1966

Aldo holding Alan, Ivan in front of Dad & Mother

The photo tells me that the Argentina Hoyts spent some time at the denomination's campground, Cerro San Lorenzo,in January or February for any one or more of the camp sessions and the annual conference.

    January 5 was Ivan's eighth birthday and Alan turned three March 7. Lynn and I, their older siblings at Grace College, had gifted them school sweatshirts.

    How were Lynn and I getting along in college? From an April write-up in the denominational magazine, it appears we, along with other MKs, were grateful to the Sisterhood of Mary and Martha for their financial help toward our education. 

     I successfully graduated from Grace College, June 1. 

Uncle Herman presented me with my diploma. 

    Though my parents could not be there, I was grateful for the presence of a few relatives. Uncle Phil and Grandma Hirschy came from Pennsylvania to celebrate the occasion.

    Later that month there was more turmoil in Argentina, a coup d'etat. The Grace Brethren magazine included a brief report.

Another Revolt Hits Argentina

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA. For the fourth time in 11 years, the military forces have taken over the government of Argentina. On June 28 the government headed by Arturo Illia toppled from its unsteady foundation. Lieutenant General Juan Carlos Onganía, former army commander-in-chief, took power through a ruling junta.

     According to U.S.News and World Report, "Army spokesmen charged that Illía had proved unable to cope with a situation of mounting inflation and political extremism."

    The takeover of the president's quarters in the Casa Rosada [Argentina's Government House] was by means of a sudden and bloodless coup.

    No problems have arisen on the part of U.S. citizens in Argentina. Brethren missionaries have reported absolutely no trouble or difficulty on their part as a result of this change in government. (Brethren Missionary Herald, 8.06.1966) 

    Perhaps it was a bit early to detect the implications for the missionaries and believers. According to Wikipedia, the Revolución Argentina, was a calm bloodless takeover headed by General Juan Carlos Onganía, who aimed to establish a new political and social order, opposed to both liberal democracy and Communism, giving the Armed Forces a political and economic leadership role. Distinguished political scientist, Guillermo O'Donnell, referred to this and other similar regimes as "authoritarian-bureaucratic state." It was a messy period that lasted seven years.

    Early on in this military dictatorship, one sad event stood out--La Noche de los Bastones Largos (Night of  the Long Truncheons/Batons). The acting president, Onganía, ordered police to invade the University of Buenos Aires. Students and professors were arrested. University autonomy was violated. This repression led 301 professors to leave the country.

    The government also proscribed the use of women's mini-skirts and long hair for men, in an effort to fight "immoralism." 

    I thought about the dear friends I'd left behind. Two of them answered my request that they write up their testimony. I have had these letters and photos in my Argentina album all these many years.

    Delia lived in our neighborhood. She wrote about when we met in third grade. She enjoyed coming to Sunday School and services that met in our home at the time. 

I was very happy attending Sunday School and Child Evangelism clubs, and then there were some years where the devil made his presence known. The Lord heard the prayers and constancy of my friend. Little by little my heart was transformed by the grace of our loving Father.

I was 16-years-old when, at camp, I publicly gave manifestation of faith in Christ as my personal Savior. That was the beginning of a life of spiritual growth and fellowship.

Now I am 21, and the Lord has called me to study in the Bible Institute. Lord willing I will begin next April. 

Emilia (Milly) Piaggio

    Milly wrote about going to Sunday School and church when they lived with her father's side of the family. After his early death, they moved to be with her maternal grandmother and lost touch with the church. 

However, the Lord, had already prepared the day of salvation for me.

 It all began when I entered secondary school in Quilmes. . . There God put Rita in my path . . . . We got closer after our third year. Toward the end of the school year in 1960, I remember our conversation began as a result of a topic the professor brought up for debate: the death penalty. I realized then that I knew very little what the Bible had to say.

    Around that same time, my friend Mirtha's book was circulating among my friends. [Read Mirtha's story and an interview.]

Rita let me read Brillando para El , which was a great blessing in my life and I felt the desire to attend the Sunday School Rita had invited me to. I began attending in 1960 and never quit going. From then on the Lord began to work in my life. I cannot say precisely what day I was converted. I only know the Lord Jesus entered my heart and saved me.

I made my first decision to serve Him during the 1961 camp where I was greatly blessed and called to serve the Lord. I was baptized in October of 1962. Lord willing I will begin to study His Word in the Bible Institute in Almafuerte next year, 1966.  

Pedro Berardo, Tito Siccardi, Hugo Abeldaño, Raul Pagliano
Aldo y Esther Ferro, Betty Pizarro, Martha Reartes, Ana Pagliano
Delia Princic, Any Claro, Mildret Funes, Elvira Garay, Emilia Piaggio

    There were fifteen full-time and seven part-time students that year. A married couple gave up their business to prepare for ministry.

    Entrance requirements were: at least six years of previous schooling, a recommendation from their pastor, and a health certificate.  

    My father was the director that year. He also taught some courses, including night classes for local part-time students.

Solon Hoyt teaching a class.

Tito Siccardi and Delia Princic going door to door.

   

    These reminiscences are strong reminders of how the LORD calls and sends out His chosen to bear fruit, lasting for eternity. Only then will we begin to grasp the far-reaching results of God's work through His followers who spread His Word.

 

You did not choose me,
but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit
and that your fruit should abide, 

so that whatever you ask the Father in my name,
he may give it to you.

(John 15:16 ESV)