Earlier text: Guatemala, Central AmericaOur Later Experiences in Australia
By R. C. PORTER
The recent Australasian Union conference was preceded by a convention, in which the most important questions to come before the conference were considered. This proved a great saving of time in the union conference. The time was fully occupied during the convention, and the preparatory council was a spiritual preparation for the conference. The plans for the union conference had been well made. The reports from all parts of the field had been gathered and printed in the Record, so that all the facts and figures needed for reference were in the hands of the delegates at the beginning of the conference. This proved beneficial in two ways: it made it possible for the work of the conference to move off from the start without being delayed for reports, and it gave opportunity to those representing different fields to present other important features of the work. Each day during the conference was devoted to a special department of the work. One day was given to the medical missionary work, another to the educational, another to religious liberty, and another to the missionary campaign work, and so on through the conference. In this way each department shared equally in the time and opportunities in the deliberations of the conference. There was one feature that was especially commendable. There was no falling off in attendance from one day to another on account of the different kind of work under consideration. All the delegates seemed equally interested in every branch of the work. Another feature of the meeting which I regarded as important was that there were no committee meetings of any kind held while there was a religious or a conference meeting in progress. This gave opportunity for all to attend all the services, and to receive the spiritual benefit of such meetings. As a result, the committee work was harmonious, and a great amount of work was accomplished in a short time. The reports from the field showed a marked gain in almost every line over the previous biennial period. The results reported from labor performed in the islands were far beyond our expectations. It has been demonstrated that our books can be successfully sold among the natives. It is also evident that they read the books and accept the truth. This will be a great help in carrying the message to the millions who sit in darkness in these fields. A Chinese girl,16 who recently accepted the faith in Singapore, contrary to the established custom of her people, decided to try canvassing. One of the sisters in the church accompanied her while she canvassed among her people in Singapore. In a short time she sold and delivered over four hundred books in territory that had been previously canvassed. She is still continuing the canvassing work, accompanied by her mother, and is meeting with the same success. This is only one of many reports that show that our publications can be successfully used in our work among the natives. The Australasian Union Conference is pursuing a very aggressive policy in all the departments of its work. The missionary campaign movement and the “Ministry of Healing” campaign are being vigorously pushed throughout the field. The studies on the rise and progress of the message, and the spirit of prophecy, conducted by Elder J. N. Loughborough, were very much appreciated. Studies on organization and the danger of apostasy were also well received. It was very evident that the Lord had given Elder Loughborough special strength to endure his journey and to perform the labor in connection with this meeting. The deliberations of the conference were harmonious, and the actions taken were unanimous. Elder O. A. Olsen is enjoying good health, and he and his associates go forth to their work with strong faith that the message is soon to close in triumph. It was the unanimous testimony of those attending this meeting, that this was one of the best meetings of the union conference ever held in this field. We can say for ourselves that it was one of the best that we have ever attended. We shall long remember our pleasant association with the workers in the Australasian Union Conference. We have received many helpful suggestions for the work in Africa, and we are more than ever assured that it was in the order of God's providence that we should receive the benefit derived from this meeting, and a visit to these island fields, before entering upon our work in Africa. The Florida Camp-Meeting
By R. T. DOWSETT
The annual camp-meeting of the Florida Conference was held October 1-12 at Palatka. The camp, located on the banks of the beautiful St. Johns River, and pitched amid the handsome magnolia and live-oak trees, presented a very pleasing picture. The evening services were devoted to the presentation of our doctrinal truths, for the benefit of the citizens of Palatka. A very appreciative audience was present each night. We believe some seed fell on good ground, and will spring up and yield fruit to the glory of God. Our own people enjoyed a most profitable season. The attendance was good, and the meetings meant much to every one in attendance. The gracious presence of the Spirit of God was manifest in each meeting. Especially was this so during the two Sabbath services. Laborers and people sought a deeper and fuller consecration than ever before, while the unconverted yielded to the Spirit’s voice, and experienced great blessings. Thirteen were baptized during the meeting. It was encouraging to see the unity prevailing, as the items of business were brought before the conference. Three newly organized churches were admitted into the sisterhood of churches. The financial condition of the conference is still good; and every minister has been encouraged to see fruit from his labor the past year. During the year the Orlando Sanitarium was opened. The financial obligations of the institution have been borne by individuals, but with the agreement that as soon as the Florida Conference can assume the responsibilities of the institution, the stockholders are to relinquish their claim, and receive as remuneration only the actual cash invested. All profits accrue to the conference. One share of stock was voted to the conference by the stockholders, for services rendered by the conference; and during the camp-meeting five hundred dollars in cash and pledges was raised, with which to purchase five shares more. The Orlando Sanitarium is located in a pine grove between two beautiful lakes. The climate of Florida, with other natural health-imparting facilities, places this sanitarium on advantageous ground, and we welcome it into our sisterhood of sanitariums, knowing it will not prove a blessing to Florida alone, but be of benefit to many other conferences, inasmuch as many health-seekers annually resort to Florida from the North and Middle West. We bespeak for it the hearty support and loyal co-operation of all interested in the medical missionary work. Elder R. W. Parmele was unanimously re-elected president of the conference, with C. B. Stephenson, G. W. Dick, C. V. Achenbach, and H. A. Shreve associated on the executive committee, and Sister R. G. Stringer as secretary and treasurer. Resolutions pertaining to the work at home and abroad were freely discussed and adopted. With enthusiasm the effort for the Thanksgiving Ingathering was approved, as well as the ten-cent-a-week plan. Florida expects to help extend the cause in the regions beyond, although she has a large mission field of her own unworked. In cash and pledges $353.50 was contributed for foreign missions, in addition to two Sabbath-school offerings, amounting to $35.58. Besides the offerings already mentioned, $315 was given toward the Atlanta Sanitarium, and $141 for local work, making a total of $1,345.08 raised during the meeting. Elder W. A. Westworth, president of the Southwestern Union Conference, and Brethren L. A. Hansen and V. O. Cole, and the writer were present, and took active part, with the local laborers, in the services. Elder and Mrs. E. W. Webster and Sister Amelia Webster, returned missionaries from foreign fields, were also present. These will labor in the Florida Conference. The praise service which closed the Palatka meeting certified to the genuineness of the blessings enjoyed and the victories gained. The brethren and sisters returned to their homes greatly strengthened, and with a determination to do active work among their friends and neighbors. The Australasian Union Conference
By Ole Andres Olsen
SINCE my return to Australia, I have had my hands full of work. On my arrival in New Zealand, July 2, I went at once to Palmerston North, to attend a missionary convention which began the next day, and continued till July 13. It was a good meeting, well attended; the Spirit of the Lord came very near, and it proved to be one of the best meetings we have had in New Zealand. I am sure it will give a new impetus to the work in that field. After this meeting I returned to Australia, and on July 31, we began a missionary convention at Victoria, continuing ten days. The time was fully improved from early in the morning till the evening. Elder R. C. Porter, having arrived from the United States, on his way to South Africa, attended this meeting with us, and the Lord blessed him greatly in his work. All the laborers were present, and took hold with hearty good will. I am sure this meeting will prove a great blessing to the work in Victoria. Returning from Melbourne, we had a short time to get ready for the publishers' convention and council preceding the union conference. The convention opened August 25, and continued over a week. The union conference began September 3, and continued ten days. During the convention and council preceding the conference, we had a very free time in studying and considering many weighty questions relating to the work in our territory. The attendance at our council was large, all the divisions of our field being represented. The publishing work, the circulation of literature in both the English and island languages, the work in the East Indies and other parts of our mission field,—all received careful consideration; and day by day as we studied the field, the immensity of the work, its great responsibility, and the wonderful providence of God opened to us as never before. It was a great privilege to us all to have this free council, studying together all these important questions. During this time we spent earnest seasons in seeking the Lord for guidance and direction, for wisdom and understanding, and for largeness of heart to comprehend the work, and the Holy Spirit's power with which to carry it forward. The Lord came near, and our hearts were made tender. We all feel much encouraged over the prospects before us. The presence of Elders J. N. Loughborough and R. C. Porter was a great blessing, and highly appreciated by all our people. I wish here, in behalf of the Australasian Union Conference, to express our thanks and appreciation to the General Conference for sending us such good help for our union conference meeting. Brother Loughborough had a good journey, and came to us in the best of health and courage. The Lord has blessed him in a very marked manner. I have never before seen him enjoy such freedom and power in speaking as the Lord has given him during the time of our union conference. His presentation of the early experiences, the rise, the progress, and the development of the work for this time delighted, strengthened, and encouraged the people. They had never before heard these things related17 by one who had been an eye-witness from almost the very beginning. Brother Porter's labors were also greatly appreciated, and will bear fruit in the furtherance of the work in this field. He dealt fully with the late experiences that the work of the message has been passing through, and showed the relation of the present apostasy and its bearing upon the work and the message at the present time. These studies were helpful, and gave all our people an opportunity to understand the nature of the present situation, and the right attitude and relation to be taken by every loyal believer at this time. There are no more loyal people to the message in any part of the world than here in Australia; and when the truth is set before them in plain terms, they take hold of it heartily and cheerfully. The business proceedings of the conference passed off harmoniously, there being not a single negative vote in all our proceedings. The standing committees did faithful work, yet our program was so arranged that no committee sat during the time of service. Many times it happens that the very ones who should be present at the time when an important Scriptural subject is presented, are absent on committee work, and thus they lose a great blessing, and the work as a whole suffers by their absence. It is just as necessary for us to be present at every devotional meeting and Bible study as when business matters are presented. Every line of work received its due portion of attention, and as day after day the conference proceeded, the blessing of the Lord was more and more manifest. All Departments of the Work Considered
The educational work, the publishing and book work, the religious liberty question, the missionary campaign, the health and sanitarium work, and the Sabbath-school department each had a day assigned to it. The reports from the missionary campaign work in various conferences was of a specially encouraging nature. During the two years since our last union conference, the Missionary Volunteer work has become more permanently organized, and the reports from their societies were a source of great rejoicing to our brethren and sisters. On the evening of the same day there was conducted a young people's model missionary meeting. It had a crowded attendance, and deep interest was shown in it. Our souls were made glad to see this work among the young. The conference also took some advance steps. Elder L. V. Finster and wife accepted a call to the Philippines. Brother and Sister Finster came here from America seven years ago, and they have done good work in this conference. At the time of my coming to Australia, Brother Finster was president of the West Australian Conference. Something over a year ago he was transferred to Tasmania, where he has served as president the past year, the Lord blessing him much in his work. We all felt grateful that Brother and Sister Finster felt free to accept this call; for we are so anxious to see a permanent work started in the Philippines. They will leave here early in December for their new field. On account of Brother Gates's health it did not seem right for him to continue his work in the East Indies, so Elder J. E. Fulton was called to take charge of the work in that important district. Before this reaches the readers of the REVIEW, Brother Fulton will be in Java. After acquainting himself with the work in Java, and counseling with the workers there, he will go on to Singapore, and also visit Sumatra; later on he will visit the Philippines, and make himself acquainted with that field, and plan with the brethren in reference to pushing forward the work there, afterward going on to attend the next General Conference. While we shall miss the faithful labors of Brother Fulton in the home field, we are glad that he feels free to accept the superintendency of that populous district. His previous experience in the island mission field will be of value as he takes up the work in his new territory. We have also strengthened the work in Tonga by sending Brother and Sister Harold Piper to take up school work on the island of Haapai, where an important interest has risen among the natives. Some changes were also made in the home field, which we trust will prove a blessing. Brother W. L. H. Baker now takes the presidency of the Tasmanian Conference, made vacant by the calling away of Brother Finster. Brother S. M. Cobb will take the presidency of the Victorian Conference, Brother Jesse Pallant of the New Zealand Conference, and Brother W. H. Woods of the New South Wales Conference. The reports that came in from our institutions were very encouraging. We would have been glad to see larger gains in numbers accepting the truth; but there never was a time since our coming to this field when the outlook was so encouraging as at the present. Since the missionary campaign has been taken up, interest is springing up in so many places, and souls are accepting the truth through reading our publications. All these things are sources of special encouragement. We sincerely praise the Lord for all that he is to us. Two years ago our union conference was decidedly a missionary conference. The present meeting will be denominated a missionary campaign conference; for the missionary campaign both at home and abroad seemed to be the special burden of the meeting. More activity at home will prepare more laborers for distant fields. The circulation of our literature received special attention, and I am sure our conference presidents and ministers as a whole will give this part of the work much more attention than they have in the past. We shall also put forth more vigorous efforts in getting translations into just as many languages as we can among the different people of the islands. It is a great encouragement to us that our experience has taught us that our literature is just as effectual among the semicivilized of the islands as it is among the more advanced people in the home land. It was decided also at this conference to print a young people's paper. There has been an urgent call for this. We would have been greatly pleased if we could have made use of the Youth's Instructor; but Australia is so far away, and the mails are so irregular, that a paper printed here is greatly needed. I will here submit a brief review of our statistical report for the two years, beginning June 30, 1906. The number of believers in the Australasian Union Conference was 3,999; June 30, 1908, the figures stand at 4,404, an increase of 405. The tithe reported for the two years is $118,299.52, an increase of $21,758.30 over the former report. The Sabbath-school offerings, $14,623.39, as compared with the last report, $11,452.08, show a gain of $3,171.30; and to missions $12,218.09, an increase of $5,411.06 over the former report. During the biennial period, $14,774.48 has come in as offerings to foreign missions, which shows an increase of $2,830.03; for home mission work, $6,087.01; and for local church work, $7,941.87. These last figures were not reported at the last conference. In the Missionary Volunteer Department, $3,227.77 has been raised in contributions for foreign missions, and $674.92 for home work. Neither were these reported at our last conference. This makes the total amount of money contributed for home and foreign work during the two years, $165,219.91; that is, this much has been reported. I am sure that considerably more than this has been raised, but has not been included in the reports. Our book sales for two years stand at $164,214.71, as compared with $144,567.87 for the former period, showing a gain of $19,646.84. This, too, is encouraging, considering the smallness of the number working and other circumstances. Thus we are able through the mercy of God to report an increase in all the different departments of the work; but had we all been as faithful as the importance of our time demands, the increase would have been much greater. Our good conference has given a decidedly forward impetus to the work throughout the Australasian Union Conference. The attendance was larger than on any previous occasion of this kind. In order to find room for the delegates and visitors, thirty tents were pitched in a grove near the church. Two years ago the school was able to care for quite a number of the delegates. This time all their space was filled with students. Two years ago the Retreat was vacant, but this time not only were the school buildings filled, but the overflow had also taken up considerable room in the Retreat. This made it necessary to pitch many tents; but the weather was good, and all were happy, rejoicing in the great blessings experienced day by day. We shall now at once begin our campmeeting season. September 29, in company with Elder Loughborough, I shall start for the general meeting in Queensland to be held at Brisbane. The next day Brother and Sister Porter will take their departure for Africa, stopping five days at Melbourne, where the steamer takes on cargo. October 1 Brother and Sister Fulton, together with Brother and Sister Thorpe, will sail for Java; so not only have the conference delegates left for their home fields, but we are rapidly spreading to fields abroad. It was certainly in the providence of18 God that Brother and Sister Porter could be here for our conference, and the best wishes and earnest prayers of our people in Australia will follow them to their new field of labor. Through this acquaintance, Australia will feel in closer touch with Africa than ever before. Brother Loughborough will remain with us, and visit our various camp-meetings. Our people are greatly rejoiced over the opportunity of having Brother Loughborough visit our various conferences. The laborers of the Australasian Union Conference as well as of our people are of the best of courage, and their heart is set to serve God, and their shoulders are put to the work. We rejoice in the glorious prospect that soon the work will all be finished, and the glorious consummation of our hopes realized. We appreciate that we have entered a very important time, and that there is much at stake; but by the grace of God we mean to be faithful, and in the day of the final gathering stand with the blood-washed throng on Mount Zion with the Lamb. What a gathering of the faithful that will be!—from every land and clime they will come, from every nation and people, from every generation from the time of Adam down to the last! The glorious prospect of the consummation so near at hand fills our hearts with joyous expectations.