CHOLO.—It is now midwinter, and the weather is pleasant. When the sun shines, the days are warm, but the nights are cool—almost cool enough for frost. We have had more or less rain since our arrival, but what is called the rainy season is in the summer, and begins about October. We are glad that we hurried along, so as to be here in the cool season; for we believe it will be very trying in the hot season. Generally speaking, however, we are much pleased with the climate. I do not know how long we shall succeed in warding off the fever. All Europeans expect to have it at least twice a year.
Many times since our arrival we have had evidences that it is in the providence of God that we are here. Within twelve hours after we reached here, we were at work on matters that seemed to be waiting for us, and which we arrived just in time to attend to. This has made us feel very glad. We care not what may be the circumstances that we may have to meet as long as there is work that we can do to advantage.
We have a nice place here. Even though we are surrounded with woods and wild beasts, we feel just as safe as if we were in Battle Creek. I think we now have the little matters of the mission, the school, and the farm pretty well adjusted, and we hope it will not be necessary for us to spend much time or energy on those things, but that we can devote ourselves almost entirely to the one purpose of helping and teaching the people. Our students number about forty, and applicants are coming in. We can take these people only a very short step at a time, and it is better to go slowly than to try to go too fast with them. I have a nice class of seven boys. It is true, they are very backward students, but somehow I feel drawn to them all the more on this account; and notwithstanding the fickleness of the native, I am hoping for good results. In working for the natives we do not have to wait for ceremony, but can go right to work without making apologies.
The estate is so extensive that I have no question as to its containing two thousand acres. It is supposed that there are about two hundred acres under a sort of cultivation, in addition to the land on which the houses and native huts stand. The rest of the land is covered with timber, brush, and grass that grows eight or nine feet high. This makes a good lair for wild beasts. It is the home of lions, hyenas, leopards, etc. It is only a few days ago that a leopard was seen lying by the spring where we get our water, and some of the goats on the place have been carried off by the wild animals. It can readily be seen that the part of the estate which is not in use is more of a hindrance than a help to us on account of its being a hiding place for these beasts. The grass would be good for cattle, but with the exception of about twenty-five goats, there is not an animal on the place. I propose, if we can spare the money, to buy some cattle, as other missions have done, and make use of the abundance of grass that is going to waste. Cattle are rather dear here, but I am informed that up in the Angonaland, three hundred miles from here, there are cattle that we can buy for about half what they would be worth here, and it would not cost us much to have them brought to this place. As it is necessary to make a trip that way, to look after the out-school work, Brother Branch and I have decided to make the trip together, and attend to the two things at the same time. It is a hard trip. The only means of travel is to go on foot, or by machilla. The machilla is a hammock, suspended from a pole, which is carried on the shoulders of two natives. It can be easily imagined what it is to make a trip in this way. We can go about forty miles a day. One has to go through all sorts of country, with a narrow path, on each side of which the grass grows higher than one's head. We came over some miles of this kind of path on our journey to the mission.
Since leaving Cape Town, I have been working hard on the language, and hope soon to be able to converse with the people without an interpreter. This will be a great advantage, and will enable me to do more for them. Although Brother Branch has not been able to give a great deal of time to the language, his little boys can talk quite freely with the natives.
We are all of splendid courage, and enjoy our work with the people. It seems a hopeless task to get into their minds anything but the simplest thoughts, and these they do not seem to be able to remember, but we know that some of them will be made ready to go into the kingdom with us, and for this we will labor and pray.
J. H. WATSON.
Alberta
By J. W. Boynton
AUGUST 9 was the time appointed for the first general meeting of Seventh-day Adventists in this Territory. It rained almost every day for two weeks prior to the meeting, which made the roads almost impassable, and prevented some from coming; and as our numbers are small in this field, there were few in attendance; but the Spirit of God came in with a rich blessing for those who were present.
We were disappointed that Elder Flaiz could not be with us. Brother Black and two canvassers were the only laborers present besides the writer. By previous arrangement with Elder Flaiz a tract society was formed, to be called The Alberta Tract Society, with Sister Stella B. Lowry, of Ponoka, as secretary. This step seemed to be necessary on account of our isolated condition, being about one thousand miles from the nearest office. We are starting on a very small scale, but hope to do all we can to build up the work. We have had two canvassers at work since July 1. They have already taken about three hundred dollars' worth of orders.
During the meeting one aged brother16gave himself fully to the Lord, to observe his Sabbath. He was formerly a missionary to South Africa. His wife began to observe the Sabbath about two months ago, so our hearts were made glad by his surrender. This couple were brought to a knowledge of the truth through the Signs and tracts, and books which were loaned them.
Brother Gebanus, of Leduc, was arrested and fined $10.70 for Sunday work in his blacksmith shop. The fine was paid, as his wife's health was not good. I have not received particulars of the case.
We are of good courage, and wish to push the work as fast as possible.
J. W. BOYNTON.
Ponoka, Alberta.
Mission Notes
SINCE the middle of January over twenty have been baptized in British Guiana. Besides these, nine others were received into the church. Brother Babcock writes that although they have many perplexing things to meet, they are much encouraged to see so many precious souls accept the message.
IN a recent letter from Cape Haytien, Hayti, Brother Henry Williams mentions a lone Sabbath-keeper about thirty miles from where he is living, in a Spanish part of the island. She has been keeping the Sabbath for a number of years, having learned it from literature which he sent her. Two others joined with her; but a minister who visited their locality spoke against the Sabbath, and these two were led to return to Sunday-keeping. But this sister could not be moved. She is now waiting for baptism.
Western Washington
By W. F. Martin
At the last General Conference the Pacific Union Conference Committee asked me to labor in the Western Washington Conference. At the close of the Pendleton camp-meeting I accompanied Elders Knox and Snyder to the Centralia camp-meeting, and after that meeting I came to my district where I am to labor during the year. First, I made a short visit to Ilwaco, to attend to some business regarding a church building at that place. At one time there was a good company at Ilwaco, but most of the members have moved away. Sometime during the year I hope to hold a series of meetings there.
From Ilwaco I returned to Kelso. Here I was joined by Brother and Sister Albert Beck and Sister Belle Shryock. We pitched a tent and began our meetings. A supply of tracts was ordered, and each family was provided with reading-matter on the envelope plan. From the first, the attendance at the meetings was good. In the midst of our meetings a scourge of smallpox struck the town, and the authorities closed all public gatherings. This of course stopped our meetings. We remained, however, till the quarantine was raised, and then held a week's meeting. As a direct result, five were baptized. There is a good-sized congregation at Kelso now, and their Sabbath-school is thriving.
From Kelso we came to Kalama, and began work on the same plan that was followed at Kelso. The people seem willing to hear, and are remarkably free from prejudice. Rains have interfered with our work, yet the attendance has been fair. Already, three have taken a stand for the truth, and a number are interested. We hope to see a good-sized company raised up here to be a witness for the truth of God. My courage and confidence in the Lord's work are good. W. F. MARTIN.
Texas
By E. B. HOPKINS
By request I began labor in Texas in December, 1902. A few weeks later I attended an institute held in Keene, to which all the laborers were called. Since the first of March, 1903, I have been working in eastern Texas. The Lord has wonderfully blessed my efforts. Feeling that the message must go with power, I have fully consecrated myself to the Lord and his cause. I have organized two churches, baptized forty-five persons, and five others are awaiting baptism. Besides those just referred to, several backsliders have been reclaimed, and some from other churches have united with us.
Three church schools will be conducted this winter in Cass County, where I have labored the greater part of the summer. Two schools were conducted in this county last winter,—one at Marietta, taught by Brother W. L. Adams, who will teach again this winter; the other at Avinger. At Cusseta, where a church was recently organized, a church school will be taught by Mrs. Emma Johnson.
I was never of better courage. To the Lord be all the praise. Pray for the work here. E. B. HOPKINS.
Society Islands
By L. A. Roth
PAPEETE, TAHITI.—The Lord has been good to us, and has opened our eyes just at the time when we needed to have them opened, so that we could see how Satan is watching us, and trying all the time to defeat us, when we are making special plans to defeat him. The promises of the Lord are yea and amen. He tells us that if he permits the temptations, he will also give us strength to bear them, and will open a way for us to escape from the power of Satan, and will be near to receive us and comfort us in our trials. We have found that the Lord is the only one to be trusted, and that as long as we abide in him, he will take us safely through.
It is just a year since we moved to the place we now occupy, which we call our little island home. It is about a mile and a half from Papeete, in a suburb called Pirea. It is a fine place for us to rear the little ones the Lord has given to us. We have all kinds of fruits growing on the land, and a comfortable house in which to live. It is only about three hundred yards from the ocean on one side, and about the same from the river. We feel that the Lord opened the way for us to secure this little home.
From November, 1902, until June of this year, I worked in the bakery. Although there are twelve or fifteen bakeries here in Papeete besides our little one, the Lord certainly blessed; for in eight months we had as many customers as some of the old bakeries have after twenty or thirty years’ residence. We supply the governor and several of his friends. On Friday we furnish bread to our regular customers to last them over Sabbath. It is amusing to hear the people call to one another when we come along with our load of bread, “Pitania faraoa!” Adventists are called here “Pitania,” or Pitcairnians. The natives, and even some of the white people, call all the Adventists by this name. Our bread is also called by the same name. I wish the people would care as much for the truths we have for them as they do for the bread. But we believe the bread will be the means of getting the people interested. Some say, “Well, Adventists have some good bread, anyway.”
At the workers’ meeting held in Papeete in May, it was decided that I should spend my time in the field, with the French people. I can use to good advantage a number of French papers and tracts, as we have very few. We ordered a club of twenty-five French papers by the last mail, but this is only a drop in the bucket. We could use many more. We would be glad for French Signs of the Times, Le Messager de la Prophetie, and Le Vulgarisateur; and17any amount of French tracts will be confidently and gladly received. Small bundles could be sent directly to me, and large bundles to the Pacific Press in Oakland, Cal., which will forward them to us. Or if there are those who desire to send small donations to help us in securing literature, we would be glad to have them send these to the Mission Board, 222 North Capitol St., Washington, D. C., and the papers can be ordered for us.
If we had plenty of papers, the work here could be done quickly, as the French are not very numerous; and when we finish this place, there are many other places that are waiting to receive the message. Although the French people are difficult to labor for, the Lord has some precious souls among them, and we are glad for the privilege of searching for these. Yes, we are indeed thankful to the Lord for the humble place he has given us in his vineyard. As David of old, I can say that I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of the Lord than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
We are of good courage, and are trying to follow the good instruction we are receiving through the REVIEW and the Conference Bulletin. Our desire is that all may know that dear Saviour who died that we might have life.
L. A. ROTH.
Bay Islands
By A. J. Hetherington
UTILLA.—I finished my first tour through the Bay Islands in the interest of medical missionary work early in July. I have visited the principal towns, and find the openings rather favorable, as a whole. In some places the people are anxious to have an institution established where the principles of rational treatment and health reform may be carried out. Different plans will soon be laid for progressive work, and we will report again.
I am glad to learn that the Lord’s people are deciding to move out into regions beyond. It is difficult for those who are content to remain at home to realize the more urgent needs of the outlying borders of the world’s great field. May the Lord bless, comfort, and sustain those who are giving their hearts and talents to him for service in foreign fields.
A. J. HETHERINGTON.
California
By Walter Harper
WESTPORT.—I am now busy filling orders. Brother W. D. Workman, a young college student from Healdsburg, is with me. In about four weeks he was blessed with four hundred and twenty-five dollars' worth of orders. In about three weeks in July and four or five weeks in August and September I was favored with from five hundred to six hundred orders, or, including helps, ten hundred or twelve hundred dollars' worth. All the honor belongs to the Lord; for only he can crown our efforts with success.
Rising at 2 A. M., Brother Workman recently walked twenty miles. On the way he secured orders amounting to about fifty dollars, and that on Sunday, too. The next day he returned to Albion, and took about twenty dollars' worth of orders. By making his journey on foot he met many whom he would not have seen if he had taken the train, and also took more orders.
At Gualala, in Mendocino County, and over the line in the extreme northwest corner of Sonoma County, on a recent Sunday I secured thirty-six orders for books, helps, etc., or about seventy-five dollars' worth, and in one week I had one hundred and six orders, amounting to two hundred and twenty-five dollars in value. We thank, praise, and extol the Lord; for only our God can enable us to see such marked results. Brother Workman handles the religious books in connection with the medical works. We seek the Lord much in prayer, and his grace, peace, and blessing are ours.
We can not carry with us a prospectus of each of our books, yet we sell many of our foreign works, such as “Patriarchs and Prophets,” “Great Controversy,” “Daniel and the Revelation,” etc., by using the Review and Herald catalogue of foreign books. We select the work we wish to sell, and let those whom we canvass read the description, prices, etc., in their own language. We also give them such information in regard to the work as we can, and ask the Lord to help us, and to impress their hearts to buy the book; and the Lord does hear and answer. In this way we sell many books in Swedish, Danish, French, etc. It is good to trust in God, and to lean on the everlasting arm.
WALTER HARPER.
The Maine Camp-Meeting
By E. R. Palmer
THE annual session of the Maine Conference was held in camp at Deering Center, a near suburb of Portland, September 3-13. A series of tent meetings had been in progress at this place for several weeks, conducted by Elder P. F. Bicknell, president of the conference, and Elder E. E. Franke, of New York. The small camp which they had erected for their regular meeting was simply extended for the larger gathering. There was a good attendance of our own people, about one half the membership of the conference being present.
Elder H. W. Cottrell, president of the Atlantic Union Conference, who was present during the larger part of the meeting, and Elder A. G. Daniells, who, on account of other engagements, could remain only three days, spoke words of good cheer and courage relative to the general interests of our world-wide work. The brethren and sisters of Maine heard with much rejoicing the evidences that the message is hastening on toward its ultimate triumph. Cheering reports from foreign missions, and the rehearsal of God's providences attending the removal of the General Conference headquarters from Battle Creek to Washington were items of special interest to the people.
We were glad to have with us two old warriors of the cross, Elders J. B. Goodrich and S. J. Hersum, who for many years have been identified with the Maine Conference. Elder Goodrich, though very feeble in health one year ago, has, through much-needed rest and change to physical work, obtained, under the blessing of God, apparently a new lease on life, and seems as ruddy and vigorous as in years gone by.
Professor Griggs, of South Lancaster Academy, Dr. Nicola, of Melrose, Mass., and the writer were present to represent the school, medical, and tract society interests. The meeting throughout was a pleasant and refreshing season. The program was not overburdened with conference business matters. A general discussion of topics and plans of work was substituted for the usual long list of resolutions; and all business matters were dispatched promptly and pleasantly.
May the Lord greatly bless the work in this conference, from which place the third angel's message started on its conquering march through the great West and around the world; and as the spirit of the message returns with added power to the East, according to the promise, may the State of Maine be enlightened with its glory.
E. R. PALMER.
The Grand Island (Neb.) Camp-Meeting
By A. T. Robinson
“The best camp-meeting I ever attended,” was the frequent testimony borne by those who were present at the Grand Island meeting, which opened on September 3, following a workers’ meeting of ten days, and closed Sunday evening, September 13.
A council of the foreign publishing committees had been called to meet at the time of the camp-meeting, which brought together an unusually large number of laborers from abroad. Besides the Nebraska Conference ministers, there were present Elders J. N. Loughborough, I. H. Evans, N. P. Nelson, E. T. Russell, W. C. White, Luther Warren, Judson Washburn, W. A. Colcord, L. A. Hoopes, H. Shultz, Lewis Johnson, H. R. Johnson, F. H. Westphal, and Theo. Valentiner; also Brethren J. Sutherland, C. Meleen, Fred Johnson, A. Swedberg, and C. A. Thorp. These brethren spent much of the time in an important council relating to the foreign publishing work, a report of which will be given by others. Their presence and influence were greatly appreciated.
The week preceding the camp-meeting between forty and fifty ministers, colporteurs, Bible workers, and canvassers were on the ground to assist in the erection of the camp. We held services together twice each day, and realized much of the presence and blessing of the Lord. On the Sabbath of the workers’ meeting, the members of the Grand Island church met with us, and we had a most precious season of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. Several of the ministers said it was the best Sabbath they ever spent. When the camp-meeting opened, this same spirit came into the larger congregations from the very beginning. Revival services were held nearly every day, and many souls were made free in God. The services of one forenoon were given to the consideration of the removal of the headquarters of the denomination to Washington, and to the foreign missionary work. At the close of the forenoon service a call was made for means, and a trifle under one thousand dollars was raised, in cash and pledges. Later in the week the missionary enterprises of Nebraska were considered, when over six hundred and fifty dollars was donated for the different objects presented.
Elder Warren, while preaching on the last Sabbath morning of the meeting, appealed to the people to give themselves to the work of God, and nearly the whole congregation signified their willingness to do so. As he spoke of the education of our children and the training of our young people, the Spirit of God moved upon the congregation mightily, and many came forward and laid upon the speaker’s desk money, pledges, and jewelry. It reminded one of the “heaps” concerning which Hezekiah of old made inquiry. Among the pledges were some for cows, horses, and lands. This was a most wonderful meeting; but, as is often the case, and worth remembering by every one who works for the salvation of souls, the victory was first obtained by a few persons, crying to God for deliverance, with their faces upon the ground. It is when God’s servants feel the death agony of souls upon them that souls are born into the kingdom of God. “Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to come forth?” “As soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.”
The words of admonition, counsel, and reproof spoken by Elder Loughborough made all feel to thank God that a few of the old pioneers in the message are still with us. God grant that they may be permitted to continue to bear their testimony, as a reminder that “this generation” has not passed without the Saviour’s words being fulfilled.
The meeting was held in a beautiful, shady park, almost in the center of the city, which had been placed at our disposal free of charge. The weather was about all that could be desired, except it rained on both Sundays of the meeting, which greatly interfered with the attendance from the city. The attendance from the outside, afternoons and evenings, was fairly good. An excellent impression was made upon the people of the city, and we were requested by prominent citizens to come again next year. About one hundred and seventy tents were pitched upon the ground. Separate services were held in German, and in the Scandinavian languages, for the youth, and for the children. An excellent interest was reported by those in charge of the various meetings.
On Sunday morning a large number of those encamped upon the ground repaired to a lake near by, where forty-four souls were buried with their Lord in baptism. Several of the brethren from abroad left on Sunday, and on Monday most of the people left for their homes. The laborers all go from this meeting with renewed zeal and courage, and hopeful of great results during the coming year. A. T. ROBINSON.
The New England Camp-Meeting
By Arthur G. Daniells
At the close of the Vermont camp-meeting, I went to Montwait, Mass., to attend the camp-meeting of the New England Conference. This meeting was held in buildings instead of tents. The Montwait grounds have been especially prepared for large summer gatherings. The Salvation Army held a large camp-meeting there just before our meeting convened. In some respects it was both convenient and pleasant to occupy substantial dwellings, and I understand that it was less expensive to the conference than the ordinary camp-meeting usually proves to be. But after all, there is nothing quite equal to the old-fashioned camp-ground, with its rows of tents nicely pitched, and the large pavilions for general meetings. This is especially true when the camp-ground can be located in the midst of the resident portion of the city, where the people can easily reach the ground from18their homes. The lack of a large attendance of those not of our faith deprives a camp-meeting of much of its value.
At the Montwait meeting earnest efforts were made to help and encourage our own people. Good instruction in various departments of the cause was given by those having charge of the special lines of work. Mrs. Dr. Nicola rendered valuable service to the meeting by her untiring efforts to set forth correct principles of healthful living. Professor Griggs and his associates kept the interests of education before the people. Elder Haskell gave valuable instruction regarding the prophecies of Daniel.
The business of the conference passed off harmoniously. Connecticut and Rhode Island were separated from what was formerly the New England Conference, and organized into what will hereafter be known as the Southern New England Conference. The States of Massachusetts and New Hampshire are still united in one conference, and will take the name of the Central New England Conference. Elder A. E. Place was elected president of the latter conference, and Elder Charles H. Edwards was chosen president of the former. As I do not possess the data regarding the statistics and finances, I can not give information concerning these features of these conferences. From the general information given during the business meetings of the session, it would seem that these conferences are in fairly good financial condition, and that there is reason to believe that the work will develop encouragingly under the new arrangement.
Contributions were made toward various needy enterprises. About one thousand dollars was raised in cash and pledges for the work in Washington. A deep interest was manifested by the New England brethren and sisters in the removal of our headquarters from Battle Creek to the East. It was very plain that they have great confidence in this move, and that they are prepared to stand by the work in every way possible. We earnestly pray that the blessing of God shall signally attend the work in both the Central and Southern New England Conferences.
A. G. DANIELLS.
Colorado Camp-Meeting
By GEO. F. WATSON.
THIS meeting was held, according to appointment, August 20-30, at Salida, Colo. While there were not so many of our people in attendance as in former years, yet it is said by all that it was the best conference meeting ever held in Colorado. The enemy came in to divide, lay waste, and confuse; but the Spirit of our God came also, and proved himself able to save us from all this, and bring in unity and power instead. Never was there a better state of things in this conference. Its workers are of good courage. Faith and confidence are taking the place of doubt and fear. Not only is this true among ourselves, but it is just as true in regard to the great whole. I am sure this one thing will bring into our ranks power such as we have not seen for many years.
Our business meetings were seasons of real spiritual benefit. Four new churches were added to the conference, twelve dear souls were baptized, and two young men were ordained to the gospel ministry.
The good counsel of our beloved union conference president, with those who came to help us, was greatly appreciated. Some slight changes were made in the management of the conference. The committee was enlarged, so as to have seven members instead of five, with Elder H. M. J. Richards as vice-president, and by vote of the conference he will move to the Western Slope, taking oversight of the same.
The following-named officers were elected: Executive Committee, G. F. Watson, H. M. J. Richards, G. W. Anglebarger, Watson Ziegler, C. C. Holbrook, W. W. Hills, and H. L. Hoover; Conference Treasurer and Tract Society Secretary, Mrs. Bertie L. Herrell; Conference Secretary and Corresponding Secretary, E. E. Farnsworth; Secretary of Sabbath-school and Young People's Work, Mrs. Flora Watson; State Missionary, G. Philips.
Our brethren and sisters and the conference workers left the meeting with greater cheer and hope in the closing message than ever before. While the burdens of the work are much greater now than when we went up to this yearly gathering, yet we know greater strength and power will come to our rescue. We are of good courage.
GEO. F. WATSON.
The Kansas Camp-Meeting
By C. McReynolds
THE camp-meeting was greater in the number attending and in apparent results this year than it has been for several years, and the largest but one ever held in the State. There were about one hundred and thirty tents on the grounds, and fully eleven hundred campers at one time. After staying a few days, some returned home, and other members of the family came, so that in all there were not less than twelve hundred in attendance.
The weather was almost perfect, and the grounds were about all that could be desired. The location was most favorable, being near the center of Newton, a place of about seven thousand inhabitants.
The workers' meeting preceding the camp-meeting was a blessing to all who attended it. The Lord came near, and the work of reconsecration began from the first. On the first Sunday of the camp-meeting the first baptismal service was conducted in a beautiful stream but three blocks from the grounds. There were six other baptismal services during the meeting, eighty-six precious souls being buried in the watery grave, and raised to “walk in a new life.” These were nearly all youth who had found the Lord for the first time. In view of this, we feel that great victories are just ahead for the work of the message in this field.
The preaching was for the most part very searching and practical. The evening sermons were generally on cardinal points of the message. Elders Loughborough, Russell, Warren, Hoopes, Washburn, Shultz, Westphal, Colcord, and Riffle, Drs. Kellogg and Paulson, and Brethren H. H. Hall and C. W. Hardesty, attended the meeting.
Elder Loughborough's sermons relating to the rise of the message and its development under the guidance of the gifts of the Holy Spirit were much appreciated, and were very helpful to our people. Elder Warren and others worked for the young people with excellent results; and while we had more ministers than were needed to do the preaching, we were glad to see them go among the people, and try to help them. Their efforts were appreciated.
The attendance from the outside was good, and six persons took their stand for the truth before the camp-meeting closed. Others were much interested, and the meetings are being continued by a good force of workers, both in the English and in the German.
The attitude of the ministry of other churches was especially pleasing to us. A good many of them attended our meetings, and three times, by their special invitation, their pulpits were filled by our ministers.
We received from the chairman of the Park Association an invitation to return and use their park next year.
As the needs of the Lord's cause were presented, much of the old-time liberality was shown. Men came with their pledges of fifty dollars, one hundred dollars, two hundred dollars, and many with twenty-five dollars or less. Nearly five thousand four hundred dollars was raised for the various branches of the work. More than thirteen hundred dollars of this was for the work in Washington, D. C., and about thirty-eight hundred dollars for the medical missionary work in the State, especially for the building of the sanitarium near Wichita. The Lord is in a special manner opening the way for this building, the grounds and half of the cash being given by those not of our faith. We have yet to raise on our part four thousand seven hundred dollars by the first of January, 1905.
Three of our beloved workers, B. W. Brown, N. T. Sutton, and Sydney Scott, were set apart to the sacred work of the ministry by the solemn service of ordination.
One important feature of this camp-meeting was the practical work done among the people. In harmony with the Testimonies, we organized companies that went out almost daily and visited the people, carrying invitation cards and some small tract or paper each time to every house in the city. This work was carried on by H. H. Hall, assisted by N. P. Dixon and others. About seventy-five, mostly our young people, engaged in it. They received a rich blessing, and many people came to the camp who otherwise would not have come.
Seven churches were added to the conference. The financial condition of the conference, also of the Missionary department, was found to be good. The auditor's statement showed that the treasurers, N. B. Emerson and J. C. Becker, had both done excellent work. All of their books were found to be in perfect balance. But few changes were made in the conference officers. A full board of trustees was elected for the Kansas Conference Association, the legal body. Officers and a board of nine trustees were chosen by the people for the Kansas Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association, and these were legally elected at a meeting held in Wichita, Tuesday morning, following the close of the camp-meeting; and we wish to say to all that the articles of our constitution remain unchanged, except in the matter of the membership fee. The people on the camp-ground voted that that be stricken out, and this was19legally done in the meeting referred to above. All properties belonging to this association are the property of the Kansas Conference, to be owned and controlled by the conference, since the Kansas Medical Missionary Association is a creature of the Kansas Conference, and all the members of the Seventh-day Adventist church in good standing who believe in, advocate, and actually practise the principles of health reform as promulgated by this association are members of the association, and voters in all regular or called meetings of the same.
The general feeling was many times expressed, that this was the best camp-meeting we have ever enjoyed. People returned to their homes with the full determination to be, from this time forward, either home-neighborhood or field missionaries, to sell all the small books they can to their neighbors, and be active workers in the message till the work is ended. Scores of names were given in of those who decided to enter the canvassing work, the medical missionary work, the Bible work, the church-school work, or the ministry. Victory is just ahead. Our courage was never better. To the Lord be all honor and praise.
C. McREYNOLDS,
Conference President.
The Jackson, Miss. (colored), Camp-Meeting
By W. H. Sebastian; T. Murphy; M. C. Strachan
THE second annual camp-meeting of the colored Seventh-day Adventists of Mississippi was held at Jackson, August 28 to September 8. This was an ideal camp-meeting,—not a tent effort, but a genuine, soul-refreshing camp-meeting, conducted throughout by colored workers.
There was an absence of that unsanctified emotionalism which characterizes the colored gatherings in this part of the South; and in its stead a clean-cut, definite message for the times sounded forth, accompanied by the convicting influence of the Holy Spirit’s power.
There was no time given to the discussion of race or class distinctions or sectional differences. But all felt the spirit and burden of the message, and every energy seemed bent on giving a warning to this generation of Africa’s sons, that a remnant may be gathered out to share in the joys of the faithful.
We had a forty-foot audience tent, six family tents, a dining tent, and a kitchen, on a beautiful acre lot, for the comfort and convenience of our campers. But the six family tents were not sufficient to accommodate all the brethren and sisters present. Many found lodging in the homes of our neighbors.
Together with the five laboring brethren, there were, all told, forty-one Sabbath-keepers present at our camp. These represented the churches at Columbus, Yazoo, Vicksburg, Brookhaven, and Jackson. There were two laborers from outside the conference,—Brother T. B. Buckner, of Alabama, and Brother S. S. Ryles, of Arkansas. The home field was represented by Elder W. H. Sebastian, of Yazoo, Brother Murphy, of Columbus, and Brother M. C. Strachan, of Jackson.
There were four services held daily,—sunrise prayer meeting at 6 A. M.; preaching at 11 A. M., at 3 P. M., and again at 8 P. M. The early morning prayer meeting was one of the best seasons of the day. Here the keynote of the whole camp-meeting was struck,—complete surrender to God, the relinquishing of every sin, absolute victory in the life, and a seeking for the baptism of the Holy Ghost.
The forenoon and afternoon services were devoted to Bible study, the ministering brethren instructing the believers in the way of truth and righteousness, exhorting them to make no compromise with sin, but to place themselves wholly on the Lord’s side, and to work for the salvation of souls.
Many evenings the outside attendance crowded our audience tent far beyond its seating capacity; and as the principles of our faith were presented in their full, searching power, the souls of men and women were stirred deeply, and many did not miss a single night in visiting our tent. In response to an invitation at the close of our meeting, ten dear souls, the heads of nine families, expressed themselves as willing to obey all the commandments of God, and desired to have some one visit them for further study of the Bible. Their names were taken, and Brother Strachan was appointed to visit these interested ones, and to begin a course of Bible studies with them, that they might receive more light and instruction concerning the truth.
Children’s meetings were also held daily at 4 P. M., and mothers’ meetings daily at 5 P. M. Sister Jackson, of Vicksburg, Sister Sebastian, of Yazoo, and Sister Murphy, of Columbus, conducted these meetings with good results.
Meetings were not crowded so closely together as to give no time for personal devotion or personal work for others. Each morning after breakfast a number of our campers took books, papers, and tracts, and went out into the different sections of the city, canvassing, selling papers, and distributing tracts, until, in the words of one of the preachers here, the town was literally “filled with pernicious literature.”
The little company at Jackson has secured a beautiful lot upon which to build a church and mission school combined. Already plans are laid for the building operations to begin immediately; and Brother Strachan hopes to have the building ready to occupy within a few weeks. All who feel interested in the work for the colored people, and desire to contribute toward this mission school building can forward donations to M. C. Strachan, 206½ Huntsman St., Jackson, Miss.