[aron]

The following quote from brother Helcio Almeida who was working in various areas in Africa and S. America shows that the spirit of mercantilism is not restricted to Lee and the LSM.

"I would like to mention too is the emphasis in marketing products in the church and the possible charge of peddling the Word of God... Most brothers can simply consider and use these practices to sell the books as an important tool to spread the gospel and save the people, while some may understand the matter as a trade or business or as a peddle the word of God.

The question seems to me the emphasis is on using this practice and how it is presented to the brothers and later given the churches. If it is not well presented, or whether it take the impression of an obligation, I feel that this may confuse us with the negative side of Christianity, which uses the things of God to promote their interests.

I understand that the item Bookafé, [Book Room plus Coffee Café] which considers the use of the venues, has already been adjusted and presented in a spiritual burden that is best comprehended by all, without confusing the issue with the commercial spirit."

Question: does anyone know what Dong did before becoming the apostle/bishop of Brazil? Someone told me he owned a pencil manufacturing and distributing business, among other things. Was he, like his mentor Lee, trafficking in secular goods before he realized what a fat market waited for him in the area of "religious materials"? And if so, is this a coincidence?