General Conference Bulletin, vol. 7

CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS. TWENTY-FOURTH MEETING

W. A. Spicer, C. P. Bollman, C. C. Crisler, T. E. Bowen, H. E. Rogers, J. N. Anderson

May 30, 10 A. M.

L. R. CONRADI in the chair. GCB June 1, 1913, page 211.7

Prayer by O. E. Reinke. GCB June 1, 1913, page 211.8

L. R. Conradi: I think South America has yet reports to make. Brother F. H. Westphal, from Chile, will present his report. GCB June 1, 1913, page 211.9

F. H. Westphal (reading):— GCB June 1, 1913, page 211.10

THE WEST COAST OF SOUTH AMERICA

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Chile

In the year 1535, Diego Almargo, with about two hundred Spanish soldiers, marched toward Chile, accompanied by Indians of Peru, who were forced into service to act as pack horses. They crossed the mountains in the dead of winter, and suffered all manner of privations. GCB June 1, 1913, page 211.11

After invading the Aconcagua Valley, and not finding gold as they had expected, they enslaved many of the Indians of the valley, buckling their baggage onto them, and marched on their return to Peru. The Indians were whipped and prodded, and most of them fell under their loads and were put to death, drawing the vultures that followed the march back to Peru. GCB June 1, 1913, page 211.12

In 1540, Pedro Valdivia invaded Chile to colonize there. He founded Serena, Santiago, Concepcion, Imperial Valdivia, and other cities. Again many of the Indians were enslaved and forced to work in the mines to procure by their toil an abundance of gold to satisfy the covetous ambitions of the Spaniards. The Indians were aroused to defend their homes and themselves. In many battles the Spaniards were victors, but in some, the Indians prevailed. These Araucano Indians were never dominated by any king. With them the Spaniards intermarried, forming the Chilian nation. GCB June 1, 1913, page 211.13

The people of Chile fought for their independence from Spain, and the Chilian Republic was established in the year 1817, the first of all South American republics. The Inquisition was abolished. In 1833, the constitution was adopted, and principles of religious toleration established, which were afterwards so explained by congress that those who were not Catholics could have their services in private houses and establish their own schools to educate their children in their own faith. The civil marriage bill was also passed. GCB June 1, 1913, page 211.14

Beginning of Our Work

In the year 1895, Seventh-day Adventist colporteurs came to Chile, not attended by armed forces, but with angels of God to go before them and follow after. The seeds of truth sown fell on some good ground. Souls embraced the truth, until a conference was organized, in the year 1907. The work has steadily grown, and there are now 17 churches, with membership of 500. The tithe last year amounted to $3,950; the book sales, $9,789.39; and the Sabbath-school donations, $842.22, besides other donations. Four of the seventeen churches were organized last year, and there is a spirit of courage among our brethren in Chile. GCB June 1, 1913, page 211.15

While on my way to this Conference, I spoke with a Catholic priest, and related to him the progress of the message in Chile and on the West coast. GCB June 1, 1913, page 211.16

The next morning he came to me and called me to one side, asking me how much we paid the people to accept such an unpopular faith as we preach. I told him, “Nothing at all.” “Is it possible,” said he, “that the west-coast people would accept such a faith as that?” I replied that not only did they accept the message for nothing, but they actually paid of their own earnings to help the glorious message on its way to the uttermost parts of the earth. “Well,” said he, “I always thought that Protestants paid the people money to become members of the church.” Then I told him that it is not our object to just raise up numbers, but to prepare the way for the Lord’s soon coming. GCB June 1, 1913, page 211.17

What Chile needs and asks for are a few more devoted, trained men and women who have faith and a mind to work and obey the great Captain to push the battle to the gates. Chile needs two trained lady nurses who can go into the homes of the people to help those who are sick, and wield an influence for Christ. This was voted at the conference held in Pitrufquen, in March. It was also voted to ask for a missionary doctor who can learn the language quickly, and enter this important line of work with an object of winning souls for Christ. GCB June 1, 1913, page 211.18

Elder Casebeer will speak of the educational work, and so I will not touch that especially; but it was left to me by vote of the Chilian Conference to ask the General Conference to consider favorably the return of Elder Casebeer and wife to Chile after their furlough. GCB June 1, 1913, page 211.19

We shall need a head director for the Pua school. I have word from my wife that the school is filling up nicely this year. Next year our English lady teacher is going to Argentina to take the nurses’ course. Mrs. Westphal has her hands too full to teach, besides acting as matron and preceptress. Some one will have to fall into line and fill up the gap. GCB June 1, 1913, page 211.20

We have undertaken to work the large cities as fast as we can. Last year we entered the city of Concepcion, and a church of about thirty members was raised up there. In the capital city of Chile, Santiago, we have our largest organized church. The next largest is in the city of Valparaiso, the scene of the great earthquake catastrophe of 1906. GCB June 1, 1913, page 211.21

Peru

The brethren in this place are of good courage. There are several churches in Peru, and some very earnest believers. The work among the Indians of the interior is prospering, and the ecclesiastical authorities are becoming stirred. Just a few days before I came to Lima, on my journey here, the bishop had come with two hundred Indians to assault our mission on Lake Titicaca. They entered our chapel, took down the verse cards from the wall, and stamped on some of our Indians brethren, and cast other into jail for eight days. GCB June 1, 1913, page 211.22

In the Catholic papers, Elders Allen and Stahl have been bitterly attacked, but the Lord says, “Blessed are ye when men shall speak evil of you falsely.” GCB June 1, 1913, page 211.23

Away in the interior of Peru and Bolivia are tribes of Indians that have scarcely seen a white man. These must hear the truth for this time. It is thought that there should be a school established in Peru where talented young men and women can be educated and then sent to teach the truth. It is very evident that such work should be done as soon as possible. If a large family could be found where some of the members could serve as teachers and others as nurses and doctors, and all pull together, some such work could be started in Peru. Our workers also want to educate their children in Seventh-day Adventist schools as soon as possible, lest while they work for others they lose their own children. Serious attention should be given to this matter. GCB June 1, 1913, page 211.24

Brother Stahl has worked in so high an altitude that his lungs seem to have enlarged until they impede seriously the free action of the heart. It is clear that some one else must take his place for a while to give him a change. The more work done, the more openings present themselves; but at the same time, more workers are found as the truth advances. The Lord wants workers in his vineyard; no idlers will be saved. So it is the Lord’s providence that a field ripened for the harvest presents itself in Peru and Bolivia. GCB June 1, 1913, page 212.1

There are Seventh-day Adventist believers in twenty-three places in Peru. GCB June 1, 1913, page 212.2

Ecuador

This state, on the equator, has the reputation of having an unhealthful coast climate, plague and yellow fever being exceedingly common in the port of Guayaquil. But Quito, the capital, and other towns in the mountains, have a healthful climate. I visited the workers here on my journey to the Conference. Elder Santiago Mangold, the superintendent of the Ecuador Mission, writes:— GCB June 1, 1913, page 212.3

“With pleasure I give some facts regarding our work. Ecuador has a population of a million and a half, over two hundred thousand of whom are of pure Indian race. Romanism is the state religion, and the people are so fanatical that it is difficult and even dangerous at times to preach the gospel among them. GCB June 1, 1913, page 212.4

“There are few railways, and travel by mule or horse is the common method. The many rivers to be forded add to the difficulty of getting over the field. GCB June 1, 1913, page 212.5

“Our first worker in Ecuador was Brother T. H. Davis, who arrived in 1906, and for two years labored as a colporteur. Last year Brother Davis died in Argentina, but his works follow him. At one place where he sold books, seven have since been baptized. Last year I baptized two persons in Quito, and organized a church of eight members, and several have been added. This is the first Seventh-day Adventist church in Ecuador. During recent trips to the coast, several believers have been baptized, all Ecuadorians. They are faithful in tithes and offerings. We rejoice to see the Lord converting hearts in this land. GCB June 1, 1913, page 212.6

“Brother and Sister John Osborne are working in Quito as nurses, finding many opportunities for missionary effort. Brother Osborne also takes occasional trips into the field with our publications. Recently, while sailing along the coast, we heard in the night the roar of breakers. We found the captain and the crew drunk, and the schooner headed for the rocks. We took command of the ship, Brother Osborne taking the sails and I the rudder, and soon we were clear of the rocks. We were successful in selling many tracts and periodicals and books on this journey. GCB June 1, 1913, page 212.7

“This country needs workers devoted to the winning of souls, ready to endure hardness as good soldiers of the cross of Christ. Who will respond?” GCB June 1, 1913, page 212.8

Brother John Osborne sends greetings to the Conference. He says:— GCB June 1, 1913, page 212.9

“We have had splendid results in the treatment of the sick, and have made many friends among prominent people, before whom the testing truths are brought, even though many refuse as yet to inquire into these things. By income from the treatment work, I have been able to pay about two thirds of my salary since coming to Ecuador, and have also spent considerable time in the canvassing work each year. Pray for the work here.” GCB June 1, 1913, page 212.10

Our workers in Ecuador passed through the dangers of the revolution last year. Mingled with strife between political parties, was a strong anti-Protestant sentiment. But God has overruled, and still the door is open for work, in spite of hindrances. Now is the time to work, while the days lasts. GCB June 1, 1913, page 212.11

PHOTO-CHURCH GROUP, VALPARAISO, CHILE

To sum up, there are ten million people on the West Coast of South America, whose need appeals to us to send to them the light of the gospel. There are so many places where the third angel’s message has never been preached. The republic of Colombia has no worker. GCB June 1, 1913, page 212.12

We need consecrated men, and means, to enter the great harvest field to finish the work of the message. Many are looking to this Conference from the West Coast, and calling, “Come over and help us.” Could you but see the wretched condition of the remnants of the old Inca Indians, and see the fruitage thus far gathered out, your souls would be stirred to pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth more laborers into the harvest. GCB June 1, 1913, page 212.13

You may not receive thanks for all you do for these people, but some souls will be saved through your efforts; and one soul saved is well worth any sacrifice that you can make. May God bless you all. I extend to you many thanks in behalf of Chile, and all the West Coast, for what you have done to bring the message to this great field. The believers send their grateful thanks, and ask me to bear their greetings to their brethren in other lands. GCB June 1, 1913, page 212.14

F. H. WESTPHAL,
President of the Chile Conference.

A STATEMENT

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L. R. Conradi: Elder Daniells has now a statement to make to the congregation. GCB June 1, 1913, page 212.15

A. G. Daniells: I have asked the chairman for the privilege of making a brief statement which I believe will be cheering to our brethren and sisters. Many of you are aware that during the past eight or ten years we have been tried by the enemy many times. As a denomination we have had perplexities and difficulties to meet. A few years ago a special crisis arose involving the matter of organization. In all these experiences the enemy is alert to create misunderstandings. We have experienced these things—every people that God has ever lead has had to battle with these things. Now, in the midst of this difficulty some years ago, some of our brethren, and some churches, were in perplexity. Among them was a church in the city of Washington, of which Elder L. C. Sheafe was leader. Brother Sheafe came to this city by request of the General Conference Committee about 1902, and the Lord blessed his labors in raising up a substantial church. I united with him in its organization. I visited the church many times, and spoke to them. We worked together very nicely, and a good congregation was built up; but in the midst of the crisis referred to, there came a time when Brother Sheafe and his congregation felt that they could not go on with this body. A letter signed by the church clerk notified us that they had decided to withdraw from the conference and be independent of our organization. I need not recite the interviews that were held, and what we tried to do on both sides, nor the interviews that have been held from time to time since then. But I am very happy to tell you this morning that our brethren, after these years of observation and experience, have concluded that they do not want to stand apart any longer. [Elder Daniels spoke of conferences that had been held with the church recently, and of the assurance felt by those who had taken part in these interviews.] A few days ago we received a letter from the church, which I would like to ask Elder Sheafe to present. GCB June 1, 1913, page 212.16

L. C. Sheafe: I want to say this morning that I feel I am in the house of my friends. It has been eighteen years since this blessed message came to me. I believed it then to be the message of God, and I have believed it ever since to be the message of God. I saw in it wonderful possibilities for my people. I had no special personal aims or ambitions, but I felt that this message could do so much for my people; and in the various conferences that I have been privileged to attend that has been the one fact and thought before me. I feel that possibly this has been true—that, like Moses of old, when he came out and saw the Egyptian ill-treating the Hebrew, you remember he took off his coat and rolled up his sleeves and pitched in to deliver Israel himself. He was forty years ahead of God, and therefore God had to put him in the mountains tending sheep to teach him his lesson. God had a thought for Israel and for the Hebrews deeper, grander than Moses had, and afterward God called him out and used him wonderfully in leading his people forward. [Elder Sheafe spoke of his personal belief in the doctrines of our faith, and continued concerning the action of the church.] The church for more than six years has stood aloof from conference connection. I have weighed the situation, and looked the matter over, and I have said to myself, This message of truth has made us what we are. It will not pay for us to depart from its principles. Therefore, during these years I have sought to proclaim this message. But our church has been considering this matter, as a body, in a special way for about a month. We were looking into the matter seriously, and considering it, and holding meetings, and on the 21st of this month, in a meeting assembled, this was the action of the church (reading):— GCB June 1, 1913, page 213.1

THE PEOPLE’S SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH

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WASHINGTON, D. C., May 21, 1913. To the General Conference Committee of Seventh-day Adventists

Dear Brethren: After more than six years of separation from conference connection, having prayerfully reconsidered our action, we are convinced that the separation was a sad mistake, for which we are heartily sorry. We have earnestly sought and obtained forgiveness from our Heavenly Father, and do here and now acknowledge our fault to you. GCB June 1, 1913, page 213.2

We are in full accord with the teachings, doctrines, and polity of the Seventh-day Adventists of the United States of America. Therefore we desire to unite with you to help close up this glorious message of love and mercy. Our earnest prayer is that Heaven may continually smile on this union. GCB June 1, 1913, page 213.3

Done by order of the church on the above date. GCB June 1, 1913, page 213.4

LEWIS C. SHEAFE, Pastor;
ELMIRA B. GREENE, Clerk.

[Attached to the letter were the names of the eighty-two members voting it, and also a record of the fact that eleven voted against joining the body.] GCB June 1, 1913, page 213.5

In response, it was moved that the following reply be entered upon the minutes:— GCB June 1, 1913, page 213.6

“The committee suggests this word of reply: The Conference receives this letter with joy, glad that the members of this congregation addressing us find themselves fully in harmony with the Seventh-day Adventist body, and desirous of being identified with us. We assure our brethren that our hearts respond to these declarations of unity in the blessed hope. We welcome these brethren and sisters to the joys and trials and triumphs of the advent people, in the work of this last message; and we refer this letter for definite, formal action to the District of Columbia Conference, in whose territory this church is located.” GCB June 1, 1913, page 213.7

W. A. Spicer: I move this reply, Brother Chairman, to the letter from the church. GCB June 1, 1913, page 213.8

L. R. Conradi: Are there any remarks upon this now? GCB June 1, 1913, page 213.9

L. C. Sheafe: I wish to express my hearty appreciation and thanks to the brethren for this cordial acceptance of our word, and we hope to be able in the future to demonstrate by our lives and actions the sincerity of the step that we have taken in asking for a place with you in this great work. And our earnest and sincere prayer shall be that God may further his cause and may hasten the glad day when all these differences and misunderstandings shall have passed away, and God himself will wipe the tears from the faces of his people and gather them into one family, where there will be no more separation, no more severed ties, no more misunderstandings arising to wound our hearts nor his people. May God ever guide and keep us. GCB June 1, 1913, page 213.10

Elder Daniells spoke again at some length, saying that in the interviews held it was the mind of the church to come into conference relationship just as all other churches, and Elder Sheafe had desired to come as all other ministers, willing to labor anywhere as the providence of God might indicate. GCB June 1, 1913, page 213.11

The congregation sang, “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.” GCB June 1, 1913, page 213.12

Remarks were made by various brethren, some of which are summarized below. One delegate asked for further remarks by Elder Sheafe regarding his statement, the Chair suggesting that it was perhaps not best to take up the personal statement further here. GCB June 1, 1913, page 213.13

J. K. Humphrey: I rise to express my appreciation, as one of the members of the race with which Brother Sheafe and his church are connected, of the step that Brother Sheafe and his church have taken. No one present, probably, felt more keenly than I did when Brother Sheafe and his church separated themselves from the conference connection, and no one felt more keenly the influence and the impress it had over the entire country. I believe this step will be one of greater spiritual advancement. And I believe it will mean greater impetus to our work among the Negroes in this country. GCB June 1, 1913, page 213.14

Sydney Scott: I believe this move of Brother Sheafe has lifted the cloud over the camp of Ham. I believe with all my heart, while we have made progress during the last four years, we shall see greater progress in the future. I for one, unite with Brother Sheafe as a brother, and pull with him in the same traces to carry this glorious gospel to its full triumph. GCB June 1, 1913, page 213.15

W. D. Forde: I am sure that the stand Brother Sheafe has taken will be a means of raising a song of jubilee throughout the Negro constituency of this denomination. One of the last things that was said to me on leaving Chicago, by the members of our church there, was, “Endeavor to visit Brother Sheafe, and speak with him, and see if you can say something that will be a means of persuading him to take a different position than he has been taking for years.” I had never met Brother Sheafe until coming to this camp ground. But my heart was anxious for him, and before leaving Chicago I had a season of prayer that God would in some way bring about a change. On coming to Washington, I heard of the stand he had taken, and my heart was filled with unspeakable joy. I am sure that, on my return to the city of Chicago, the people there will be overjoyed. GCB June 1, 1913, page 213.16

John Mann: I am sure this message that comes to us this morning will be appreciated down in the Southland. Brother Sheafe is known by many of our people in Georgia. I have been asked many questions with reference to him. I have been very slow to speak about him and his church, because of the differences that came about some time ago. But I am glad that I am able to carry the good news back to the State of Georgia. GCB June 1, 1913, page 213.17

J. O. Miller: I want to say that I have been personally acquainted with Elder Sheafe. He has been in my home, and I have learned to love Elder Sheafe as a brother, and I want to say, brethren, that I am indeed glad to see him taking such a stand. GCB June 1, 1913, page 213.18

W. H. Green: I appreciate very much this opportunity of expressing my thanks and gratitude for the return of Brother Sheafe. It was in this city that I received the truth through Brother Sheafe’s efforts, being among the first to unite with the church. In 1905 I went to Pittsburgh to labor, and at that time learned that the members of this church were about to depart from the organized work. I was very sad at this, but thank God for this action today. GCB June 1, 1913, page 213.19

A. J. Haysmer: I am sure I am expressing the heartfelt feelings of all our fellow workers in the North American Negro Department when I say that we are all very glad for what we have seen and heard this morning, and we receive Elder Sheafe with open arms to help us close up this work before the Lord comes. GCB June 1, 1913, page 213.20

H. W. Cottrell: I esteem it a great privilege to express myself in reference to the return of this church, and I pray and hope that the remaining eleven of them will see their way clear to come along with the church and unite with the organized work. I have labored in this city considerably in years past, and have been more or less mingled with Brother Sheafe and his people in this city, and I want to say that it greatly rejoices my heart to know of their return to the organized work. I know that this people will joyfully and gladly receive them into full fellowship; and may God greatly bless this dear brother and his people as they unite with us to further the cause of truth in this city and in the world. [Many amens.] GCB June 1, 1913, page 213.21

Question was called, and the entire congregation, by a rising vote, adopted the motion making response to the letter presented. GCB June 1, 1913, page 213.22

L. R. Conradi: Brother Spies will now report from the Brazilian Union Conference. GCB June 1, 1913, page 213.23

F. W. Spies (reading):— GCB June 1, 1913, page 213.24

BRAZILIAN UNION CONFERENCE

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Whereas a few years ago South America was known only as the Neglected Continent, people the world over are today awaking to the fact that it is the land of opportunity. Capitalists from North America and Europe are flocking to South America in quest of opportunity for investing their wealth. This results in opening up the country and in presenting opportunities heretofore unknown to agriculture and commerce. It also brings advantages to the missionary who is called of God to carry the last message of the everlasting gospel to the benighted souls scattered over the vast expanse of the South American territory. GCB June 1, 1913, page 214.1

Of the South American continent, which comprises approximately one seventh of the globe’s habitable surface, Brazil occupies nearly one half, and contains, scattered over its immense area, in city, hamlet, and plain, twenty-three million blood-bought and precious souls, who are waiting to receive the last gospel message at our hands, in order that some among them may be prepared for the Master’s coming. GCB June 1, 1913, page 214.2

Aside from its natural and regular increase, Brazil’s population is annually augmented by many thousands of emigrants who come from many different nations to find a home on Brazilian soil. These also need the truth, and we find many of them ready to receive it. This great republic is indeed a rich as well as beautiful and interesting country, “where every prospect pleases, and only man is vile;” for in sharp contrast to the beauties of nature stands the deplorable condition of the people, who, during four hundred years, have been fettered by a religion which has retarded progress, spiritual as well as material. GCB June 1, 1913, page 214.3

Extent of Territory

Brazil is the largest of all the South American republics. The United States, without Alaska, could be placed in it, and still there would be room enough left for the major part of Germany. Brazil’s immense coast line of 5,400 miles, and its thousands of miles of navigable rivers (27,000 miles alone in the Amazon and its affluents), afford abundant waterways, even though many of the Brazilian rivers are not navigable for considerable distances. GCB June 1, 1913, page 214.4

Divisions of the Brazilian Union Conference

At the time of the last session of the General Conference, the plan was laid to organize Brazil into a union conference. This organization was effected at the time of Elder Conradi’s visit to South America in December, 1910. At the same time, also, the East Brazil Mission was set apart. GCB June 1, 1913, page 214.5

Today our union is composed of three organized conferences: Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catharina, and Parana. For lack of help to properly operate it, the latter has, however, been hardly more than a mission field, and is even now under union direction. We have, further, three organized mission: Sao Paulo, Rio-Espirito Santo, and East Brazil. The North Brazil Mission comprises more than one half of the territorial extent of our entire union, and more than two fifths of our Brazilian population. This is an unorganized mission, and has at present only one worker, a canvasser, who is sowing the seeds of truth. The Brazilian Union has 30 churches and 25 companies, having together a membership of 1,512. There are 21 church buildings, with a seating capacity of 1,680. GCB June 1, 1913, page 214.6

When our union organization went into effect, Jan. 1, 1912, there were reported 1,368 members. This shows an increase of 144 members in the two years of its existence. The actual accessions during this time, however, are something over three hundred, emigration and the cleaning up of our church records causing a loss of about one hundred sixty since the union’s organization. GCB June 1, 1913, page 214.7

Finance

There was paid in tithes in United States gold: 1911, $14,901; 1912, $16,227.41; total, $31,128.41. This is a trifle more than $10.72 per capita for the year 1912. GCB June 1, 1913, page 214.8

We received in offerings, during 1911, $2,423.75; 1912, $2,584.01; total, $5,007.76. GCB June 1, 1913, page 214.9

PHOTO-ENTRANCE TO RIO DE JANEIRO HARBOR, BRAZIL

For local work, such as the erection of church buildings, maintenance of halls, etc., approximately seven thousand was raised, making a total of $43,136.17 that has been raised in our union for the carrying on of our work during the past two years. GCB June 1, 1913, page 214.10

At the close of the year 1912 we had in our union six ordained ministers, seven licentiates, five missionary licentiates, and twenty-seven canvassers, a total of forty-four laborers. GCB June 1, 1913, page 214.11

As Elder Waldemar Ehlers, president of the Rio Grande do Sul Conference, and Elder John Lipke, superintendent of the East Brazil Mission, are present, they will give a statement of the work in their respective fields. Respecting the other fields, the remarks that I shall make relative to the condition and needs of our aggressive evangelical work, will cover all that need be said. GCB June 1, 1913, page 214.12

Aggressive Evangelical Work

Our message is an onward, aggressive message, and as soon as it ceases to progress, be it in our own lives or in the different fields where it has gained a foothold, it weakens. The Brazilian fields have as a whole been poorly manned. We have at the present time a conference and two missions without superintendents. We have, since January I of this year, received three workers, two ordained ministers and one licentiate, and the Brazilian brethren desire to express their heartiest thanks to the Mission Board for this help. At the same time, it must be remembered that when three workers have landed on Brazilian soil, it does not mean that they can always go right to work, as they could in the home land, but that before they can do work among the natives they need first to learn the language of the country, the Portuguese. GCB June 1, 1913, page 214.13

Owing to the great lack of workers, we have not been able to make the progress we should like to have made, and that we should have made in an older field. Indeed, it was in some instances not possible to hold what we had gained, because we had not the needed men to look after the work. But as the workers who have come, learn the language, and if a few more come, as we hope, we shall be able to see more rapid growth in the different fields. GCB June 1, 1913, page 214.14

Canvassing Work

The canvassing work has been strengthened during the past two years. Several institutes have been held, and leaders placed in charge of the work at different places. Since these steps have been taken, a considerable increase in sales has resulted. In 1911 our sales amounted to $7,195.50; in 1912, to $9,861.50; making for the two years $17,057. This was a gain in 1912 over 1911 of $2,671. Two thirds of the entire book sales of 1912 were made during the last five months of the year, or after the canvassers’ institutes. “Christ Our Saviour” is the book mainly sold thus far, but we are now preparing larger books, and hope to see this branch of the work strengthened still more. GCB June 1, 1913, page 214.15

And as we speak of our canvassing work, we would not forget to mention the work of our good Brother Henry Tonjes, who was sent down to Brazil by the last General Conference to labor in the interest of the canvassing work. Brother Tonjes has been laboring principally in the Rio Grande do Sul Conference, and has rendered good service in building up the work in this field. GCB June 1, 1913, page 214.16

Publishing Work

Our publishing work is growing, and will naturally develop as our canvassers increase. Conditions in Brazil are peculiar. Import duty on books is high; on raw material it is lower. Although labor is also high, we have been able to manufacture our needed books to better advantage in Brazil than to have them come from abroad. Our facilities are sufficient and will be for some time to come, to produce our own literature, even on a larger scale than we have done up to the present. The balance sheet Dec. 31, 1912, showed assets amounting to $23,290.44, liabilities amounting to $10,817.85, and consequently a present worth of $13,472.59. GCB June 1, 1913, page 214.17

Of the $300,000 Fund, Brazil has so far received $4,500. One half of this was given to our publishing house. This was a great help, and we were very thankful for it. This is practically all the help our publishing house has had from outside our union, with the exception of about fifteen hundred dollars, which Elder John Lipke gathered at the time when the plant was first installed. GCB June 1, 1913, page 215.1

Educational Work

Former experiences have proved that our constituency is as yet too small and weak and too much scattered to support a school continuously, and for this reason it ahs seemed to us that our present needs are best served by holding frequent short courses of instruction in various parts of our union with such persons as give promise of becoming workers. We have followed this plan now for several years, and the results have been satisfactory. We have in mind the starting of a school later on, and are working to this end. GCB June 1, 1913, page 215.2

Needs

In view of Elder Waldemar Ehlers’s poor state of health, it was thought best that he take an easier field, and we request the General Conference to find a good man to go into that field as president of the conference. GCB June 1, 1913, page 215.3

In view of the fact that the health of Elder Lipke, and especially that of his wife, has suffered considerably from climatic conditions during their stay in Bahia, it was recently voted by the union committee that we ask the General Conference to send us another laborer to prepare himself to later on take responsibilities in the North. GCB June 1, 1913, page 215.4

Inasmuch as the finances of the Rio Grande do Sul Conference permit the employing of a further laborer, they request our union to furnish them another worker, which request we pass on to this Conference. GCB June 1, 1913, page 215.5

In view of the good work being done by our lady nurses and lady Bible workers in various places in the South American Union, we request the General Conference to send us an experienced lady nurse and an experienced lady Bible worker for the work in Rio de Janeiro. GCB June 1, 1913, page 215.6

As we are at present printing a Portuguese edition of “Home and Health,” we further request that three able canvassers be sent us, who may assist us in building up this line of work. GCB June 1, 1913, page 215.7

The Brazil brethren think that the time has also come that a good physician should be sent to take up the medical evangelistic work in our union. Of course, such an one must remember that we have no sanitarium, and not much prospect of having one in the near future. But we believe that the faithful work of a good physician would be a great help in our field. GCB June 1, 1913, page 215.8

We realize that at this General Conference many requests are being made for help from many needy fields. And in consideration of the great need all over the vast harvest field, we have tried to be as modest as our imperative needs permit us to be. And so we hope that this body may see its way clear to grant our small requests. GCB June 1, 1913, page 215.9

In conclusion, I wish once more to express to this Conference and to the Mission Board the sincere thanks of the brethren of the Brazil Union for the sympathy and help received, for the financial support, and for the workers sent. We are glad that we can say that the Brazil brethren are of good courage, and are determined to give themselves more than ever to this good work, until it shall have been finished, and the faithful toilers enter the joy of their Lord. F. W. SPIES. GCB June 1, 1913, page 215.10

W. H. Thurston: As I labored several years in Brazil, I would like to call attention to one or two points with regard to the work there. I landed in Rio de Janeiro in 1894 with my wife. At that time as far as we knew there was no Sabbath-keeper in South America. There was nothing published in the language of the country, except the Bible, and we could not read that. But I am glad to see the great progress that has been made there. The territory has been organized into conferences, and I thank God for the good work that is being done in that country. GCB June 1, 1913, page 215.11

L. R. Conradi: We will now hear from Brother Ehlers, who is the president of the Rio Grande Conference. GCB June 1, 1913, page 215.12

W. Ehlers (reading):- GCB June 1, 1913, page 215.13

REPORT OF THE RIO GRANDE DO SUL CONFERENCE

WASe

The members of the Rio Grande do Sul Conference send their greetings to all the brethren and sisters assembled at the General Conference in session. Our conference territory is that of the most southern state of the Brazilian republic. It has a population of about 1,600,000. Organized in 1996, it has been self-supporting since that time. We have now ten churches, nine companies and forty-seven isolated Sabbath-keepers; in all, 563 members. During the past few years we have baptized about fifty souls every year, having most of the time only one ordained minister, two licentiates, and one or two Bible workers. Our membership has in the last four years grown from 435 to only 563, as we have lost about eighty by emigration, death, and apostasy; but our means have nearly doubled. GCB June 1, 1913, page 215.14

In 1912, our tithe reached the amount of $6,063.75, an average of $10.77 for each member. All other donations have also increased. We have twelve church buildings in our conference, most of which are built of brick. In general, they make a good impression and are nearly all free of debt. They represent a value of about $13,000. In Porte Alegre, the capital of Rio Grande do Sul, with about 125,000, inhabitants, we erected last year a nice little church building, about 54x27 feet, which now is pointing the people to the Lord of the Sabbath. Our members responded nicely to the call for means for this enterprise, and also did “the wealth of the Gentiles” come to us. As Brother H. Tonjes and I visited the business men of the city, and told them what we were going to do, we not only were kindly received, but nearly at every place we received from one to thirty-five dollars, so that in a few days, we had collected about $500. I had to stop this soliciting work because of sickness, but other brethren are continuing it with good success. In this way the people not only got better acquainted with us and our work and are visiting our meetings, but we also had the joy of seeing our chapel erected practically without debt within one year, the expense being about $6,000. This year our conference was held in the new chapel, and well attended, not only by our brethren from different parts of the field, but also by the general public. GCB June 1, 1913, page 215.15

We have thirty Sabbath-schools with 690 members. In 1912, the donations amounted to $646. Five church-schools are operated and others will be opened in the near future. For the past four years our conference has paid a first and a second tithe to the union, besides all donations for missions. We also founded a reserve fund of about $1,000. GCB June 1, 1913, page 215.16

Our colporteurs, six to eight inexperienced young men, sold in 1912 $3,300 worth of books in about ten months. They did pretty well, when we consider that nearly eighty per cent of the Brazilians can neither read nor write. Another difficulty is, that the population is a mixed one. There are the Brazilians, of European and mixed races, who speak the Portuguese language, the Germans (about 400,000), Italians, Russians, Poles, and many other nationalities. GCB June 1, 1913, page 215.17

At the close of 1912, we had but two ordained ministers, two licentiates, one Bible worker, and one canvassing agent, Brother Henry Tonjes, formerly of New York City. We are in great need of more workers to reach the various nationalities, and I am pleading with you to take under consideration the needs of our field, and to send some help to our portion of the Neglected Continent. We should have at least two more evangelists. Nurses also would be welcomed. GCB June 1, 1913, page 215.18

Only about 180 of our members are real Brazilians, many of these being colored. They love the precious truth, and our hearts become alike through the blood of our Saviour. I love our colored brethren, and some of them I call my special friends. But when I think of so many of this people, yet benighted in their Catholic faith, often worse than heathenism in dark Africa, I can only cry, Brethren, cut loose and come over to help us. GCB June 1, 1913, page 215.19

I don’t want to speak of our difficulties, trials, persecutions, and oppositions from other Protestant churches, because we have become accustomed to these. Sometimes we have been in great danger by mobs, or when crossing swollen rivers, or by deadly and dangerous diseases, and often we have passed days without food or bed, sleeping on the plains or in the woods, but we are overcoming all these obstacles, and by the grace of God we expect confidently to triumph. Psalm 73:23-28. GCB June 1, 1913, page 215.20

W. EHLERS, President.

L. R. Conradi: After this good report, we will hear from Brother J. Lipke, who is in charge of the East Brazilian Mission. GCB June 1, 1913, page 215.21

J. Lipke (reading):— GCB June 1, 1913, page 215.22

THE EAST BRAZIL MISSION

WASe

The East Brazil Mission comprises the four states of Bahia, Sergipe, Alagoas, and Pernambuco, and has 275.000 square miles. This territory is inhabited by about 4,500,000 Brazilians and a few foreigners, who live in 101 cities, 162 towns, and the surrounding country. These all speak the Portuguese language. GCB June 1, 1913, page 215.23

As the governments of these four states do not concern themselves much about the education of the people, only about twenty per cent can read and write. GCB June 1, 1913, page 216.1

History of the Mission

Our work began in this mission through literature. A Brazilian in the state of Bahia found the Sabbath by reading his Bible, kept it, and preached on the market-place of his city about the necessity of keeping the Sabbath. One who heard him asked if he knew of others who keep the Sabbath. He said, No, because he believed himself to be the only Sabbath-keeper in the world. Having obtained our address, he corresponded with our office and received our literature. This helped to build him up in a knowledge of the truth, and literature was used by him in his efforts. After he had called for some time for one of our laborers to visit him, he was visited by Elder Spies, who baptized him and three other believers. Later, this first Sabbath-keeper was called to attend a workers’ institute in the State of Sao Paulo, and became one of our most successful canvassers. GCB June 1, 1913, page 216.2

In the State of Alagoas the work was begun by a man nurse, who was sent to that state by the Brazilian government. Having awakened some interest, he called for help, and Elder Spies responded, and finally baptized eight persons. Elder Schwantes, who labored in the field a very short time, also baptized a few. GCB June 1, 1913, page 216.3

In the year 1909, we were called to take charge of the North Brazil Missions, which comprised at that time all the states north of the state of Espirito Santo. In 1910, this mission was divided, and the new mission, the East Brazil Mission, was formed. This was very agreeable to us, as thus our territory was limited to the four states. Bahia, Sergipe, Alagoas, and Pernambuco. GCB June 1, 1913, page 216.4

When we went to take charge of the work, we found about fourteen Sabbath-keepers, with one worker besides ourselves. At the close of the year 1910, we had baptized and taken forty into the church. During 1911 we received sixty, and during 1912, sixty-one, into church-fellowship, or, in other words, in two and one half years about 160 persons. GCB June 1, 1913, page 216.5

This harvest was not due so much to our personal efforts as to our native helpers who had received instruction at the three institutes we held, and had gone into the field. Thus were trained, little by little, one Bible worker, three colporteurs, two canvassing agents, one in the state of Bahia and one in Pernambuco, and ten canvassers, four in Bahia, four in Pernambuco, and two in the state of Para. The canvassing work, though having its peculiar Brazilian difficulties, is making steady progress. Other members are getting ready to enter the canvassing work. GCB June 1, 1913, page 216.6

We are glad to report that even Brazilians are faithful in paying tithe, a good number having paid tithe before becoming members. In 1911 the tithe amounted to about $11 per capita. On account of droughts, which are frequent in the north of Brazil, the tithe last year was less. GCB June 1, 1913, page 216.7

Our Difficulties

Our difficulties are the ones common in all Catholic countries, as well as the difficulties peculiar to Brazil. There are four classes of Catholic Brazilians: The educated, who turn toward atheism, the mercenary Catholics, who care not for the doctrines of the church; the Brazilians who are well instructed in the doctrines of the church; the ignorant Catholics who know little of the doctrines of their church, but are dominated by the priests. The latter class is the most difficult to work with, because they carry out the priests’ plans of persecution, even to the death of heretics. GCB June 1, 1913, page 216.8

Our Needs

The climate and conditions in general make the work very difficult for a foreigner, although it is necessary that he should pioneer it. We found no other way to do but to rough it, and enjoyed this. In general, we must depend upon native workers, who are accustomed to the climate and the existing conditions, although they prize the help that the foreigner can give in the matter of general training. We must do all we possibly can to train native workers. This makes it necessary to have as foreign workers those who can organize and lead out in the work. Such a man we need at present for the state of Pernambuco,—a real Christian,—some one who leaves the color-line at home, who is willing to sacrifice without grumbling, and who is ready to draw close to the people, to win them to Christ. GCB June 1, 1913, page 216.9

JOHN LIPKE, Superintendent.

C. H. Edwards: Before we adjourn I would like to make a statement. In harmony with what has been done before in regard to a delegation visiting the President of the United States, I move that a committee of five, W. A. Colcord, C. S. Longacre, S. B. Horton, K. C. Russell, and J. E. Jayne, be authorized to prepare a suitable memorial, and that the Conference appoint a number of brethren to present this memorial to the President. GCB June 1, 1913, page 216.10

This motion prevailed, and the Conference adjourned. GCB June 1, 1913, page 216.11

L. R. CONRADI, Chairman;
W. A. SPICER, Secretary.