Portugal by C. E. Rentfro

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 16, 1914

Portugal

By C. E. Rentfro

C. E. RENTFRO

SOME time has passed since I reported to our good church paper, the REVIEW. The years 1912 and 1913 were years of progress, for which we thank God. Thirty-one during the former year and eighteen during the latter year were taken into church membership. Some progress is noted in the literature work. An edition of 5,000 of "His Glorious Appearing" was printed last year, and 3,000 copies of the Signs of the Times series are being printed, a part of which found buyers in the States and also in Africa.

In Lisbon a church was organized in September, 1912, with twenty-nine members, and has increased to forty-one. Elder Paul Meyer has been there since 1910, being left in charge from May, 1911. A good work has been done there in bringing the truth before the people. In a short time this church will have the experience of carrying on its own missionary work; while the workers enter new fields.

One sister, who for many years has suffered from an incurable disease, desired baptism. She could not accompany the others to the place of baptism, so later was baptized in an improvised baptistery. She has a fair knowledge of the Bible, and her hope is in the soon return of our Saviour. I have seen her writhing in agony, but expressing her desire that God's will be done. When I saw her after nine months had passed, as she was sitting on the floor, a picture of distress, I, with Brother Meyer and several friends, could hardly do more than wonder at her patience. Sitting on the floor by her side, I read the Bible and asked her a few questions, among them being, "If you saw any one in the same condition, could you say to such a sufferer that God is good and merciful?" The answer came with no delay: "Yes, God is good. He is merciful. Let his will be done." I thought of many who for a trifling thing are ready to murmur and complain, yet this sufferer, after years of sickness and trials, is ready to exclaim, "God is good."

From this church four young people have been sent to Switzerland to be trained for the work. One of these we expect to see begin work this year. Another brother has been canvassing for a few months. As the result of a series of meetings begun the first of this year at the special request of the church, there are a goodly number of interested persons.

The work in Oporto was begun in 1906, but was abandoned in 1908. In 1911 I moved my family to this place to pick up the threads left three years before. Later Brother Alberto Figueiredo came to help, and nearly a year later another brother joined in the work. Seventeen persons were baptized, and one was received by vote here. Thirteen entered the ranks in 1913.

One young girl of sixteen years has taken up the canvassing work, and is learning quite readily how to approach the people and sell literature. She began her work with the tracts "Secret of Health" and "Waymarks" and the paper Sinais dos Tempos. A new edition of 5,000 copies of the latter was printed, and she began with them the first of this year. In three weeks she sold about 600 copies at three cents each.

Somebody having heard of her success, said it was her luck, a usual Portuguese expression. She then told her experience. Before she leaves the house, the family has prayer over this work, and on the way she lifts her heart to God for help. One day, having worked until nearly 4 P. M. without selling anything, she sought a secluded spot where she kneeled down and prayed for help. In a short time afterward she sold the book "His Glorious Appearing" and the tract "Secret of Health."

Her younger sister has accompanied her, as well as two younger brothers, one of whom is ten years old and is also learning to sell papers.

The accompanying photograph shows the four small Portuguese canvassers. They, with their mother, are realizing the fact that God answers prayer. My heart rejoices to see new workers being trained for service. We pray that God may give us more workers with solid characters, full of faith and courage, and may he hasten the day when all shall receive their reward of service.