Numerous others stood to make confession, and the examination continued far past one o’clock, ’till twenty-one were received for baptism.  This marvelous outpouring of the Spirit of Christ enabled us to see with our own eyes the power of the gospel demonstrated in the saving of souls in Brazil.

After the service we went to breakfast in a house near by.  The crowd, according to custom, came into the dining room, as many of them as could, to hear the conversation while we sat about the table.  The walls of the building were made of mud, the floor was the bare ground, in the corner of the room, surrounded by a mud puddle, stood a water jar, around which the chickens were picking.  I kicked a pig out of my way, accidentally stepped on a dog, but nothing daunted, fell to with good will and ate, asking no questions.

After a few hours’ ride, upon our return journey in the afternoon, we reached the town of Olhos d’Agua (Fountains of Water) through which we had passed upon our outward journey in the early morning.  There is a very good church at this place which has suffered cruel persecution.  Upon the doors of every Protestant house in the town have been painted black crosses.  They were placed there at night by the Catholics to keep the Devil from coming out.  The black cross of derision has become a mark of honor in that community.  We were greeted by a splendid audience that night and the gospel again was honored.  More than a dozen people accepted Christ and made confession of Him.

I was greatly interested in Brother Raymundo, who is the leading member of this church.  Formerly he was a great persecutor.  He was an enemy to Antonio Barros, who is now a leading member in the church at Arroz Novo.  Barros was converted at Lage, and when he met Raymundo he greeted him, at which Raymundo was greatly surprised.  Barros explained his action by saying that he had found Christ and wanted to live at peace with all men.  The fact that his enemy should embrace him and beg his pardon greatly impressed Raymundo.  Upon the invitation of Barros, Raymundo attended the meeting that night.  He was touched by the gospel and was converted.  He now had to experience the same persecution he had inflicted upon others.  His enemies wrote to the merchants in Bahia and told them that he was out of his mind.  So persistent was their persecution that he was compelled to give up his business.  His credit was destroyed by these reports.  He moved away from Olhos d’Agua, but when the native pastor left the place recently Raymundo returned in order to hold the work together.  He now makes his meager living by trading, and through great sacrifice leads the congregation in a very acceptable service.

We returned to St. Ignez by ten o’clock that night, tired and happy over what our eyes had seen and our hearts had felt.  It had been a day of triumph for the gospel.