"Sir, you cannot escape the judgment of God if you reject Christ, His only begotten Son, whom He sent to take our place and suffer the judgment for us."

The General was silent for a few moments, then said, "Then I must accept Christ as my Savior and make my peace with God." Even though some of his men were present, he got on his knees with the Chaplain. Before he got up again, he had confessed Christ as his Savior and thanked God for His love and grace. Another trophy of the grace of God!

Phil. 2:10,11 Says that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Often the General and the Chaplain were seen searching the Scriptures together. They became real friends. One day the General said to his Christian friend, "I want you to come to the Capital, La Paz, as soon as we are released from this war." (The war was already over, and the men were beginning to go home.) He continued, "I have a wife and an only daughter; they are both unsaved. I will make arrangements for you to come to my home with the Gospel of Christ, and I want you to preach the Gospel to my wife and daughter."

It was not long after that they were released from the Army and able to go home. The missionary went to La Paz and enjoyed visiting the General and his wife and daughter. He had the joy of leading them both to the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Of course, the General had already confessed the Lord as His Savior to them, telling of his joy in the Lord. It was obvious to them his life was changed.

Some time later General Flores was sent to take charge of an army on the Brazilian Frontier. The missionary received word that his friend and brother in Christ was "with the Lord." He was apparently hit by a poisoned arrow, shot by an Indian from one of the tribes living on the Frontier.

Sudden death is sudden glory for the Christian, and so dear General Flores was with Christ. He will see his beloved wife, and daughter and his missionary friend when "the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (1 Thess. 4:16,17).

"They sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth" (Rev. 5:9,10).

Visits to the States and Canada Return Via Peru

After the death of his wife, Rose, the missionary found there was much he could not do among the dear Incas without a helpmeet. He was also very lonesome without his beloved Rose. Five years after the Chaco War he decided the Lord would not have him carry on alone any longer.

He had enjoyed corresponding with a young woman in California whom he had met while there some years before. Finally he wrote to ask her if she would be his wife and help him in the work of the Lord in Bolivia. Her answer gave him much joy. Accordingly he went to California where they were married. They returned together to Bolivia and made their first home in Aripalca where there was a nice meeting and also a good-sized school. Trudy was a high school teacher and proved to be a real help and blessing in the schools. She loved the Bolivians and their children, and trained some of the boys to teach in the schools.

About ten years after they were married, they prayed about visiting those "truly gathered to the Lord's name" in the States and in Canada. They had been corresponding with many of these believers for some years but had never met any of them. Also, they needed a break and it did seem to be the Lord's mind for them to take this trip. Certain native brethren could be left with the responsibility of the little assemblies with their Sunday Schools and day schools until their return to Bolivia.

Leaving by ship from Antofagasta, Chile, they transferred to another ship at Panama City which carried them to New Orleans, where they found a letter from Pasadena, California, awaiting their arrival. Words fail to express what an encouragement this was to the isolated and lonesome missionaries. Believing they had the Lord's leading, they went directly to Pasadena where they were received so lovingly.

Everywhere they traveled they were welcomed, as only Christians can welcome each other. The Lord said in John 13:35, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." From Pasadena they were taken to visit different assemblies in California; then on to the other States and into Canada. The love shown to them everywhere was wonderful, and a great comfort and encouragement to them both, after being alone so long.

While in the States certain brothers bought a truck for them to take back to Bolivia. They were delighted. What a help this would be in their work for the Lord in Bolivia! It was more than they had ever dreamed could be possible. They knew that taking it to Bolivia would be a long, difficult trip, but little did they imagine what a trial it would be to get it all the way home to Bolivia. But the Lord had given it to them. He knew the end from the beginning and was preparing them for the many trials and weary days which lay ahead of them.

All went very well in the States. A young brother in Christ offered to drive them to New York City, where the truck was loaded on the same steamship on which they were sailing to Callao, Peru. This was a good beginning.

The problems started upon arrival at Callao, Peru, where they had a long delay of seven weeks due to Customs red tape and procrastination. The weather was very damp and cold, and they were both sick for a while. Furthermore, they were complete strangers-didn't know anyone. To add to the difficulties, Peru was in a state of civil war. When they went to claim the truck and their belongings on it, all their personal belongings were taken off the truck and re-shipped to Mollendo, Peru, via a Peruvian steamship. Finally the truck was released from Customs, as well as four large cartons of Gospel booklets ("Whither Bound") in Spanish, which a certain friend in California had given them. These cartons were the only items they were allowed to take in the truck, but this was truly of the Lord. They were able to sow the Precious Seed along the way! They did not know what lay ahead of them, but the Lord knew. He was planning for them all the way. "As for God, His way is perfect" (2 Sam. 22:31).

At last they were free to journey on to Bolivia. After twenty-one days of traveling over difficult, sometimes treacherous, roads they arrived close to the border of Bolivia. Here military guards stopped them to examine their credentials and personal goods.

When one officer showed great interest in the booklets, the missionary explained what they were, then asked if he could give one to each of the soldiers there. The officer kindly gave his permission, even helping to give them out. This emptied one carton. He still had three more cartons and wondered where the Lord would have him use them.

Permission was given to drive on to the area where the next regiment of soldiers were on guard. There he was allowed to distribute the contents of another carton to the soldiers. What a wonderful opportunity this was of telling out the Good News of salvation through the use of God's silent messengers!

At the next to the last military post before entering Bolivia, the Commanding Officer was a graduate of "West Point" and spoke English fluently. Learning of their destination he said it would be very dangerous for them to pass the last military post alone, so he graciously accompanied them until they were out of the fighting zone. Before leaving that post the missionary was allowed to distribute the last two cartons of "Whither Bound" to the soldiers. Surely we will meet some of these soldiers in glory!

It was such a relief to be out of the fighting zone. They were both very weary. Thus far they had been obliged to sleep in the truck under guard. Sometimes they were unable to buy food, but the officers often very kindly shared their food with them.

After leaving this last area they started the long, tedious and rugged part of the journey over the Andes, which rise to 15,000 feet. They both suffered with "soroche" (mountain sickness) which caused violent vomiting and weakness, but they had to keep on until they reached a lower altitude before they got relief. At Puno, Peru, they were able to spend a few nights in a hotel room. How thankful they were to be able to buy food, and to have a refreshing, warm bath and a bed to sleep in. Once again they realized how the Lord had gone before them, and true to His promise, He would never leave them nor forsake them. So they took courage and went on rejoicing in Him.

Following a few days' rest at Puno, which they needed so badly, they started off for Mollendo, Peru, where all their belongings were stowed away in the Customs House. After obtaining clearance they were soon loaded up. With thanksgiving and praise to the Lord they were finally on the last lap of their trip by truck to Bolivia.

Adventures With a Truck From Peru to La Paz, Bolivia

With thankful hearts and renewed trust in the Lord, the missionaries started the trip to La Paz, the Capital of Bolivia. It was another strenuous journey over high passes, causing renewed problems with "mountain sickness." They were thankful for the strength the Lord gave them to carry on.

As they drew near La Paz, about midnight, they noticed their gas tank was very low and wondered if they would really have enough gas to get to La Paz. Then they saw a house with all the lights on. Seeking courage from the Lord, the missionary knocked on the door. He asked the man who answered the door if he knew where he could buy some gasoline. Imagine his surprise and joy when the man said, "I have a tin of four gallons which you can have." He graciously sold it to them and they went on their way marveling at the grace of God and His never-failing provision for their every need.

They had another bad night traveling because of the high altitude, but at last they found a small hotel where they were able to get a room. They parked the truck in the rear of the building and went to their room where they enjoyed a good sleep of many hours. They were bone-weary. How refreshing and needful was that sleep!

The next afternoon when they went through Customs with the truck, the authorities demanded $1,000.00 duty before they would allow the truck through. This was a shocking blow. What were they to do? They didn't have much money on them to begin with.

As he was returning to his wife, the missionary was mulling over in his mind this tremendous problem, when, unexpectedly, he met a young lawyer whom he knew very well. (An interesting fact was that years ago when this young lawyer's father was dying, he asked the missionary if he would care for his son, which he gladly did. He even sent him to college for his law course.)

After embracing the missionary (as is the custom there on meeting each other) the young lawyer asked him what he was doing in La Paz. The missionary told him of his difficulty, explaining that he did not have even half enough money to pay the duty. The young lawyer answered, "Leave it to me! Remember, years ago you were like a father to me when I was in need; now it is my turn to help you. Leave it to me!" The missionary marveled again to see the way the Lord was leading them step by step, as He had promised, and was abundantly supplying their every need.

The young lawyer went to the Minister of Government, who was a good friend of his, and explained the missionary's difficulty-how he had given his life to the Inca Indians, educating them, and treating them medically when they were ill, never charging a cent. He also explained the missionary had sent him to college after his own father died. Then he added, "As a member of Parliament I request you to let his truck go through duty free. He has done much for our Country."

The Minister of Government smiled. He had heard of the missionary before. Then he said, "Bring his papers to me." He signed them with large letters "DUTY FREE." This was a sequel beyond anything they could even ask or think. How largely the Lord bestows His favors!

What a relief this was to the missionary and his wife. And oh! how they thanked the Lord for His loving kindness in every detail-allowing him to meet the young lawyer at the crucial moment and preparing the young lawyer's heart to intercede on their behalf. Truly His ways are perfect!

After thanking the young lawyer and wishing him "Adios," with overflowing hearts they started out on the trip to Potosi. How wonderfully the Lord cares for His own!

Often the missionary and his wife sang Hymn 174 (Little Flock Hymn Book) together as they traveled along in the midst of trials known to the Lord Himself alone.

O Patient, spotless One!

Our hearts in meekness train,

To bear Thy yoke, and learn of Thee,

That we may rest obtain.

Jesus! Thou art enough

The mind and heart to fill;

Thy patient life—to calm the soul;

Thy love—its fear dispel.

O fix our earnest gaze

So wholly, Lord, on Thee,

That, with Thy beauty occupied,

We elsewhere none may see.

From La Paz to Potosi

The journey from La Paz to Potosi in those days was a very difficult one at best. There were no good roads such as exist today. The anticipation of the trip was definitely not the happiest! The missionaries were both very weary, but the Lord knew all about it even though they did not know what lay before them. The Lord had wonderfully undertaken for them thus far and would take care of them to their destination. They knew it!

As they came out of the hotel in La Paz to get the truck from the back of the hotel, the missionary met a friend from Potosi whom he knew well. This friend, surprised to see them, inquired, "Whatever are you missionaries doing here? Where are you going?"

The missionary answered, "We are on our way to Potosi."

This friend was an influential man in the City of Potosi. He responded, "I have to go to Potosi. My car is too low to make the journey. I was just looking for a friend who could take me in a stronger vehicle. May I go with you? You both look so weary. I would be glad to drive you there and I promise to get you there safely." The tired travelers were willing and thankful to accept this offer. It was such a great relief to have help in driving over those hazardous roads.

After two days' journey they arrived around midnight in Potosi. How very disappointing to find the city under martial law. A great chain had been stretched across the main street and a gruff voice greeted them, shouting, "Halt! What is your business?"

The missionary identified himself by name and explained that he was on his way home. Immediately the officer recognized his voice and said, "Adelante" (go on), lowering the chain for them to pass. He advised them to be careful because of the "revolution" going on in the city. They hardly needed the warning.

Proceeding with care, and with a prayer in their hearts, they found a gas station about four o'clock in the morning. Prior to this the missionary had changed places with their kind friend, who had driven nearly all the way from La Paz. At the gas station their friend left them and they never saw him again. The Lord had used him as His instrument in their extremity and had seen them safely through to their destination.

After buying the gasoline he needed, the missionary asked the owner of the service station if he could leave the truck with him while they were in the hotel. Reluctantly the owner told him they could leave it but he could not assume any responsibility because of the civil war going on. Also he warned them the Military were commandeering every vehicle available for military service; however, he promised to do what he could to keep it for them while they were in the hotel.

Leaving the truck with him, they went wearily to the nearest hotel. They so desperately needed sleep. Despite the rattle of the machine guns on the outskirts of the city they were able to sleep for a little while. What a blessing sleep is!

About nine-thirty the next morning the missionary went out to claim his truck. Who should he meet as he came out of the hotel but the Judge of the Court of Potosi, whom he knew very well from the days when he was teaching English in the University of Potosi! The Judge, very surprised to see him, embraced him in Spanish style. Then he asked, "However did you get here?"

"By truck from Lima," the missionary answered. "I am just going to get it from the gas station where I parked it. We are on our way home from the States after being away for some months."

"Where is Trudy?" asked the Judge anxiously.

"She is waiting for me in that hotel," stated the missionary, pointing to a certain window facing the Government Building. "We are staying in that room."

The Judge then said emphatically, "Senor, get out of there as quickly as you can! Go fetch Trudy right away and bring her to my home! My wife will give you a room and take care of Trudy. Go quickly! Then go for your truck before the Military claims it. They are expected to bomb this district very soon."

As you may well guess, the missionary lost no time in getting his wife and their luggage out of the hotel and to the Judge's home. As he was returning to get his truck from the service station, he was shocked to see that in such a short time the whole side of the hotel where they had been staying was completely bombed out-nothing was left of it. What a timely deliverance this had been! How perfectly the Lord had timed all the events. Continuing his brisk walk to the service station, he thought of the Lord's promise in Psa. 91:7: "A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee." His heart was filled with praise to the Lord for His goodness to him and his loved one.

The Truck Taken by the Military

After seeing the devastation of the hotel which they had left such a short time previously, the missionary's mind was filled with thoughts of the Lord's wonderful care and mercy. How distressing it was to see his beloved Bolivia in the throes of conflict again-this time civil war -Bolivians fighting against Bolivians. And yet, how reassuring, in the midst of such turmoil, to have God's promise in Isa. 26:3: "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee."

It was only a short distance from the hotel to the service station where he had parked the truck. When he arrived there, he was dismayed to find the truck had already been confiscated! The owner of the service station explained he had been forced to hand over the keys to the Military, who took it right away. Then he added, "I am glad you were not here, for as soon as I had hung up the keys you gave me, one key was cut in half by a stray bullet. Everything was in an uproar because the Rebels were entering the city."

This was very distressing news to the missionary. He explained, "This truck was a present from my friends in the States and Canada for the work of the Lord here in Bolivia. I must do all I can to recover it! Who was the officer who claimed it?" The name was given and also advice as to where he might be found.

Dodging behind buildings to escape the shrapnel and bullets, he prayed for the Lord's protection over him and care of the truck for him. The Rebels were already bombing the city very heavily. At last he found the Colonel who was responsible for taking the truck. The Colonel recognized the missionary as the Chaplain in the Chaco War. When the missionary showed him his credentials for the truck, the Colonel said, "I'm sorry, but the truck is in my power, as are all others. It is needed urgently-so many are wounded and killed. We also need it to secure food for our men."

The missionary could understand all this, but he persisted, "Sir, I will be glad to drive the truck for you, if you will permit me to do so. I would like to stay with it." He knew he would never see it again if he did not stay with it and he felt responsible for it because it was given for the Lord's work.

The Colonel looked surprised, then asked, "I will be glad to give you permission to drive your own truck to help at this time, but I cannot be responsible for your life."

At this the missionary smiled, "I know, Sir, but I am a servant of the Lord and He will take care of me."

Then issuing orders, the Colonel said, "You will have to go with the Commander and thirty-five armed guards to capture the next town. God be with you and all in your truck."

What a terrible experience this was for the missionary-given orders which had to be followed immediately-no time to say good-bye to his dear wife or even to get a message to her regarding his present circumstances. He had been issued orders and he must go.

It was over a month before he saw his loved one again. He had no choice but to commit her to the Lord's tender care and mercies and follow instructions. Surely she would learn of his whereabouts somehow. He did learn that the Judge had found out from the service station owner about the truck being taken for military use to relieve the wounded. His wife spent much time in prayer to the Lord for his safety-a wonderful resource in such troublous times.

It would be difficult to relate all the adventures of the missionary and the truck in the month's time he was separated from his dear wife, but the following will give the reader an idea of the dangers he encountered: As the missionary and his truckload of men neared the town which they were to capture from the Rebels, he turned to the Commander beside him and asked, "Sir, this is a dangerous task ahead of us. Do you mind stopping here so that I can pray for the Lord to protect us and ask Him to give us the town without firing a shot?"

The officer took off his cap and ordered his men sitting in the rear of the truck to do the same while the missionary prayed. Oh, how blessed it is to know that God is real, that He hears and is able to-and does-answer prayer far above what we ask or think.

They arrived at the center of the town without being noticed. The Commander snapped his fingers and the guards jumped out of the truck with their machine guns, each one taking a specified position on different corners. The town was taken without a shot being fired. The Rebels were so taken by surprise that many of them fled while others surrendered without resistance.

In the areas where there had been fighting, the doctors were all in favor of the Rebels. They refused to treat the wounded or to arrange for the burial of the dead Government soldiers. They just left them lying in the street wherever they had fallen. What a tragic scene this was! Something had to be done about it.

The Commander ordered the missionary to take a message to the hospital notifying the personnel there that all the doctors and nurses were to present themselves to the Commander within twenty minutes or none would be left alive. Oh, what a terrible trial for the missionary to be in such a predicament! But he believed the Lord was using him as His instrument to save the lives of many of these foolish Rebels as well as others, and also it was a command. All the doctors and nurses immediately appeared before the Commander.

The missionary was able to take many of the wounded for immediate attention under cover of armed guards. Some of them were taken to the nearest river, where they could bathe, using soap which he had been able to secure for them. This must have been very refreshing to the men.

So this dreadful ordeal was ended temporarily. What might he expect to be involved in next?

In Him Will I Trust

An order came from the General in command that a certain stronghold of Rebels must be routed immediately, that the missionary's truck with the same guards must go immediately for this purpose. They moved out before 3 a.m., arriving on the outskirts of the village just before the break of day. The missionary again requested that they shut off the engine and pray that God would again protect them and guide them. While he was praying, God sent a heavy fog-unknown before in that region! Yes, God lives! He is the same yesterday, today and forever.

Since the village was below them, they left the engine turned off, and with great difficulty coasted quietly down the slope. They found the Rebels asleep. The guards soon surrounded the Rebels and took them to the Commander, who at the point of his revolver ordered them to tell all they knew. The missionary requested the Commander not to kill any of them as they were Bolivian citizens and had families; but he never saw any of them again. He feared they were all shot. How disappointing! He had hoped to give them the Gospel before anything else happened.

News came that the Rebels from the first town were counter-attacking, so they had to return hastily. It was two-thirty the next morning when they arrived. The Commander handed the missionary a heavy army revolver and ordered one of the guards to take care of him with a machine gun. The missionary told him he didn't need either because he had far better "arms" to take care of him. He was experiencing the wonderful love and care of his Lord and Savior, with His "everlasting arms" beneath him. (Deut. 33:27.)

The puzzled Commander asked, "Whatever do you mean?"

"I have Psa. 91, Sir." He read some of it while the fighting was going on! "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.... The Lord, He is my Refuge, and my Fortress: my God; in Him will I trust." He read verse 7 also: "A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee."

Finally, the Rebels ceased to attack. That dreadful civil war ended, not only there but all over the Republic of Bolivia. What a relief!

After the missionary drove the Commander and the guards back to Potosi, he left them in the barracks and eagerly hurried as fast as he could to the home of the Judge. Stopping the truck, he ran to the window at which he knew his loved one would be waiting for him. "Honey!" he called at the top of his voice, "are you there?" She rushed to the window. Seeing him, she ran down the steps as fast as she could and clasped him in her arms, with tears streaming down her cheeks. They were together again through the Lord's tender mercies. The Judge and his wife followed her eagerly to welcome him back.

With tears of gratitude the missionary thanked them for taking such loving care of his dear one for over a month. How can he ever forget the kindness of that Judge and his wife! He was a strict Roman Catholic, but during his last hours he listened attentively to the Gospel, with tears in his eyes. Will we see that dear man in glory? We cannot say. We trust so.

The Lord had graciously spared them and the truck for His service. Leaving Potosi at last, the missionary and his wife drove to Aripalca, thankful to be home once more and eager to serve the Lord again among their dear Inca brethren, from whom they received such a loving welcome home.

It is good to remember all the way the Lord has led us (Deut. 8:2). In miraculous ways God spared the lives of the missionary and his wife, and took good care of the truck so it could be used for the service of the Lord in Bolivia, the purpose for which it was intended. It was used for many more years among the Inca Indians, transporting them to conferences being one of its important uses. Many of the Indians have been brought into the saving knowledge of the Lord since then. All praise belongs to Him who alone is worthy!

Some years later when the missionary was walking in the streets of the Capital, he saw a high ranking army officer who waved to him. Calling out at the top of his voice the officer said, "Psa. 91!" He had remembered the Psalm which had been such a comfort to the missionary during those stressful months. But the missionary does not know whether he ever put his trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as his own Savior. God knows! He has promised His Word will not return unto Him "void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it" (Isa. 55:11). What a comfort!

During his many years in Bolivia the last words of his father in New Zealand often came to mind: "Remember, the Lord has promised, 'I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee' " (Heb. 13:5). In retrospect, the missionary can say with heartfelt thanks that the Lord has certainly kept His promise all the way and in every way, doing for him far above what he asked or thought.

"Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, "Unto Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen" (Eph. 3:20,21).

Courtesy of BibleTruthPublishers.com. Most likely this text has not been proofread. Any suggestions for spelling or punctuation corrections would be warmly received. Please email them to: BTPmail@bibletruthpublishers.com.

Stories of the Grace of God in Bolivia