The First Tent-Meeting in Brazil by John Lipke

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · May 14, 1908

The First Tent-Meeting in Brazil

By John Lipke

JOHN LIPKE

We have experienced the truth of 2 Chron. 20:20. The desire to see the work of God in Rio Grande do Sul prosper as never before led us to study the Testimonies in regard to methods of work. We found that the holding of camp- or tent-meetings would bring the desired results.

BRAZIL’S NEW TENT, WITH MEETING IN PROGRESS

Convinced, we began to work to get a large meeting tent. Circular letters were sent out to our churches, laying the matter before them. Our people saw light in the plan, and began to send in contributions and pledges, and by the end of the year we had more than one thousand milreis on hand.

The question came up, “Shall we order the tent from the States, or shall we make it ourselves?” For two reasons we decided to make it ourselves: first, because it would take a long time to get one from the States, and thus we would lose much precious time; second, it would cost us more money by so doing. During a Bible institute which was held in the month of January, we started on this work, and in less than a month it was finished. This was no small task to undertake, because none of us had ever done such work. Trusting in divine help, we went forward, and were not disappointed. The Lord gave the needed wisdom. How happy we were when we could dedicate the tent to the Lord’s service! Soon after completing it, we shipped it, with six small tents, to Taquara, where we wanted to hold a local meeting. We pitched them, and fitted them up inside as well as possible. With two hundred milreis which one brother let us have, we bought an organ.

February 12 we began our meeting. Our brethren—half of them Germans, half Brazilians—had come in good numbers. The men lived in tents, and the women in a neighboring house. Meals were served according to the European plan, in this house.

We had visited the mayor and other officials, and the editor of the county paper, and our brethren had distributed invitation cards. The first night our tent was filled to overflowing. People stood around outside. And as the tent was near the street, many stood there, and listened attentively. Good singing made the services interesting, drew the people, and made hearts soft, ready to receive the divine seed. We thanked God when we saw with what power his servants proclaimed the message. We know God was in the camp. He touched hearts by his Spirit. A large audience was present when a lecture on the temperance question was given. The best people of the town attended our services. A great stir was made in the whole county. Before the meeting, we had visited the editor of one of the journals at the capital. He received a report which we furnished, and thus our name and work will be published by this paper all through Rio Grande do Sul.

The conference has closed. All the laborers and the people say: “This was the best conference we ever attended.” Why?—Because the Lord fulfilled his promise, “Believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.” Before we began, some doubted; they had never seen a meeting carried on in that manner. But at the close everybody saw that it is good to follow the directions given by the spirit

of prophecy, because then success is sure.

Three laborers remained to follow up the interest. We hope that the Lord will give them many souls. More than ever before, we desire to follow the directions of his Spirit.

Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil,