There may be some who are wondering why so much effort should be given to the circulation of gospel periodicals in South America, but a brief survey of the prevailing conditions, immediately reveals a unique and far-reaching opportunity.
One of the receivers of our paper, “Mensajes de Amor,” writes from Lima, Peru: “All the South American republics are characterized by a very low density of population, and most of them are possessed of very extensive territory. The facilities for travel and communication are in many cases extremely deficient. The problems of travel are incomparably difficult. The task of reaching the people personally, either for evangelization or ministry, is hopelessly beyond the powers of the available staff. Distances are so great, travel is so tedious, and often dangerous, and the sympathetic proportion of the population is so small, that the cost, time, and labor could, even at the best, bring a disproportionally small return, save in certain favored districts.
“The itinerant evangelist must be replaced in South America, to a large extent, by the itinerant postman. A considerable percentage of the population is illiterate. But in every community there are many who can read, and it is the custom that such a person read for the family. In very many places they get so little reading matter which invites their interest, that they are reading hungry. A little detail from life will illustrate this. There are farms and village homes of which I know, where work is suspended on the arrival of the monthly periodical, and those who can read take turns in reading aloud to the assembled family and friends, reading it through from beginning to end. There are places (they scarcely merit the name of hotels) in the interior, which have their mud walls papered with old yellow-stained newspapers, and I have repeatedly observed men stand reading the news and the advertisements of several years before.
“In the cities many who would not venture into a public Protestant meeting, can be fed and enlightened by the ministry of the printed page. When there is added to these circumstances, the consideration that the postal service, even if defective, reaches most places at least once a week, the opportunity of the gospel periodical in South America is seen to be unique in its greatness. If it lives up to its opportunity, it may fulfill the mission of the evangelist, and it may minister grace to many readers who otherwise will be almost destitute of ‘means of grace.’ It pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believed in the days of Paul the apostle and He is pleased to save many in our time through the silent preacher—the printed page.
“The Evangelist may get a congregation of three hundred, but generally it is much less. If the periodical is sent to two thousand persons, it is safe to reckon that it has three thousand readers. The silent preacher, therefore, reaches with its message, in each issue, a larger number of individuals than many a preacher reaches in the whole course of a long and faithful ministry.”
Los Angeles, California.
My Dear Miss U.
A week ago I had a very enjoyable visit with your friend, Miss B—, at which time she permitted me to read portions of your letter to her, telling of the arrangement whereby our mission work was to receive fifty copies each of “Mensajes de Amor,” and of “Messages of Love.” I hardly know how to thank you enough for this splendid donation to our mission. Surely the Lord has been good to give us such friends at this time. As I told Miss B— these papers I thought the best we had ever been able to find, both in point of interest and the gospel note in every story or incident, and are particularly adapted to our work by backing the truth up with the Word. And it seemed the Lord providentially supplied this need at this time, as the work is opening up in different directions and we did not have the supplies or literature to meet the need.
You might be glad to know how the work was started. It began as a little Sunday School in “Dog-Town”, as they call it, our present location. Our work has continued to grow. Only recently after a ten days’ meeting, there were thirteen clearly converted Mexicans. Last night we concluded another two weeks of service. The Lord has greatly blest, and a goodly number have been clearly born again. One fine young Mexican man who feels called to preach, has greatly rejoiced our hearts. Last Saturday night five young people, twelve to fourteen years of age, prayed. Best of all, the Lord was present and there was great blessing upon all, and freedom of the Spirit. One lady was clearly converted during the class meeting. From this brief survey of the field, including four Sunday schools, you can see what your kind gift to us has meant. Best of all we know that you are one who will follow your gift with earnest, believing prayer for souls. This we need most of all—real intercession that brings down God’s blessing on workers and members.
With kind Christian regards, and sincere appreciation for your interest in this work.
Yours in the Master’s service,
B. H. P.
Alhambra, California.
Dear Miss U—:
I want you to know that I highly appreciate the “Mensajes de Amor” you have been sending me, and the Mexican people are glad to receive them. There is so much to be done among this neglected people. A thousand thanks for them. The Mexicans enjoy them so much.
Yours sincerely in Christ,
R. H. B.
San Antonio, Texas.
Dear Sister:
I am receiving a hundred copies of the Spanish “Messages of Love” monthly. I could easily distribute twice that many in the hospital and in houses. I thank God that He has made it possible for you to thus furnish this Literature. I ask an interest in your prayers.
Yours in Him,
E. C. DeJ.
Staten Island, New York. Dear Sister in the Lord:—
Thank you very much for the copies of the Spanish “Messages of Love.” I distribute them to the Spanish patients in the U. S. Marine Hospital, and to other Spaniards, here, and in New York City, and elsewhere. At the 4.1. S. Marine Hospital the Superintendent took me to the Spanish patients, and introduced me himself to them, and said that they were really good periodicals, and should be read. He also took me to those in charge, and told them to faithfully distribute them to the Spaniards. A Spaniard took some copies I gave him, and read them with tears in his eyes, and afterward put them in his bosom, and said he would send them back to Spain. I pray for you and these tracts. Pray for me in the Lord’s work, please. John 14: 14.
Your brother in Christ,
W. E. S.
Caracas, Venezuela, South America
Dear Miss U.
Would you be able to send me 3,000 or 4,000 tracts in Spanish for free distribution here in the Lord’s work? There is a great need of good, sound gospel literature in this land, and would be glad to receive any you might send.
Yours in His Service,
J. L.