p. 17 | W. H. THURSTON by W. H. THURSTON

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 13, 1902

W. H. THURSTON

By W. H. THURSTON

Brazil

W. H. THURSTON

Brazil, with its lofty mountains, rushing rivers, beautiful valleys, fruits, plants, flowers, and diversity of climate, is a delightsome land. The people are genial and courteous,—good and bad, of course, the same as elsewhere,—and many of them are waiting and longing for the good news of salvation.

The message of truth is now established in seven states. There are eight hundred Sabbath keepers in all. They have an industrial school and several church schools in operation, and workers are being trained for the great harvest field.

They are now arranging to establish a printing plant in connection with the industrial school. This will enable them to print their own papers (O Arauto da Verdade and Missions Arbeiter) and tracts. A large portion of the work can be done by the students.

The laborers there are earnest, devoted men and women, and are laboring hard to carry the message to that people. They appreciate the financial help which the work in their country has received, and the prayers of the faithful are recognized as giving strength and courage to one and all.

There is still something else, however, that they are looking for and expecting. Please note the following:—

“If families would locate in the dark places of the earth, places where the people are enshrouded in spiritual gloom, and let the light of Christ’s life shine out through them, a great work might be accomplished. Let them begin their work in a quiet, unobtrusive way, not drawing on the funds of the conference until the interest becomes so extensive that they cannot manage it without ministerial help.”—Testimonies for the Church, Vol. VI, page 442.

Here is a work, a special work, for families. The call is for families to settle in the dark places of the earth as self-supporting missionaries. Our brethren in Brazil are looking for a response to this call. Who will go? There are many places in that country where families could settle and live the truth before the people, and thus be the means in the hands of God of saving many souls. All cannot go. All are not expected to go, but some, yes, many, can go, and should feel it a privilege to have a part in this grand work. There will be difficulties to contend with, some of which are not found in the United States; but on the other hand, we have unpleasant things here that are not found there.

Although the long, cold winters are unknown there, the climate is no hotter in summer in central and southern Brazil than it is in the United States. The only difference is that the summer continues longer than it does here.

It should not be a question of hot or cold climate, but to know and to do the Lord’s will, and thus help in hastening the day when this long reign of sin shall cease.

There are large German colonies all through Brazil, and our German brethren could move to some of these places where the truth is unknown, and do a noble work for the Lord.

The Portuguese language would have to be learned, in order to work for the Brazilians; but by locating among the Germans or the Americans, there is plenty of work to do while studying the language. I hope to see many of our young and middle-aged people move to these needy places.

“The return of Christ to our world will not be long delayed.”—Testimonies for the Church, Vol. VI, page 406.