Report From Brazil by F. W. Spies

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Sep 7, 1905

Report From Brazil

By F. W. Spies

After returning from Itarare, and making the necessary preparations, I started, February 27, for Taquary, to attend the general meeting and also the council of the conference committee, held at that place in the early part of March. Five days were required to reach Paranagua, the port of Parana, and the following day the steamer came, and I was soon en route for Porto Alegre. But as we reached the entrance of Rio Grande, a strong westerly wind blew the water out of the lake which we had to enter, to such an extent that we lay almost four days outside of the port, waiting for sufficient water for our vessel to enter. On Sabbath, March 11, we succeeded in entering, and the following morning we started for Porto Alegre, which is about twenty hours' ride up the Lagoa dos Patos (Duck Lake). In this lake there was also a scarcity of water, as the grounded steamers testified. A number of times our boat dragged on the mud; but we kept afloat, and finally Brother Lipke, who had joined me at Itajahy, and I reached Porto Alegre. And as a river boat that would take us to Taquary was nearly ready to go, we were soon on our way. We reached our destination about 10 P. M., March 13.

Arriving at Taquary, we were for the first time privileged to see our mission school at that place. We were very favorably impressed with the neatness and order that reigned about the premises. We were also glad to find some earnest as well as promising young people in the school. This trip to the southern part of Brazil brought very vividly before us the great work we have to do there; while in the northern States there has not even been made a beginning.

The two weeks spent at Taquary, which included attendance at a general meeting of about four days, were full of work. Early and late the committee was working, planning for this and that interest. Much thought was given to the distribution of labor for the ensuing year. Brother Ehlers had been working only a few months in a new colony, and had baptized, just before the meeting, thirty-four Germans; while it was reported that as many more were keeping the Sabbath, and a goodly number of Brazilians were likewise interested. It was finally decided that Brother Arthur Schwantes, a colporteur who speaks the Portuguese language well, should join Brother Ehlers. It was also decided that Brother Graf should visit the churches in the provinces of Minas Geraes and Espírito Santo, while I was requested to assist at the general meetings in Castro and Blumenau, and then go to Rio Janeiro to labor. Brother Lipke was asked to attend the general meetings at Castro, Blumenau, and Linha Torres, and then labor with Brother Ernest Schwantes, who was also asked to assist at the Linha Torres general meeting, in the southern part of the State of Santa Catharina. Brother Lipke was at the same time to direct the work of the canvassers in that State. After Brother Graf's return to Rio Grande do Sul, he, assisted by Brother August Brack, would enter another German colony where there is much interest. Brother Emil Hoelzle was asked to continue the work in Parana, where he and the writer have been laboring together.

Much thought was given the locating of our printing plant. It was deemed best that it be in a central place, and a committee was appointed to look up such a location; but it was found that, inasmuch as we ourselves had no property upon which to locate it, a heavy expense of rent would be entailed. Finally the plant was sent to Taquary, for the present.

Thus plans have been laid for advancing the Lord's work through another year. May he richly bless the work and workers, and may many a soul be turned from darkness to light by their efforts during this year.

F. W. SPIES.