Brazilian Union Conference by F. W. SPIES

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 10, 1916

Brazilian Union Conference

By F. W. SPIES

F. W. SPIES

REPORTING from Brazil for the past year, were we to tell the story only from the standpoint of material conditions, it would be many shades darker and sadder than were the reports for other years. The commercial and industrial crisis, which had already been burdening the country for several years, grew more tense in consequence of conditions in the country and outside of it. And to the already sad conditions which sent many to their beds at night hungry, were added the anguish and horrors of drought and famine.

The almost unprecedented heavy rains in the northern part of Brazil during the rainy season of 1914, were followed by a drought and consequent famine last year. The daily papers of the northern states told sad and heart-rending stories of suffering and starvation. The people waited and hoped, hoped and waited, that the much-coveted blessing — rain — would descend from heaven. But all in vain. They saw their scant water supply dry up, their cattle starve before their eyes, their children grow weak and emaciated. At length it became apparent to many that unless they should leave, they, too, would perish. They started, but alas! many had waited too long. Their children had grown so weak that some of them could no longer endure the long journey necessary under a scorching tropical sun in a parched country, and some of them had to be left behind along the way. Many finally reached the help sought for, and others succumbed.

Such conditions show that the whole creation is groaning for that glad day when all the suffering caused by sin shall forever have passed away. They should also teach us to pray more fervently than ever before, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”

Looking at the situation from the standpoint of the work of God, the year 1915 has been one of special blessing and progress. The work has been strengthened in the older fields, and a promising beginning made in some new ones.

In spite of the difficult financial condition, our book work has increased almost 50 per cent. During the year 1914 we sold $13,312 worth of books, whereas in 1915 we reached the sum of $18,745.50. Our publishing house has been busy. Aside from printing new editions of books and tracts, we printed 16,000 “Coming King” in Portuguese, and some new tracts. Our special war journal enjoyed three editions, a total of 70,000 copies.

Last year a new training school for gospel workers was opened, located about five miles south of Santo Amaro. Eighteen students have thus far enrolled, at the same time assisting in building up the school. We certainly feel encouraged at the prospect of being better able in the future to educate our young Brazilian brethren who desire to enter the work, as these can, in many respects, work more effectually for their people than can missionaries from other countries.

We have in our union at present 2,017 members, a gain of 321 for 1915. There was paid in tithes $17,933.70, and in other offerings for missions $3,476.45, which shows some gain over 1914 in spite of the hard times.