Portugal by C. E. Rentfro

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 28, 1906

Portugal

By C. E. Rentfro

CARCAVELLOS.—We are of good courage in the Lord. We are enabled to put out our second Bible reading,—No. 6 of The Family Bible Teacher,—and should be glad to fill orders at the rate of one hundred for fifty cents, that the thousands of Portuguese in California, Massachusetts, and elsewhere, may learn of the Saviour’s soon coming. Five or ten cents should be added, on account of the bad exchange.

For two months we have had a singing school for the Portuguese, to learn the hymns. It is held weekly, and is attended by from fifteen to thirty children, and a few grown people. The priest, on learning of this, was quite angry, and gave orders for them not to come any more, saying that he would not allow them to be buried in the cemetery when they died, and making many other threats. We were told that once the names of all in attendance were posted in the church, and the parents were to appear before the tribunal in the county seat. I told the people not to be alarmed, and that should they be forced to go, I would go along, and help them out. A few are frightened into remaining away, but the rest are learning to sing nicely, accompanied by my violin. We should be very thankful if some kind friend would send us money to buy an organ.

In December an employee of the British and Foreign Bible Society in Lisbon wrote to our office in Brazil for a copy of each pamphlet on the nature and destiny of man. His card was sent me by Elder Spies, and I went to see the man. I sold him a copy of everything we have in the language, and he says when we have anything fresh, he wants it. I had a number of Bible studies with him, and had thought of having regular studies; but the illness of his wife and himself hindered it. On some things he is in harmony with us, but when I last heard from him, he was still confused in regard to the Sabbath. I pray that he may yet accept all the faith.

One Sunday evening I attended a meeting in the Methodist mission, and heard a good sermon on the duty of the Christian. To keep God’s ten commandments was the main duty, the speaker said. What a contrast between the saying and the doing! As I left rather hurriedly, in order to catch a train, I forgot a pair of gloves. The next day I returned, in search of them, and was met by a young professor, who desired a copy of all our tracts, especially those on the nature and destiny of man.

We believe that God is putting in the minds of these the desire to know truth, and we pray that he may help us to be in a condition to teach it to them.

One week ago I listened to a sermon on the importance of Sunday-keeping. The speaker made many assertions,—without any Bible proof, of course. After the meeting, I went to the minister, and asked him if he believed it was necessary to keep the ten commandments. He replied, “No!” Then followed a spirited conversation on the Sabbath question. His statements show plainly to what lengths a man will go when he does not have a “Thus saith the Lord” to back him up.

I have been conducting weekly studies with two Portuguese families, and one noble German family. The biweekly lectures for the English failed, for the want of attendance. They are all members of the Church of England or of the Presbyterian Church, and it can be said of the majority, “Lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; . . . having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” For these we have a club each of the Signs, Youth’s Instructor, and Little Friend, and when these clubs expire, we will ask our friends to help pay for a large club of our Portuguese paper. If there are any who would like to help us in this way, they may send their donations to the Mission Board, who will forward them to the office of the Arauto da Verdade.

On the thirteenth of February we had the pleasure of a short visit from Elder W. A. Spicer. He was on his way to Argentina, and was able to spend two hours with us. His presence brought much cheer, and we were encouraged by his kind words of counsel. We hope he can stop longer on his return.

We still have much to learn in the language; yet the Lord has greatly blessed us in acquiring a vocabulary. On account of few tracts, and a costly way of getting them in from outside the country, we do not make a promiscuous scattering of tracts, but use them for distributing to acquaintances, or those with whom I can begin work.

Mrs. Rentfro often has a call to look after the sick. So by all these means we are trying to sow the seed, expecting that God will give the increase. Pray for the work in Portugal.

C. E. RENTFRO.