Brazil by F. W. SPIES

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 15, 1909

Brazil

By F. W. SPIES

THE third annual session of the Santa Catharina and Parana Conference was held in Curityba, capital of the state of Parana, February 2-7. A number of brethren had assembled from different parts of the state of Parana, and also a few from Santa Catharina.

The deliberations of the conference, although they involved some important changes, were all unanimous.

A resolution was adopted expressing thanks to God for the rich blessings bestowed upon the work during the past year. Another encouraged all our people to take an active interest in the circulation of our Portuguese missionary journal, O Arauto da Verdade.

In a further recommendation, the conference declared itself in harmony with the resolution recently adopted by the Brazilian division of the South American Union Conference Committee to hold an institute for workers in San Bernardo, from June 1 to September 30, and encouraged all who could do so, to attend the course of instruction.

By another resolution a tent fund was created, and although the meeting was not very large, over six hundred milreis, or about two hundred dollars, was pledged and partly paid toward this enterprise.

It was also recommended that church elders and officers encourage the people to greater faithfulness in the paying of tithes and offerings. It was decided that the intermediate school of Brusque, which has been closed for several years, be reopened near Desterro, the capital of Santa Catharina.

Although a goodly number had been baptized, there was no gain, but rather a loss in membership, owing to the fact that the Itarare church, of about forty members, and the company at Salto do Riberas Grande, of about twenty members, had been given over to the Sao Paulo Mission, in whose territory they are located. Then, too, a number of members emigrated to the Argentine republic. The tithe had increased about five hundred dollars, and there was also some increase in offerings.

With the help of Elder C. F. Knott and Brother E. C. Ehlers, who have recently come to this country, this conference now begins the fourth year of its existence, better manned and better prepared to do the great work assigned it.

The officers elected for the coming year are as follows: President, Emilio Hoelzle; secretary and treasurer, A. G. Stauffer. The members of the conference committee are Emilio Hoelzle, C. F. Knott, Jorge Wischral, Adolf Hort, August Anniess, Gustav Richter, and Theodor Neumann.

Our prayer is that the Lord’s rich blessings may strengthen all the workers and make them able for his service.

F. W. SPIES.