p. 101 | SYRACUSE MISSION by A. E. Place

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 17, 1885

SYRACUSE MISSION.

By A. E. Place

Our brethren will no doubt be glad to see a report from this mission after waiting for it so long. We have not kept silent concerning the work here because there was nothing to report, but simply because we have failed to do duty.

Pleasant apartments for public lectures and reading-rooms were found in a desirable part of the city, and these were furnished, and opened June 17, 1884. Soon after, several workers began introducing the Signs, the object being not only to take orders for the paper, but to prepare the way for the camp-meeting to be held in August. The Lord’s blessing attended the carrying out of this plan. Nearly one thousand orders were taken for the Signs, and many, through reading the good articles in that paper, were influenced to attend the camp-meeting, and a favorable impression was made.

No effort was put forth to hold public services at the rooms until after the camp-meeting. About the middle of September, Bro. Brown began holding meetings once in two weeks; but his duties soon called him away, and the work was followed up by Brn. Whitney, Swift, and Robinson, till the last of December, most of the meetings being held Sunday afternoon. At our Rome meeting it was decided that I should come here, and since the first of January I have labored here with the exception of one or two days.

The work began with no interest at all; but the Lord has continued to bless the efforts put forth; and although the wheels have seemed to be blocked at times, yet nearly every week has given evidence of advancement, until at present there is a good interest manifested. We now hold two public services each week, besides one Bible-reading; and for two or three weeks past our rooms have been well filled at these meetings. Bro. Stureman and myself are holding from ten to twelve Bible-readings each week in private houses with good results. This certainly is a successful plan for bringing the truth before the people. Our laborers are so few that with the Bible-readings and visiting it has seemed impossible to do much as yet with “Sunshine,” or the “Great Controversy.” The good impression made by Sr. White upon the people will undoubtedly insure a good sale of the latter work.

Eight grown persons have commenced keeping the Sabbath. Several remarkable cases have been found, of one of which I will speak briefly. A widow about sixty years of age, attended our camp-meeting, and became somewhat interested in our work. Reading matter was loaned her, and she soon saw the Sabbath truth; but she was so addicted to the use of opium, having used it about six years, that she did not seem to have strength of character to obey. Soon after she saw the light, her health and resources began to fail her, and when I first visited her she was truly an object of pity. I called several times, and talked and prayed with her, but until last Friday there seemed to be but little hope. She was growing weaker rapidly in both mind and body. I told her that if she would cast herself unreservedly upon God, and promise to obey him, come life or death, I felt that he would be pleased to work for her. After praying with her I left, feeling that God was working for her. Sabbath I received a note from her stating that she had decided to obey God, and had thrown all her opium into the fire, that she was suffering extreme agony, and wished us to pray for her. Sr. Bristol went to stay with her. About midnight they sent for Bro. Brown and myself to come as quick as we could. We went, and found her in a very critical condition. It seemed that Satan was trying to kill her before help should be given. We had two short seasons of prayer, and before the close of the second her faith claimed the promise, and she praised the Lord for his healing power. About two o’clock we left her sleeping as calmly as an infant. We felt to say, “Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Yesterday I called to see her, and found her sitting in her chair. When she saw me, she exclaimed, “Praise the Lord! what a victory! I am clothed, and in my right mind.” Her desire for the opiate had been entirely removed. At the time of the healing a neighbor was present, and was deeply affected. We feel to rejoice, and believe that God will use this circumstance to advance the work here, and bring honor to his name. Brethren, can we doubt God’s power and willingness to bless and help his remnant people?

The members of the mission here are trying to work in harmony with each other and the Spirit of God, and the Lord is coming near with his blessing; and it inspires us to pray for the latter rain to come from the presence of the Lord. Dear brethren, we desire your sympathy, your earnest prayers, and your support, that God may abundantly bless the mission work this year.

A. E. PLACE.