State of Sao Paulo, Brazil
By Emilio Hoelzle
I HAVE been kept very busy in the work, laboring for the people in the field, and editing our Portuguese paper. Editorial work in a language in which very little of our literature has been translated means considerable work. I am glad to report that Brother Wm. Stein is with me, and assisting both in the preparation of matter for the paper and in meetings. We are thankful that his health allows of this. Our work here in the city goes slowly forward. We often long to see more done. With much care we have been preparing a young Brazilian brother for the colporteur work. Considering the circumstances under which he has labored in this place, he has thus far had good success. His sales last month amounted to one hundred milreis (about thirty-three dollars). Since acting as superintendent of this new mission of Sao Paulo, in addition to the translation work, it has been my privilege to baptize six souls. Recently a young Brazilian brother began to walk in the way of the Lord. Another young married man has also been led to take his stand. The first brother is a bookkeeper, and was forced to leave his place on account of the truth. He took his stand firmly, however, notwithstanding the fact that he has a number of sisters whom he must help to support, as well as feeble parents. Yesterday evening he came with his face beaming with joy, and thanked God that, through the prayers of the church, a way had been opened for him to find work which promised to bring him a greater income than he had before received. For a month he had been looking for such work, without success; but now the Lord had given him a position. His former employer had said to him: “You go to your pastor, and let him give you food. You are crazy.” Truly the Lord cares for his children who put their trust in him. We trust that several others will soon decide for the truth. May our brethren and sisters remember us and the work in this new field of Brazil, in their prayers. We know, by the working of Satan, that the end is near. We expect that our work here will soon be upon a better footing. In company with Elder Spies, we have been looking at a place near the city of Sao Paulo, which may be secured cheaply, and which seems to be reserved by the Lord for our publishing work. We are waiting now upon the decision of the committee. It will be a great help to unite the editorial and translating work with the printing-office. If the new place is secured, it will also furnish a place for a mission school, of which we stand so much in need. It may be that some of our brethren in the United States will be moved to help us with means. I understand well19that there are many demands upon them. But the Lord can care for the many interests. Two great cities—Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo—must be worked; for the way must ever become more difficult. May the Lord of the harvest send forth laborers into the field, so that we may soon go home.