Ferdinand and Ana Stahl were prominent Adventist missionaries whose impactful work spanned Bolivia, Peru, and beyond. Their legacy of service among indigenous populations reflects their dedication to spreading the gospel, improving health and education, and advocating for the marginalized.
Ferdinand and Ana Stahl were prominent Adventist missionaries whose impactful work spanned Bolivia, Peru, and beyond. Their legacy of service among indigenous populations reflects their dedication to spreading the gospel, improving health and education, and advocating for the marginalized.
Ferdinand Anthony Stahl was born Jan. 3, 1874, in Pentwater, Michigan, and faced a challenging childhood marked by loss and hardship. His father died when he was eight months old, and his stepfather's mistreatment led him to flee home at age 10. Ana Christina Carlson, born Nov. 27, 1870, in Sweden, came from a Lutheran family. Their meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, marked the beginning of a partnership rooted in shared resilience and faith.
The Stahls married in a simple civil ceremony when Ferdinand was 19 and Ana 22. Ferdinand worked as a store manager while studying at night, and Ana worked as a waitress. Their first child, Frena, was born during this period. Nine years into their marriage, they encountered Adventist canvasser Nelson Hubbert, whose influence led Ferdinand to quit smoking and explore Bible studies. Though initially resistant due to what he believed was his stepfather's hypocrisy of reading scripture daily, Ferdinand eventually embraced the Adventist faith, losing his job as a result of keeping the Sabbath.
Motivated by their newfound beliefs, the couple pursued nursing education in Madison, Wisconsin, and later at the Battle Creek Sanitarium in Michigan. Inspired by Adventism’s global missionary fervor, they set out to preach the gospel worldwide.
After completing their nursing education, the Stahls managed a struggling health post in Cleveland, Ohio. Their dedication transformed the facility, leading to its success and eventual expansion into a sanitarium. Their second child, Wallace, was born during this time. Ferdinand’s growing conviction to serve abroad led him to seek guidance from Ellen G. White, who encouraged them to offer their services to the General Conference.
In 1909, the Stahls embarked on a mission to Bolivia, traveling with Pastor Eduardo Thomann. Ferdinand’s work included selling Bibles and providing medical care. Ana supported women and children, while their children, Frena and Wallace, contributed by learning local languages and engaging in community outreach. Over two years, the Stahls served diverse communities, including miners and indigenous populations, laying the groundwork for Adventist mission work in the region.
From 1911 to 1918, the Stahls worked in the Puno highlands of Peru, focusing on health and education among the Aymara and Quechua peoples. Their efforts began in Platería, where they observed the devastating effects of poor hygiene and substance abuse. They organized hygiene classes, performed medical procedures, and taught disease prevention. The first official Adventist school in the region, established in 1911, became a model for educational outreach.
Despite threats and opposition, the Stahls’ mission flourished. By the end of their stay, Ferdinand reported significant evangelistic achievements: 500 baptisms in a year, 2,075 members in the highlands, and 46 missionary schools, 45 of which were led by Platería-trained teachers. Health concerns ultimately forced the family to leave Puno.
After a brief return to the United States in 1918, the Stahls resumed their work in Lima, Peru. They contributed to the Peru Mission and extended their influence in northern Peru, where they laid the foundation for future Adventist efforts. In 1921, Ferdinand explored opportunities in central Peru, focusing on the Brow Forest area.
In 1921, the Stahls moved to central Peru, establishing the Metrado Mission Station among the Asháninka and Yánesha people. Their work emphasized health, education, and spiritual outreach. Ferdinand’s reports inspired the allocation of funds for mission expansion. By 1922, the Stahls had created additional mission stations, cementing their reputation as selfless and courageous missionaries.
Following a European tour to share their missionary experiences, the Stahls began their sixth mission in the Peruvian Amazon, centered in Iquitos. The mission’s focus on health and education led to the establishment of a maternity home by Ana, which operated for nearly 30 years and laid the foundation for the Ana Stahl Adventist Clinic.
By 1939, health issues prompted Ferdinand to retire. Despite leaving the mission field, he continued preaching in Northern California, where the Stahls worked briefly among the Klamath Indians. Exhaustion eventually led Ferdinand to step back from active ministry.
Ferdinand passed away on Nov. 30, 1950, at age 76, and Ana died on Oct. 5, 1968. Their lives exemplify unwavering commitment to Adventist missions, particularly among indigenous populations. When Ferdinand finished his work in the Puno highlands, he decided to share his experiences in a book, which he titled En el país de los Incas (In the Land of the Incas) and completed in 1919.
May the Spirit of God impel many young men and women to abandon their worldly ambitions and consecrate their lives to God, going to these needy fields, among people who have never heard the beautiful story of the cross. May the Lord move those who cannot go, to give generously the resources entrusted to them, so that the work of the gospel may progress.… Continue the work with these children of Christ who are in darkness.
Condensed from the Encyclopedia of Seventh-day Adventist entry written by Gluder Quispe. Full article available at https://bit.ly/3WdK5AX.
