Shining Lights by F. W. Spies

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 1, 1907

Shining Lights

By F. W. Spies

A SHORT time ago I gave the testimony of an aged Catholic who found the Lord, and bade his little boy of twelve years demolish and bury his images. While visiting him, this man asked me: “Do you know Mr. ——, minister of the First Baptist church of Rio?” I told him I did. “Well,” he continued, “I have known him since he was a little boy. His father used to be our neighbor. As soon as I can [he was then sick] I want to go and visit this minister, and tell him that I have found the Lord. And as he will then naturally ask me how this came about, and to what church I belong, it will give me an opportunity to call his attention to the Sabbath truth.”

I simply mention this little conversation to show the spirit that actuates the new believers here. It is as aforetime, when Philip found his brother Nathanael, and told him, “We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write.” So, brethren, when the truth kindles a light here in dark Brazil, it shines, and shines all the more brightly for having been very dark before the light was kindled.

And these lights are being planted in places where no living preacher has yet been. Only last week I received a letter from a small city in the province of Bahia, in which the writer states that there are in that place four persons keeping the Sabbath. I am hoping to be able to visit these soon, and instruct them more fully. But Bahia has never yet had ministerial labor, and we ought to have a minister as soon as possible to enter that State.

We are thankful, and take courage as we see the Lord working, and our only desire is to be so consecrated to him that he can mightily work through us.

F. W. SPIES.