Among the Churches by F. W. Spies

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · May 4, 1905

Among the Churches

By F. W. Spies

AFTER putting our new home in Castro in order, Brother Emil Holzle and the writer went to Curityba, to render the church there the assistance for which they had long been calling.

Leaving Castro on Monday, December 5, the next evening we arrived at Curityba. Aside from assisting the church in various ways, there was also an election of officers, at which the former officers were re-elected. The following evening we enjoyed a blessed season during the Lord's supper. The preaching during our stay at Curityba was almost all in the Portuguese tongue. The German brethren brought a sacrifice, to some extent, as some of them understood but little of what was said; yet they were glad to hear that the message of life was preached to their Brazilian neighbors.

In this respect there is an encouraging change coming over Curityba. During our brief stay we had the privilege of baptizing a Brazilian, and also an Italian sister; while several other Brazilians have recently begun the observance of the Sabbath, and still other interested ones were attending the meetings.

We arranged it so as to have two services, aside from the Sabbath-school, each Sabbath—one in German immediately following the Sabbath-school in the morning, and a Portuguese service in the afternoon.

After finishing our work at Curityba, we went to Itaqui, which is about twenty-five miles from the former place. Here there had been some keeping the Sabbath. Although the Presbyterian church in Brazil is divided over the question of Freemasonry, when it comes to opposing the commandments of God and those who teach them, they are a unit. So we have to see here again what base and low methods some employ, even of misrepresenting our teachings and principles. But, thanks to the Lord, who always causes the upright to see light, we could explain to those who had begun to waver, but who were still keeping the Sabbath, the questions misrepresented, among which were the spirit of prophecy and healthful living; and the very effort of the enemy to overthrow the faith of these souls resulted in making the truth clearer to them, and establishing them more firmly in it.

We returned to Curityba, and held two more meetings. Then, leaving the brethren much encouraged, we returned to Castro. We expect in a few days to start out again, to respond to some of the many calls for help. Surely the Lord is working here. May we ever be in a position where he can direct us. Pray for us and the work here.

F. W. Spies.