C. E. RENTFRO by C. E. Rentfro

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 9, 1909

C. E. RENTFRO

By C. E. Rentfro

Portugal

C. E. RENTFRO

About a year has passed since a report has been seen in the Review from Portugal. During this period the good hand of God has been over us, protecting us from dangers seen and unseen, in earthquakes, heat, and sickness. For this we praise our Heavenly Father.

Since the first of this year, we have held meetings in a small hall, on the ground floor, in quite a public place, and our congregation has averaged perhaps fifteen persons. More than one hundred have attended on Sunday nights. For several months we held three night meetings, and Sabbath services each week. Only one night had we a policeman at the door to help us keep back the disorderly element. No government license has been necessary, and even the usual taxes on our rent price are not demanded, although this is listed as a mission hall. A few nights ago we passed a place where some political speaker was condemning those in charge of public affairs, and saw the street and building watched by a large police force. This was only a few yards from our hall, on the night of our meeting. We enjoy the protection of holy angels, and are responsible only to the all-seeing God for our words.

In the month of January three sisters were baptized. On the fifth of June two brethren, heads of families, and one sister also followed in the steps of our Saviour in that sacred rite; and on September 25, seven other persons—two men, one boy of nine years, and four sisters. These, with one backslider who took his position again with us, make fourteen who have cast their lot in with the people of God this year. In all, we have twenty-five members in Portugal. There are a few others who keep the Sabbath.

We have endeavored to find work for the different members, thus to increase their interest, and also to leave ourselves free for other service. The young people's society has been distributing papers in the English, German, and Portuguese languages. In this the societies in the Eastern Pennsylvania, California, and Iowa conferences have assisted. The receipts for the three quarters just ended, obtained by the sale of papers and tracts, with subscriptions and offerings, amount to about twenty-five dollars. Expenditures for literature and a few small items were about twenty dollars. Three hundred thirteen papers were sold, 735 given away, 2,856 pages of tracts distributed among interested readers, and more than 453 hours of Christian Help work spent in treating the sick. This work keeps the members full of joy and peace.

The Sabbath-school is quite regularly attended by about thirty members, and often there are a few visitors. The primary division keeps two teachers busy. Two small cupboard doors, placed on chairs, serve as tables for the little ones. The work of fitting up with necessary articles goes slowly, yet the children, as well as teachers, are profiting by their experiences.

We have felt the hand of Satan among us, by sickness, accidents, and persecution, but have realized that God protects his children, in answer to their earnest pleadings. One of our colporteurs and his wife were very nigh unto death, on account of fever and the breaking down of their lungs; but God preserved their lives, so that they could rise from what were considered their death-beds, to be present in our Sabbath meetings. Our God responds to the prayers of his children who love him.

We are working to be able to warn this people of the soon coming of Jesus, and we ask the prayers of God's people in our behalf in this needy field.

Caxias.