While different methods are pursued in different countries, the prime object of all missionary work is to save souls.
The covenant made with the Lord embraces sacrifice; and those who covenant with Him in this manner, He calls saints. Ps. 50:5. To forsake all and follow the Lord, means more to those who are called to heathen lands than it does to those who remain by the fireside. While the work is one, and all are united in the one work of soul-saving, some are called to the front and to all parts of the world to teach the Word.
Missionary work in Brazil is sometimes done under threats, in the face of arms, or amid showers of stones; but along with all these are showers of blessings.
The Lord has promised to be with His laborers, and that others shall believe on Him through their words. It is also stated in the Bible that God will cause the wrath of man to praise Him. This was well illustrated a short time ago in a certain district where one of our colporters was laboring. He had been selling books, Bibles, papers, and tracts for a few weeks, visiting and holding Bible-readings; and some of the Gentiles became so interested that the scribes and Pharisees, fearing that all might believe, seized the colporter, gave him a threshing, and sent him away. This soon became generally known in the community, and it created a greater desire among the people to know what the Bible does teach. As a result more began reading, and calling for help. The colporter soon returned, and shortly after a minister joined him in the work, and twenty received the Gospel and were baptized.
This is only a beginning in that section; for each one of these will now become a worker with the Lord, and others in and about that vicinity will believe on Him through their words.
In another district where a colporter was laboring from house to house scattering the seeds of truth, an opposition arose, and he was showered with stones. But he said, in speaking of it, “Let them come; for ‘they will only fall to the furtherance of the Gospel.”
Colporters in Brazil Leaving Home.
At one time where a few of us were gathered for Bible-study, a stone of a pound weight came through the window while we were singing, struck the table just under the lamp, and fell to the floor, slightly bruising one person’s knee; but it only increased the interest to hear and know the truth. Thus the wrath of man is caused to praise God, and the remainder of wrath will He restrain in His own good time. The work is onward; and here and there all over the world people are believing on the Lord through the faithful words of His servants.
Missionary work in Brazil has long been neglected; but the efforts which have been made have been greatly blessed, and the field is ripe for the harvest. We have started a paper in the Brazilian language (Portuguese), and we are in need of means to sustain it. It is a real missionary paper, is well received, and is doing a good work.
We also have a mission school started, and the buildings were erected and paid for by much hard work and sacrifice. The school is doing a good work; but as there are all the time expenses connected with it, and the membership is not large yet, we find ourselves lacking means properly to equip the school. We need more dishes, bedding, furniture, etc., and a few dollars donated to this worthy enterprise would be greatly appreciated.
Any one who will assist us in the grand work of soul-saving by donating to either the paper or the school in Brazil, will do us a great favor, and will receive the blessing promised to the cheerful giver. Money may be remitted to the Missionary Board, 267 W. Main St., Battle Creek, Mich., or to me by draft, post-office order, or registered letter, any time between now and Sept. 30. Please address me at Plainfield, Wis. I expect to return to Brazil in October.
