Brazil by J. G. Kroeker

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 6, 1909

Brazil

By J. G. Kroeker

ALMOST nine months have passed since my family and myself came to Brazil. After a voyage of twenty-two days, we found ourselves in Rio de Janeiro, the nation's capital. We had no storms during our voyage, but nevertheless we were glad to have solid ground under our feet again; for we were not accustomed to the movements of the ship. When we stood on the shore of Brazil, all faces were unknown to us, and the language was strange. We were alone among Brazilians. Brother F. W. Spies, who expected to meet us, did not get our letter in time to do so, as he had just returned from a trip in southern Brazil. After a few hours, we succeeded in finding a German brother of our faith, and after resting a while, he accompanied us to the home of Brother Spies, in Cascadura, a suburb of Rio de Janeiro. Here we stayed nine days, and rested from the journey. It made our hearts rejoice to get acquainted with the company of believers at this place. Although we could not understand them, our hearts were united in the love of Christ and the third angel's message.

From Cascadura Brother Spies and I went to San Bernardo, in the state of Sao Paulo, which was to be my future field of labor. The International Tract Society of Brazil is located here, also all our publishing is done at this place. We became acquainted with our people, and thought of making our home here, but the brethren advised us to locate at Sorocaba, which is nearer the center of the state. This we did. We rented a small house in a quiet part of the city, near the public garden, and began at once the study of the language and the customs of the people. It takes much study to learn a new language, but the Lord's promises are, “Ask, and it shall be given you: seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth.” Matt. 7:7, 8. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5. I thank God that his promises are yea and amen. He has helped me and given me health and a knowledge of the language, so that I am now able to preach to the people in Portuguese, of course not without mistakes, but well enough to make them understand.

As Brother Emilio Hoelzle, with whom I was to labor, was conducting a canvassers' institute at this place, I stayed here about a month with my family, then Brother Hoelzle and I left to work in other parts of the state where an interest had been created. I soon learned to sing in the native language, and so could help a little in the meetings; and where we found German or English families, I could present the truth to them. In Botucatu a German family has commenced to keep the Sabbath. From this place Brother Hoelzle went to Ibitinga, where, after laboring a short time, he expected to organize a Sabbath-school and baptize seven souls.

I went to another city called Rio Claro, where we have a small company of believers. There I baptized three souls. Then Brother Hoelzle and I went to Itarare, where four souls were baptized. After this we went home to attend a council meeting which was to be held in San Bernardo. Here I got acquainted with Brother J. W. Westphal, the president of the South American Union Conference, and Brother H. S. Prener, who had recently arrived from the United States.

After this meeting we went to Itapetininga to attend our conference; here I met Brethren J. Lipke and W. Ehlers, of the South Brazil Mission. After the conference, two other workers and myself stayed to continue the work. Some had backslidden, but by the help of God nearly all were again united in the truth. The meetings were well attended. Brother J. Camillo, of Rio de Janeiro, stayed with us nearly a month; and after he went home, a canvasser and I were left alone to fight the battle. Our work here was not in vain, as several families have taken their stand for the truth. I hope soon to baptize six or seven believers. I also became acquainted with an English family of thirteen members. The mother had been praying for years for some one to come and teach them the Bible, and show them the true way, but no one came until present truth was brought to them. We have studied and prayed together, and God has heard our prayers. Several have already begun to keep the Sabbath, and the others are deeply interested. We hope to see all the family on the Lord's side. The mother said, “The Lord has heard my prayers after many years.” Verily the field is ripe for the harvest, but few are the laborers. The people are tired of their religion of works, and are longing for something better, something that will satisfy the soul. Isa. 55:1-3.

Brazil is a large field. The state of

Sao Paulo alone has an area equal to the States of Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri; but it is only one of the twenty-one states, some even larger than Sao Paulo. Only seven of these have been entered by our workers. Brethren, pray for the work here, and help to answer your prayers by bringing the tithes and offerings into the Lord's storehouse willingly. Mal. 3:8. Let us no longer rob God while precious souls are starving for want of the bread of life.

J. G. KROEKER.