Brazil by Abel L. Gregory, M. D.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 10, 1908

Brazil

By Abel L. Gregory, M. D.

SANTA MARIA, RIO GRANDE DO SUL.—We came here by direction of the conference, to try to give the warning message to this people. We began by visiting, and lending tracts and papers. Later, the way opened for my wife to start a school, as the neighbors requested her to do so. Teaching was to be in both Portuguese and German. March 23 the doors of our kitchen opened, admitting three, one of whom proved unworthy. Now (June 28) the school numbers eight regular pupils, and three more who come to the embroidery class twice a week. At present classes are held in our parlor, a room twelve by sixteen feet, which serves as parlor, library, schoolroom, and dental office,—a rather queer and crowded place, in a board house having neither paint nor oil. And to-day not one of the outside doors will shut, on account of the recent rain, which has so swollen them. It is under such conditions that the missionary has to work and be cheerful, paying twice or thrice as much for the necessities of life as in the home land. Is it any wonder that after ten years of such work, many of the missionaries return home for a rest, poorer in goods and health, but richer in experience? I would that all faultfinders against missions and mission workers could have a course in real work. Then would their mouths be effectually and forever closed.

ABEL L. GREGORY, M. D.