p. 7 | The New Santa Catharina (South America) Conference

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 26, 1910

The New Santa Catharina (South America) Conference

By Chas. F. Knott

CHAS. F. KNOTT

After the general meeting held in Curityba, Parana, where it had been decided that it would be for the best to divide the Santa Catharina-Parana Conference, forming a new conference of the state of Parana, Brethren J. W. Westphal, F. W. Spies, John Lipke, and I left Curityba for the conference, which was to be held in Blumenau, Santa Catharina. The first part of our journey was on one of the most beautiful stretches of railway in the world. After a ride of six hours, we arrived in Paranagua, where we had to wait one day for a steamer which took us to Itajahy, whence we had a seven hours' ride on a river steamer to Blumenau.

FLORIANOPOLIS, THE CAPITAL OF SANTA CATHARINA

The conference was held in a hall, January 21-26. The attendance was good from the very first, not only of our people, many of whom had come from a distance requiring from five to six days' journey on muleback, but of the citizens and colonists, who manifested a great interest in the meetings.

The brethren all felt grateful to God, who had so abundantly blessed the effort here that it was now possible to divide the conference, which was organized only four years ago. It is interesting to see how the Spirit of God goes before us, and prepares the hearts of men for the reception of this message.

The session had already closed, and the greater number of the people had left, when four men came to the home of one of the brethren for information as to where the services were being held. They had come from a distance, had never seen any of our ministers, and were, with their families, keeping the Sabbath. One of them, a Brazilian, had already observed the Sabbath a year. Fourteen years ago a Bible was given him, and from that time he was convinced that it is right to keep the seventh day of the week as the Sabbath. A year ago he asked his priest whether he would have to bring four sponsors or only two, for his two children, whom he desired baptized. He was informed that two sufficed. As the mother came to bring the second child, the priest told her that what he had done for one of them was enough for both. This opened the eyes of the father, and he took his wife and children home, and kept his first Sabbath. The priest came, and asked him what he was doing. He replied, “My Bible teaches me to keep the Sabbath.” “My Bible says Sunday is the Sabbath,” was the answer; “come over and see it.” So the next day he went to see the Bible. He was told he would find the text in Acts. “But where in Acts?” “Well, you go home, and read the whole of it, and you will find it.” So he went home, reading with his wife the whole of the book of Acts. This only confirmed him in his belief. He has kept the Sabbath ever since, and has gained three of his neighbors, who came with him.

From several places comes the cry, “Come over, . . . and help us.” May the Lord help us in learning the language, so we may bring the light to these dear souls.

We are now employing three laborers among the Portuguese-speaking people in our conference. The first has already been out a few months with books, in Florianopolis, and the other two will begin immediately. We believe this year will mark great advancement in our work here.

The business of the conference passed off harmoniously. The Spirit of God

moved on all hearts, and helped us to see things clearly. The brethren present from outside the conference were Elders Westphal, Spies, and Lipke. Officers were elected as follows: President, Chas. F. Knott; secretary, August Anniess; treasurer, C. F. Knott. Executive committee: C. F. Knott, August Anniess, Adolph Hort, Franz Pechan, and Ernest Bergold.

We hope that the coming year may witness glorious results in the efforts put forth in this field, and we ask you to pray that this may be so.

Curityba, Brazil.