Canvassers’ Institute in Brazil
By F. W. Spies
THE leading brethren of our conference have for some time felt the necessity of a revival in our canvassing work. Accordingly a plan was formulated to hold a canvassers’ institute at the close of our school year. Our institute for canvassers was held in connection with a similar meeting for our church-school teachers, and in a part of the instruction both alike shared. Thus a number of our young people who have for some time past enjoyed the privileges of the mission school received a further training for work in the field. The institute began January 31 and continued until February 25. When informed that the German edition of “The Coming King” had been exhausted, and that our order could not be filled, we were considerably disappointed, and were obliged to confine our efforts largely to “His Glorious Appearing.” A few days before the close of the institute I left Brusque and came to Joinville, to see if I could get permission to work in this section. Often the officials have demanded a high license for the privilege of selling our books which contain the truth. Upon arriving in this place, I went to the municipal officers and stated to them the work we intend to do, and after a short consultation among themselves they gave us permission to work the district without paying any license. Upon the arrival of the eight canvassers whom I expect to-morrow, we shall work the city and surrounding country, and thus prepare the way for our conference, which will be held in this city in about seven weeks. Times are growing more difficult, and in this field we shall have to meet much prejudice, because of some who, though never connected with our denomination, professed to be Sabbath-keepers, but whose inconsistent lives brought reproach upon all who defend the Sabbath, yet we trust the Lord for his blessing, believing that the presence of his Spirit with the workers will insure success even in spite of these difficulties. May it be even so!