Santa Catharina, Brazil
By Henry Haefft
SINCE our last report in the REVIEW we have moved to Brusque, and so we shall tell of our blessings and trials at this place. The people here are almost all Roman Catholics, and well under the control of their priests. Under these conditions it is difficult for the third angel’s message to make advancement. When we began our work here, it seemed to give promise of great prosperity, and our meetings were well attended; but as soon as the priests found out what was going on, they made a strong effort against us. Nearly every Sunday for some time their theme was “The Adventists.” They also printed articles against us in the newspaper, and followed us in our house-to-house work, warning the people not to go to our meetings nor read our literature, and spoke specially against the reading of the Bible. This kind of treatment from the priests has resulted in lessening the interest, but not in destroying it all. As the result of these efforts against us, we are meeting with persecution. One night, on our way home from a cottage meeting, we were overtaken by a mob of thirteen men, all armed with clubs. They threatened to kill us that night (there were only three of us), but the Lord saved our lives. At one of our meetings there was such a noise outside that scarcely a word could be understood; but we paid no attention to it. While I was preaching, I thought of Lot’s experience as the mob gathered around his house. Later I tried to hold a meeting at this same place. That night they cut my saddle and bridle to pieces, but they spared my horse, for which I thank the Lord. We could tell many other experiences like these, but this will be sufficient to give some idea of our work here. In spite of all the efforts Satan has made, we are glad to say that the Lord gave us some souls. Seven persons were baptized October 23, two others are expecting to be baptized soon, and many others are interested. Whenever we meet with these dear people, I cannot help thinking of Peter’s experience at the house of Cornelius. That same Spirit is working with the honest souls today in a marvelous manner. Oh, I10wish you all could see how God’s Spirit is working upon the hearts of these believers as they break away from their bad habits and sins! The Spirit of God is striving with men everywhere, but how long will it continue to strive with them? There is so much to do here in the state of Santa Catharina! We have only one ordained minister, one licentiate, one Bible worker, one canvasser, and three church-school teachers. There should be many more to give the message. We are following the command of Jesus, and praying for laborers. May God answer our prayers, and send others to help gather the harvest.