The Bible Coach

    

    The beloved Coche Bíblico stands out in my memories like a favorite character. As I traced its ubiquitous presence, I arrived at a fuller understanding of the history of the Brethren church in Argentina.  

    Colportage, traveling about selling and distributing religious tracts and books, became quite common at the time of the Reformation, but goes back centuries before that. The term, from the French, combination of comporter (to peddle) and col (neck), meant “to carry on one’s neck” indicating the early method of transporting literature. Colporteurs’ means of travel have varied throughout the centuries.  

    In Argentina, other Bible peddlers had gone before, some on horseback or sulky (horse and buggy). An early challenge to the Brethren in the USA exhorted parishioners to share in the purchase of a Bible Coach for this new mission field. It  read: “We have only talked Bible Coach while our missionaries have walked. If we thought less of auto-riding and more of ought-to-giving. . .” A plea also went out for workers to be the colporteurs. 

    In 1918 The Brethren Foreign Missionary Society authorized the purchase of a Bible Coach. A fund toward the project had begun in 1917 in North Manchester, IN. The 1919 Easter offerings from the churches provided the rest, with the Muncie Mission being the first to send in its contribution of 25 cents per member.

    A Ford Truck frame, purchased in La Carlota (the same town where my family´s missionary journey began!), served as the chassis. The top, designed by an expert from Barcelona and built in Río Cuarto, cost approximately $2,000. It was a model of compactness and convenience, suited to the ministry, and so well made it could last a lifetime.

    The back of the front seat folds down and a front piece comes up, forming a bed which can be prepared in a moment. Below is the space for books and tracts, while above on one side is the wardrobe and on the other the kitchen outfit. The wardrobe doors open revealing a side seat. A blue-flame kerosene stove serves splendidly for the cooking. At the rear, a narrow tier of shelves and drawers make room for toilet articles, etc.

    Over the side steps on the outside there are cylindrical tanks for water, gasoline, carburo [carbide], and tools. The carbide makes a satisfactory light for the interior of the coach or for a meeting around the coach. The side windows are reversible, and one side is a blackboard, which bears the notices on each side of the coach. The front windows are removable. When they are on, the coach is entirely closed and can be locked up and left like a house. The center is high, to permit standing upright, and windows at each side of the high part give light and ventilation. Three or four persons can live comfortably in the coach but there is a small tent which can be taken along when necessary. The coach has proven its ability to go over all kinds of bad roads where an ordinary auto can go and has carried as many as twenty-five people through mud and rain. (The Brethren Evangelist, July 21, 1921.)

    The Bible Coach was dedicated on Easter Sunday, April 4, 1920. 

    Three workers aboard, el Auto Evangélico left on its maiden trip. Their first destination was La Carlota, “my” town. 

    Clarence Sickel was the new missionary commissioned for this unique ministry. Clarence and Loree had arrived in the country in November of 1919 and were still learning the language and ways of Argentina. Two seasoned workers, Yoder and Edwards, accompanied them. Clarence proved to be a model driver, could sing stirring solos, and even had mechanic skills. Loree remained in La Carlota with the resident missionaries to help them pack for their return to the US.

    As one writer put it, “There’s muckle adae when cadgers ride." (“There is large much ado when carriers ride.” The Brethren Evangelist, October 6, 1920.) A whole lot of preparation took place before the couriers set out--to stock the cupboards with provisions (cold cuts, eggs, tea, etc.), and bed clothing; to load an abundant supply of Bibles, New Testaments, scripture portions and tracts; to fill the fuel and water tanks.

    Then the real work began.

    We find that the auto behaves beautifully with the load it carries. . . people everywhere come out to see the auto that looks more like a streetcar. We can stop most anywhere and have people to talk to from morning to night. (The Brethren Evangelist, June 23, 1920.)

Charles Yoder, the pioneer with a decade of experience who went along for a few days on this first outing, continues: We sleep better in the coach than in a house and have it conveniently arranged for cooking as well. On the way from one town to another we can take all the quails, pheasants, rabbits we want and sometimes armadillos and ducks. [More importantly, however,] we distributed thousands of good tracts and portions of the scriptures and are quite enthusiastic over the work. (The Brethren Evangelist, June 23, 1920.)

It is our policy to confine our work to our district, and on account of the high price of gasoline (60 centavos per gallon, equivalent $1) to remain in a town until it is thoroughly canvassed before going to another. (The Brethren Evangelist, July 21, 1921.)

The district referred to, an area comparable to the state of Indiana, is in the province of Córdoba in the center of Argentina, with headquarters in Río Cuarto. This city was chosen for several reasons—the largest population (35,000), its centrality and its mild climate, but mostly it was still unoccupied, unreached, in a spiritually dark and hostile area. The idea was to expand out from there along the different lines of the railroad, and the plan for the Bible Coach was to canvass every town in each direction, even stopping along the way at country homes. One colporteur, who had been doing this kind of work for years with his horse and buggy, joined the new team in the beginning to reach remote country homes not accessible to the Coach. 

These colporteurs imitated the pattern Jesus gave the disciples when he sent them out. “Go your way, behold I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves . . . Whatever house. . . if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest upon him.” (Luke 10:3-4)

When a town is entered, if there are people already interested in the gospel, they soon make themselves known and thus form a group or center for further work. A record is kept of all persons interested in each town, so that the work can be followed up in subsequent visits. (The Brethren Evangelist, July 21, 1921)

    This “church on wheels” was entering the domain of the Roman Catholic Church which, at that time, had no competition. Sadly, it was not a robust and pure religion. Although it had lost credibility due to widespread corruption and immorality, it still held cultural and political control. Priests began to organize special events, festivals, dances, loud music, anything to distract and oppose the efforts of the “intruders.” Some resorted to threats, destroying the literature and inciting violence. School teachers could threaten and punish those who associated with the evangélicos. The level of opposition varied depending on whether the town had a resident priest or only a visiting monk. Nuns were considered the worst enemies. 

    However, a welcoming like-minded minority prevailed among the European-born immigrants. The great immigration wave (late nineteenth, early twentieth century) brought people who had been taught the Bible. These were among the first followers, helpers, and leaders in the mission points and churches established as a result of more than thirty years of colportage. Some had long prayed for a Bible-believing fellowship. A few had begun to teach the Bible in their native language until a Spanish helper came along. Interestingly, most of the evangelists who traveled with the Bible Coach had European roots: German, Chech, Spanish, Italian. Reasons for migration were as varied as the nationalities—to seek a better life, to escape hardship and oppression, to find or develop new business opportunities. In some towns, such as La Carlota, the Bible Coach workers conducted separate meetings for the English-speaking population, mostly British, earlier immigrants who played an important role in the development of the Argentine railways.

    The Bible Coach workers were sent out in pairs for a four-month tour and, when possible, spent the winter in one town involved in follow-up ministry. The routine was to first go to the police station and town authorities to inform them of the purpose of their visit and get permission to set up in a choice location for open air meetings or to find a hall they could use for indoor gatherings. Then they wrote the time and place on the reversible blackboard window and canvassed the town to invite people and peddle their literature. 

The advantages afforded by this unique vehicle were listed in an article by field superintendent, C. F. Yoder.

    This method allows for several colporteurs to work together, thus encouraging one another. Second, they remain in one place as long as they wish with little expense and continue the work whether the weather is favorable or not. Third, to follow up their selling by teaching. Fourth, makes possible public meetings. Fifth, to carry a larger variety of Bibles, tracts, and other books suitable. Sixth, to reach the small villages and country places which the colporteur cannot ordinarily reach on account of the difficulty and expense. Seventh, the BC attracts the attention of those who are interested in the work and brings gifts and offerings. (The Brethren Evangelist, July 21, 1921.)

    The beloved Coche Bíblico labored long and hard for more than thirty years, weathering storms of all kinds: médanos, sandstorms during periods of drought; pantanos, deep mud bogs during rainy seasons; and the spiritual opposition.

    After five years the motor broke down. In 1927 it was back in service with a repaired motor and repainted body. There were times when it languished in a garage. Changes, additions, and improvements were made along the way.
In 1928 a half-tent was attached to the side, and the need for a major overhaul was recognized. That same year, Mrs. Lowmann, from Roann, IN, asked that in lieu of memorial flowers, monies go to a fund for the “church on wheels.” She died September 3. The $43.50 that came in started the offering needed for the new chassis. The mission points born from the many visits of the Bible Coach also contributed their support.

    In the winter of 1929, the Bible Coach sat idle. There was a serious flu epidemic. Schools were closed for a whole month. In Río Cuarto alone, fifteen to twenty funerals were conducted daily. When spring weather came around, however, two workers set out with the old coach on a south westerly route. 

    Then in 1930 a new chassis was purchased with a “horse of the proper size which gives a sense of power and security.” (The Brethren Evangelist, January 4, 1930.) With a new coat of paint and the addition of a stereopticon projector and loud speaking equipment, the Coach was ready and loaded for its next tour. 

    A couple of years later a tent and folding benches for two hundred were added, allowing for overflowing crowds to meet inside and out.

    Seventeen years after the beginning of its travels, an annual report from the mission field stated: The high light of our work is, no doubt, the Bible Coach. With its present equipment of loudspeaker and balopticon, and the facility for giving outdoor illustrated messages, we have one of the most efficient ways in all of the Argentine of giving the Gospel message to the people as a whole. The music draws the crowds, the pictures hold the attention, and the message given through the loudspeaker cannot fail to reach the ears, not only of those who draw near, but many more who remain in their homes, refusing to be seen with the “heretics.”  (The Brethren Evangelist, October 9, 1937.)

    Numbers may better express the magnitude of the outreach. That year alone, the tour covered twenty-five towns and held eighty-three meetings (64 open air, 19 in halls) with audiences between 350 and 1200. The written Word went out by the hundreds--850 New Testaments, 175 Bibles, 500 portions. The Lord’s blessing was on the ministry despite a late start due to lack of workers. The late mild fall weather allowed the Coach ministry to continue longer than usual. Far beyond these quantifiable statistics, eternity will reveal the impact of the colporteurs’ visits to each home, their many contacts and conversations.

    The advantages of this ministry have been enumerated thus: each town had the opportunity to hear the Gospel; isolated believers found fellowship and follow up; believers began to meet to study the Bible; Sunday Schools led to mission points and then established churches; the colporteurs were blessed and grew in the process; each visit blessed, encouraged, and grew the mission points; and those who supported the work were blessed. 

    The statement, we have never done a better work in Argentina than to send out the Bible Coach (The Brethren Evangelist, August 3, 1935.) proved true after years of ministry and unnumbered tours that led to mission stations and later established churches. 

    This Gospel work impacted the culture. 

    Writing specifically to the effect on women, one missionary wrote:  

    Evangelical missions have no easy path to tread in Latin America, but they have left a trail of gospel seeds through tracts, leaflets, testaments, Bibles, and lives that have done more than anything else to keep the women of Latin America from the grave danger of swinging away from all religion, as her men did. (The Brethren Evangelist, March 12, 1938.)

    The intense persecution in the beginning and the amazing results years later, reminded me of the promise, “Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. (Psalm 126:6)"

    The concept of vehicles as means to spread the Gospel has become a recurring theme in my life. 

    I married a man with a heart for God and the mind of an engineer. Convinced that, like Bezalel in the Old Testament (Ex. 35:30-33), he could use his gift for design and invention to help spread the Word,  he outfitted recreational vehicles with secret compartments to carry thousands of units of scriptures and literature to be delivered by dedicated Christian “tourists” to believers in closed countries. He also designed a remotely controlled airplane to drop packets of Gospel literature into Albania, at the time the country most closed to the Gospel. 

    Later, as a family, we lived five years on a missionary ship, yet another vehicle to penetrate many nations with the Good News. As a community of more than three hundred volunteers, our main goal was to make the message of abundant life in Jesus accessible in many lands.

    Jesus Himself took on a human body as a vehicle to dwell among us, reveal God’s nature, and even be delivered for our salvation and life abundant. “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10b ESV)” 

Births and Beginnings

 

    Soon after our brief family vacation in the sierras of Córdoba, Mother wrote in a note to her parents (March 23, 1947): Rita needs a little sister or brother and we trust she will get one someday. Soon it will be three years and that's a long time. 

   
    Dad also mentioned their desire, We do see each day that she needs a brother or sister. Then he goes on to explain why, she is rather nice at home, but once she gets with the other children--everything is hers.

    Another motivating factor could have been the presence of new babies within the missionary community. Late in November, my parents wrote, the Schrocks are expecting two instead of one. The doctor thought he could hear two heart beats, and then after they had an X-ray picture, they could very clearly see two heads, two backbones etc. May the Lord help them . . . they just started in with their preaching points last week . . . baby[ies] to come anytime now . . . However, I don't believe the Lord gives us anything to do without also giving us the necessary strength. The Schrocks have only clothes enough for one baby. 

   
    Then on December 5 Dad wrote, The Schrock twins were born December 2. They named them Norman Edward and Rebecca Ann . . . We're anxious to see them now, but perhaps it will be some little time yet because they are some sixty miles away. We have a car and would pack up and leave tomorrow, but the tires are so poor that we must save them for the work in our towns. Kathryn is having two sweaters made for them. Women here will make a sweater for a small baby for two pesos or 50 cents.

    For my third birthday in May, Daddy made me a doll buggy. Were they hoping to prepare me to welcome a baby into the family?

   
    My parents added further descriptive details of me at age three for the faraway grandparents. Rita is growing more in her actions than in her body; she is really a small one. . . seems to be very healthy and rather plump, wrote Dad. 

   
    Earlier, in response to specific questions, Mother had written, She's about 34" tall and weighs about 30 lbs. Just a chubby runt. She still is wearing the same dresses as when you saw her. Just now I heard her say "Buen provecho" to Margarita. Whenever you see someone eating you say that, meaning that you wish their food to taste good and settle well.

   
    Dad responded further,  You asked if Rita talks Spanish. The question is does she talk English. She knows several choruses in Spanish and we were just thinking that she doesn't know a single song in English. She likes to line her dollies, bears, and dogs up in a row and lead them in the songs, first announcing the hymn or chorus and then singing it.

    Not long after, God granted their desire--my mother became pregnant.

    On the reverse side of the photo I could barely read the faded note penciled in her beautiful handwriting.

October 1947  

Taken in too bright a sun but is quite good of Rita. The dress is the one Sam gave me for my birthday. He got it sent from the States through Mother Hoyt.

    Unfortunately, the treasure trove of letters has run out. From here on I am forced to rely on random articles, photos, the stories passed on in our family, and my own feeble memories. I am immensely grateful for the years of correspondence that survived and came into my possession.

    Among the stories passed down in our family, was one about a two-hour bus ride to Río Cuarto when they could not keep me quiet. I was constantly making noises. When asked why, I answered, "Soy una máquina para hacer ruido." (I am a noise machine.) I long assumed that it was when we traveled to the city to fetch my baby sibling. But I am unable to verify the exact occasion for lack of letters.

    
    However, the arrival of a baby brother is well documented by the birth announcement and photos that survived these many decades.

    I appear to be thrilled to have a baby brother. Around this time, there was another "birth" that has brought me lasting joy--my own welcome into the family of God.

    First, let me introduce a name and person that stands out so prominently in my memories, la señorita Krieger, as we called her. Theda Krieger was the pioneer of the evangelization of children, the founder in 1947 of LAPEN (Liga Argentina Pro-Evangelización del Niño). 

    When she was five-years-old, she opened her heart to Jesus, but when she wanted to respond publicly to the invitation, an adult stopped her and said this was not for her. She lived five years of soul torment, feeling unworthy and rejected, until she understood the truth that Jesus calls and welcomes children. 

    
    At age 100, she invited one and all to celebrate with her what God had done. On that occasion she gave a passionate plea for people to carry on after her. "If all of you here told one child per week of the love of Jesus, that He is preparing a place for them in heaven if they invite Him in, just think how many would know!"

    My mother always told me that I prayed with Miss Krieger to invite Jesus into my life. I cannot recall the experience nor pinpoint a date. However, I believe it. True to her life passion, she did not miss an opportunity to share the love of Jesus with any child that crossed her path. I was one of those, at age three. 

    
    What I do remember distinctly is that every time I heard of Jesus knocking at the door of my heart, I prayed to let Him in. Then one day a Miss Hebe explained that He would not leave me, thus I need not invite Him over and over. His Spirit comes in to stay and fellowship with me forever. 

    
    As I grew, I came to understand and love Revelation 3:20 (NRSV): "Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking; if you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to you and eat with you, and you with me."

Vacation

Ministro Pistarini, partial view of reservoir

   
    Mid summer, after returning from camp, life was still very full, programs and meetings to look forward to with no pause. Dad wrote, We are still on the run but we like it. (February 10)

   
    My parents were now equipped with all the necessary documents--driver's license and identity cards. Each had a cédula de identidad, but only Dad had obtained a carnet de conductor. These were small 2.5-by-4 inches leather-bound booklets.

   

    Eight days later (Feb. 18), Dad wrote, The Dowdys left on their vacation Feb. 14 and will stay two weeks. We expect to leave on our vacation March 3, but we will not be able to stay two weeks. We just can't see our way cler to leave the works that long . . . we are going to the town of La Falda near the city of Córdoba [49 miles]. It is well into the Sierra mountains. After being on the go as we have, we feel like a vacation although we do not deserve one.

 
    I dug out all the photos of that vacation. I myself do not remember the experience. However, I have no recollection of later family getaways either. Perhaps future letters will tell me whether we ever did go on another planned vacation.

    Dad's letter of March 7th is addressed from "Mi Sueño Cottage--La Falda of the Sierras." I searched online to learn more about that area and be able to interpret the photos. I couldn't find information about a Mi Sueño hotel. 

    
    However, as I perused all the La Falda images online, I learned much about the historic Eden Hotel. In fact, I wondered whether we had visited it. Was this photo taken at the top of its marble staircase?

     In any case, I found the story of El Eden fascinating. Built, owned and managed by German immigrants, some with close ties to the Nazis, after the fall of the Reich, in March of 1945, it was declared "enemy property". The town of La Falda grew up around the area to service the enormous enterprise. Open to the public from 1898 to 1965, some of its famous guests include presidents, princes, celebrities, among them poet Rubén Darío, scientist Albert Einstein.[1] 

   
    The Edenic glory days were followed by nearly half a century of deterioration, vandalism and looting. A seemingly impossible restoration project began in 2007, to bring back its architectural grandeur, and historic significance. The Eden Hotel opened its doors again on January 2, 2013, to a limited number of guests and daily tours of the museum. Many cultural events and educational opportunities have been added since then.

    So, how did our family vacation go? Dad's letter continues, Arrived in La Falda about 7 P.M. The Debannes from Los Cisnes have been here for one month. They met us and had already secured a room for us. It is a room with bath. 

    
    Ah! That explains why we went there. The Debanne family arranged it! They were a very prominent family in the small town, populated largely by European immigrants, and owned the largest general store in Los Cisnes. 

    Dad's letter continues: Wednesday we went to what is called Piedras Grandes or Great Rocks. The name reveals what we saw. The rock is mainly of one class, a gray with tiny silver specks in it. It is hard and excellent for building. Many of the homes are built from it up here. The place is just full of nice homes. They aren't like the homes in our section. They are separate and have tile roofs instead of tin. The roofs are also slanting instead of flat. All through the mountains around Córdoba there are nice homes, gardens, hotels, etc.

    If Kathryn had had the clothes to go horseback riding we would have done a little of that this morning, but she didn't. As far as I'm concerned I'm ready to go and I guess Kathryn is too. This is out of our class here. All the big bugs come here.

    Both my parents came from families that struggled to make ends meet. Perhaps that explains why they did not feel comfortable in higher class settings. Dad was one of ten children who all worked hard and even achieved high levels of education. Mother grew up in a small town pastor's home, one of six. I cannot imagine either family was accustomed to going on vacation.  

    I was interested to read how my parents made the most of both trips to visit their fellow missionaries and become acquainted with their places of work, even going out of their way. Apparently that was more appealing to them than tourist-type recreations.

    We started out Monday morning the 3rd and were going . . .to visit the Maconaghys first. It had rained so much near Corral de Bustos that the dirt road leading to their place from the pavement was impassable so we turned around and went to Río Cuarto. . .we sent a telegram to the Sickels telling them we would arrive after supper that same day in Almafuerte. We arrived there about 10 P.M. to find no one at home. While waiting in the car in front of their house someone across the street took pity on us and invited us to stay the night with them. We wanted to wait for the Sickels because we were sure they would arrive, but the folks insisted so we went with them. About 12:30 they Sickels drove up. We were staying in the front bedroom so we saw them come. Being in bed already we just stayed the night through. The next morning we saw them receive our telegram of the day before. We spent the morning with them and then started on our trip to La Falda.

   This photo must have been taken on the way from Almafuerte to La Falda. I recognize the partial view of the reservoir in the background, Embalse de Río Tercero, officially Ministro Pistarini.

    Back then in 1947 this was the largest reservoir in South America and there were already two operating hydroelectric plants in the area. 

    The letter ends, We're expecting to leave tomorrow to visit the Schrocks--see their place and town, then go to visit the Maconaghys if we can get there this time. While we're up here Kathryn is getting a cavity filled in one of her teeth. Rita has fallen out of bed twice on our vacation. The second time she fell on her potty and bruised her face a little.

    Thus ended our vacation experience. 

    

    As I wrote this chapter, I thought deeply about the concept of vacation - taking a break from work routines. 

• In the very beginning God consecrated a day of rest each week as a rhythm of life, and even modeled it Himself. 
• He created our bodies to require sleep regularly. 
• Interestingly, even the land needs rest! "But in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a Sabbath to the Lord. You shall not sow your field or prune your vineyard (Lev. 25:4 NIV)." Perhaps it is a time for us to stop, reflect, and enjoy God? Is He also blessed by our redirection and refocus?
• Numerous times God promises to give us rest. "Come unto me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest (Matt. 11:28 NIV)."

    Whether or not my family experienced other official vacations, my parents' sincere desire was to trust God and say with the Psalmist, "Truly my soul finds rest in God (Ps. 62:1 NIV)."

1. Gardner, S. (2006, January 7). Nazi past haunts fallen Argentine hotel. ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/Travel/story?id=119160&page=1

The First Summer

    

    Our move to La Carlota was in late February, 1946, so we had not yet experienced all the events of a full summer. My parents took over the work begun in 1938 by Hill and Dorothy Maconaghy and continued by Paul and Dortha Dowdy. When they moved mid November to another town, my parents were alone to carry on the ministry in four towns. 

    In December they added another meeting! Dad wrote, One of the believers lives quite a distance from the salón. Realizing that one must have much interest to come so far to a meeting, he thought it would be nice to have meetings in his home. The first time there were 19 present, 28 the second. The attendance kept growing to the point that the "annex" had more attendees than the main meeting hall.

    Summer expectations, in addition to the regularly scheduled services, included a Christmas program, Daily Vacation Bible Schools in each town, a week or more at camp, and another at conference. Pastors got together in October to plan these events. 

    Nélida Nuñez, a young full-time worker, was sent to lead the DVBS programs in our area. Scheduling all four throughout the summer could be a problem. The first one was held before Christmas. Another was postponed a week due to the weather. Summer rains interrupted the classes a few times. My parents enthusiasm and dedication was not dampened. As a family we were present to help out with each one. 

    In one town, Alejandro, an older mission point,we stayed for the duration. My parents took cots and the essentials to spend the nights in the salón. Mother wrote, We have two rooms here. One is the kitchen with running water and the other is where we have our meetings. We sleep in the meeting room and eat in the other. . . This is one of the nicer salons but one of the least encouraging groups.

    A few photos tell me more about my parents participation. Dad drove around the town with the mounted loud speaker to announce and invite people to the meetings. And Mother played the harmonium, a small portable pump organ. 

    There are very few of my own memories of this period of my life. However, one incident stands out. Do I remember it or have I been told the story so many times? It happened that on a trip to one of the towns, I don't know when or where, my dad and I were alone and the car rolled over. I was trapped and handed out through the window unhurt. The dirt roads were treacherous. In dry seasons the dust was so thick cars got stuck and when it rained, the mud and puddles were impassable. Perhaps the roads and weather conditions were too new to Dad. There was mention in one letter that a couple of men had offered to drive because he did not know the roads and their potholes.

    Sandwiched between these events, was church camp in January. The first one was held in 1941, almost as an experiment. The missionaries had known the impact of these retreats as they grew up in their own country, but it was a foreign concept in Argentina. They started out very small, but the impact was such that the attendance nearly doubled the following year. 

    Other challenges were to find a suitable location, preferably away in the hills or countryside, with shade, water, and a place to swim. Then there was the problem of transportation. Trucks and cars were used to carry the campers and equipment from Río Cuarto, the central church and mission headquarters, to an ideal spot in the sierras of Córdoba. 

    I do not know where the 1947 camp took place, only that three men, including Dad, went on a search in August, but finally settled on the same location as the previous year. 

    Mother started writing the family letter in her beautiful handwriting on a Thursday at 10:30 PM: 

    At the moment I'm sitting in the dining room tent with noise and shouting all about me so if I don't make sense it won't be strange. We've had our evening meeting and now the kids are playing games for awhile yet.

    Monday morning about 7:30 we left La Carlota for camp. For dinner we were at Dowdy's[now in Río Cuarto], then the whole group left about 4 o'clock. About 6 something we arrived in camp.

    What do I remember about that camp? Obviously as a two-and-half year-old, nothing. But as I look at the photos, I interpret them with the understanding of my own memories of many years. I remember fun trips traveling to camp in the back of a truck.

    Dad continued the letter, Kathryn didn't have time to finish this letter in camp so I will try to finish it now. The Lord helped me wonderfully in the study which I had to present. They all seemed to understand and absorb the teachings. He enclosed an outline. I was amazed at the content, the organization, and especially the perfect Spanish.

    I found an article by Mrs Ricardo Wagner, "Young People's Camps in Argentina" (Brethren Missionary Herald, Vol. 9, 1947). She describes the daily program planned by a special committee.

". . .a devotional period before breakfast, breakfast, and after a short interlude, three or four Bible studies in the morning. Between these Bible classes is a brief intermission during which some type of supervised recreation is provided for those who feel they must exercise. Short song services are also held during the morning. After the noon meal a rest period is insisted upon, sometimes with some difficulty. . . brought to a close by afternoon refreshments consisting of "mate cocido" . . .
The rest of the afternoon is given over to recreation such as swimming, hiking, ball games and as many other games as it is possible to crowd in. . . The recreation is interrupted by the evening meal early enough so that it can be over before dark. It is supposed to conclude the day's activities but the young people have always wanted to continue with a game or two afterwards."

    The next photo tells me that I was happy to see Mrs. Dowdy a month from their move. I remember doña Elena, the hired cook, for the wonderful meals and her efficiency running the kitchen. The wives all worked together with her. My favorite meal related memory from later years as a young camper, was afternoon tea time--mate cocido and pan con dulce.

    

Mrs. Dowdy, Rita, doña Elena

    Laura Wagner's article helps us understand this makeshift kitchen that fed us so well.

"Naturally the place requiring most equipment is the kitchen. A special kerosene stove has been built consisting of a row of burners connected to a large pressure tank. Tables with shelves underneath for dishes are set up like a counter on one side and down the center of the kitchen providing cupboard room and a place to work. Of course the dishes often get dusty because the shelves are open and our floors are lose dirt, but then we are camping and dust will come off with a towel! Both the stove and tables have proven very practical in taking care of conference crowds as well. In exchange, camp expenditures have been kept down by being able to use the conference supply of dishes, kettles, etc. The Bible Coach equipment is also pressed into service and the Bible Coach itself has given very satisfactory service in hauling supplies and for storage purposes. The only difficulty with our running water is that it runs in the creek below us and has to be brought up to the kitchen by manpower. 

The dining room furnishings consist of specially made table tops resting on saw-horses and the Bible Coach folding benches. A small pulpit and a folding organ at one end is the addition necessary to make the same place serve as class room. 

In the dormitory tents, he furnishings are provided by the young folks themselves, each one bringing what he needs for the week. A rope stretched between the two large tent poles provides closet space fo the girls."

Ever a favorite camp experience was the hike in the sierras. I am fairly certain that I did not go on the excursión that first year. 

    The following photo confirms my suspicion. I'm glad my twenty-five year-old mother was able to enjoy the outing without me.

     It appears there were plenty of willing babysitters available to look after me! I am reminded that guys and gals had separate swimming areas.

     

    The Argentine Grace Brethren eventually purchased their own camp site and upgraded to buildings and modern equipment. Sessions for different age groups were added as well as a family camp. For eighty years now the tradition continues strong. 
    

    So, how did my family survive this intense summer? Did we need or want a vacation? I will talk about that in the next chapter. But for now what comes to mind is one of my favorite verses: "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Eph. 2:10 ESV)" I do believe my parents lived like this, walking into what God had already prepared for them, and trusting that His grace would sustain them.