p. 16 | Brazil by Henry Haefft

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 8, 1915

Brazil

By Henry Haefft

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” These words of the psalmist express our feelings as we think of what the Lord has done for us. Recently three dear ones were buried in the watery grave with their Master. We were all happy indeed that we could have baptism here. We encountered much opposition. Articles were published against us, and a threat was made that our meeting would be visited and an end put to it. Some persons stayed away from the meeting to avoid the danger, but we paid no attention to the threat. We told the people that Peter calls our attention to such experiences when he says: “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers.” And again, “Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial.” Jesus tells us, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.”

The Spirit of God came into our meeting with great power, and many tears were shed. All received courage and strength. It does our hearts good to see these dear souls drinking in the water of life. They are hard pressed to make their livelihood, and many times are deprived of the meetings on account of that. The whole family may often be seen out in the fields—father, mother, and children—hoeing. They have no plows or farm implements. All their work is done with a hoe. They rise early, some at half past three o’clock in the morning, in order to get their work done.

Our method of labor is house-to-house work. We first distribute health literature. In doing this, we gain the confidence of the people. Then we follow up with tracts, papers, and books; and wherever the way opens for us to give Bible readings, we press in. After we have gone thus far, we get them to invite in their friends and neighbors, which they always do. In this way we have a chance to give the truth to their neighbors also.

My wife and I have all we can do. Many calls are coming for meetings, but we can do no more than to postpone them to some future time. There is a great demand for workers in this field. The whole state of Santa Catharina has only one ordained minister, one licentiate, and one Bible worker. There is no canvasser, but we ought to have canvassers to circulate our literature. May the Lord lay the burden for this field upon some good, consecrated canvasser. The doors are wide open for the truth.

Our hearts ache when we see these poor people without a knowledge of this truth. One day I was riding along the road on my way home. As I was passing

a house, I saw a boy, about fifteen years of age, coming out, followed by his sister, both screaming at the top of their voices. A man came running with a large bottle in his hand. As he entered the house, I could hear him cry. I turned my horse around to see what had happened. By inquiring of the neighbors who had arrived, I learned that a boy was dying in this house. I went in to see if I could be of any help. There I found the boy, about nineteen years of age, lying on a bed in great misery. He was dying without hope, and his friends had no hope beyond the tomb to light up its gloom. These people need the saving message that will make noble men and women of them, and give them a preparation for heaven. HENRY HAEFFT.