WHEN the European section of the General Conference Committee held their council in Hamburg early in March, this year, it was voted that I should make the Syrian Mission Field my place of labor, with headquarters in Beirut. This was rather a surprising call to us. Having been connected with the German Union Conference as secretary for over three years, I may say that I had enjoyed the work very much during this time, and was much encouraged by seeing the cause grow in all its fields. It is thus with some feelings of regret that I depart from this field. However, believing that God knows best where he calls his workers to labor for him in his harvest, and knowing that in the Orient there is need of laborers, we have gladly accepted the call, trusting in God that he will guide us in opening the way for the message in this dark field.
As the hot season was approaching, it was deemed advisable that we leave at the earliest opportunity. We were very grateful that the Lord assisted us in clearing the situation at home, so that we were released from three months' rent, and by the end of March we were en route to Marseilles, where we expected to take the steamer, after visiting our relatives in Germany and Switzerland. We met our boat in Marseilles on April 10, and saw Brother Krug, a nurse, who was to accompany us in order to help in the Jerusalem institution. On our way to Port Said, we were glad to meet Elder Giraldi in Naples, and to stay with him one day. He was so kind to conduct us in visiting the ruins of Pompeii. After a pleasant voyage we reached Port Said on April 17 at midnight, and as our boat was detained a few hours en route, we unfortunately were obliged to stop in a hotel for forty-two hours until the departure of the next boat, which was to take us to Beirut. We improved this opportunity to get a glimpse of the Oriental life. We were13surprised to see so many intelligent, tall, well-built people. On Sunday, April 19, we left the port on the steamer "Assuan" and arrived at Jaffa the next morning. Brother Krug left us here. Owing to a case of pest in Alexandria, from which our steamer had come, we were obliged to stop at the quarantine station all day. The passengers of the third class were compelled to leave the ship, and had to allow a general cleansing of their bodies and a disinfection of their clothes and luggage to be performed by the Turkish officials, while the passengers of the other classes were permitted to stay on board by paying one shilling. This occupied the day until a sign was given in the evening that the ship might leave the port.
Without any further delay we reached Haifa the following morning and proceeded on our voyage to Beirut, where we arrived in the afternoon. After making preparations for the examination of our luggage by the customs, we went to the home of Brother and Sister Haussmann, who have been conducting private treatment rooms here for a few years. After two weeks' stay with them we were able to secure a suitable dwelling in a favorable location.
Now as the hot season is rapidly approaching we shall during this time make our preparations for the work in winter by becoming acquainted with the field. We are endeavoring to pick up the Arabic language, which will be one of the tasks to be overcome. During our one month's stay we have become accustomed to the place, and have made ourselves at home. I expect to report some of the details after I have become better acquainted with the field and the whole situation here. We have, however, already observed that this will be no easy field of labor considering the diversity of languages, interests, missions, etc., and therefore ask to be remembered before the throne of grace by our brethren in other parts of the field. We are of good courage, and are sure that God will give us the victory if we keep close to him and yield our hearts to him, to be controlled by his Spirit.
Beirut, Syria, German Post.
Portugal
By C. E. RENTFRO
C. E. RENTFRO
The following words of a well-known round have rung in my ears morning after morning as I listen to the cries of our Lisbon city. One might imagine it to be about the noisiest city on earth, providing he had not seen a noisier:—
“Right this way, sir; here’s your carriage to the Adam’s House close by.”
“And here’s your nice sweet oranges, your apples, cakes, and pies.”
“Give me your old clothes,” and, “Here’s your fresh fish.”
“Burlington and Quincy cars,” “Auction,” “Milk below.”
“Mister, black your boots?”
We were living in a corner house, on one side of which ran cable-cars, on the other the electric. The cable runs from about seven o’clock one morning to about one o’clock the next morning. This noise disturbs our rest at night, and is hard on the nerves.
About three o’clock every morning come the street-cleaners, with brooms, shovels, and carts or machine sweepers. At four o’clock pass the carts hauling vegetables to market, to be sold to retailers. About five o’clock come the retailers with their pack burros to buy their supply for selling from house to house, or pass the women with wooden-soled shoes, which are secured only over the toes, the heels going “clack, clack, clack,” over the stone walks.
By six o’clock the sellers are on their return, with produce to sell. And what a noise comes from the throats of persons of both sexes, of all ages, from wee children to old men and women! The cries come from lungs trained and untrained; from husky groans to clear, ringing voices; some with a singing voice, others with a wild scream. A few really make out a tune, either in a minor or major key, mostly minor.
Then a boy may pass, crying out, “Carqueja vinte reis o molho.” This is dry branches of some bush which is used to start fires of coke or charcoal. This makes an open fire in a fogareira or vessel made of clay burned in a kiln. On this are placed the cooking utensils. During the preparations for breakfast, the cook must work with one hand, and fan the fire with the other. By the time the fire is ready, or perhaps before, some one has called out, “Fresh fish!” or, “Here is salt fish!” others, “Herring!”
In the meantime, a wild yell in another direction may warn us that a woman is approaching, with a large clothes-basket, filled with vegetables, upon her head. We ask, “Quanto custam os nabos?” (How much do the turnips cost?) She names a price perhaps twice the value, so we try to get her to come down. This we must do with all dealers here.
The men go with two baskets fastened to a pole, which they balance on their shoulders. They yell out, “Uvas um botaco o kilo” (Grapes four cents a kilo—two and one-fifth pounds). The prices vary according to the season. Or he may have, “Tamata trinta e cinco reis o kilo” (Tomatoes thirty-five reis or three and one-half cents a kilo).
COSTUMES OF PEASANTS IN PORTUGAL
Sometimes an accident occurs, or it happens that wine masters a man. In a few moments a crowd gathers, and we can hear the rattle of the double r’s in the words of an excited people. In spite of all noise and drawbacks, we are happy in telling this people of a Saviour’s great love, and of his soon return. We see many things here to remind us of Bible times, in spite of the modern conveniences. An interesting sight is the ox and cart contesting the right to go ahead of the electric street-car, or the heavy-laden burro as compared with the automobile.
Yesterday three men were killed in or near by a church where voting was in progress. It has seemed that the Republicans would win; but the monarchical parties all united, and carried the election. Yet the Republicans made an enormous gain. The struggle grows more intense day by day.
Kind brethren in Colorado, California, Nebraska, and Iowa have raised a sum of one hundred dollars to buy me an organ. To-day (April 6) we received the last check of twenty-five dollars. We wish to extend our hearty thanks for this help. The organ is doing service in the meeting-hall in Oporto. It has already done good service in calling people in from the street. As Elder Ernesto Schwantes expects to return to Brazil, his son Arnoldo and wife, from Germany, will make good use of the organ and violin as they join with us in the work. This call for the organ was made first as a private one; but from now on our calls will be made through the recognized channels, where they will be attended to in common with all others. Yet we will keep our country and its general needs continually before the brethren.
We must remember the kind efforts of our young people of East Pennsylvania and Iowa, in behalf of our field. As this money does not come to my hands, I can not send personal thanks. So I take this manner of recognizing the gifts. God bless the work and workers everywhere.
Lisbon.
Home Again
By W. D. BURDEN
W. D. BURDEN.
AFTER a year’s absence we are glad to be in Japan again to do our part in giving the gospel to these people, and we feel that we are at home. We left San Francisco, April 14, on the steamship “Mongolia.” This is a large boat, and we had one of the best rooms. The sea was very quiet, so our voyage was an enjoyable one.
At Honolulu we were met by Elder C. D. M. Williams and wife, who kindly showed us about the city for a time, then took us home with them for the night. It was a great pleasure to meet these old friends and together with them talk over the interests of the work. It does seem too bad that we have not a larger force of workers in that island field. I believe that of the funds contributed at home, too small a portion is allowed to the mission fields. I do not mean to speak lightly of what is being done; we appreciate every dollar of the money sent to us for the work, but I believe there ought to be a more equal distribution of the funds than there has been in times past. I am glad that some of our conferences at home are waking up to the situation, but only a beginning has been made as yet.
We are thankful for the blessings that have attended the work in Japan during the year we were absent. We hail every omen of progress, for we want to see this work finished up so we can go home to glory.
We received many expressions of interest while we were visiting in the States and we trust our friends will not forget us now that we have returned to14this country. We need your help in every way. The harvest now is ripe, and is great, but the laborers are indeed few, “pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.”
Tokyo, Japan.
Another Province in China Entered
By J. N. ANDERSON
J. N. ANDERSON
The locating of seven new workers in Shanghai, occasioned by the recent decision to establish the publishing plant for this whole field in that place, means that this message has entered one more of the eighteen provinces of China proper.
Dr. H. W. Miller, who, since entering China, has given most of his time and strength to the publishing interests, is to lead out in this work in Shanghai, the commercial center of the far East. That line of work is further represented by Brother and Sister Roberts, formerly of the Pacific Press. Brother Roberts is an experienced stereotyper, and will have charge of that part of the publishing work. His wife, who is an expert proof-reader, will act in that capacity, and so meet a long-felt need. Dr. Miller has been chosen to act as editor of our Chinese paper, the Gospel Herald. In this work he will be assisted by two non-resident associate editors, Dr. A. C. Selmon and Brother E. H. Wilbur.
Once this paper is set into successful operation, it is sure to be the most effective means of educating our whole body of converts and inquirers, and so bring about a unification of the entire work which is not only important, but quite indispensable, in this field where so many disintegrating influences prevail. The whole work in all China must be a unit, and become an integral part of the world-wide message. We hope and believe the Gospel Herald will do its full share in effecting this desirable end.
TEMPLE OF LOONG-HUA, SHANGHAI
Our new secretary and treasurer, Brother H. H. Winslow with his family, has been located in Shanghai to carry on that line of work. He will render further assistance in a general way in the publishing work, which for the time being must be carried on in rented quarters until a site can be secured, and a manufacturing plant established.
Sister B. Moultrup, the aunt of Mrs. H. W. Miller, who came out in company with the latter, is also located in Shanghai to learn that language and so prepare for evangelistic work. All the other workers, though their work is rather routine and mechanical, will study Chinese and so come in touch with the people among whom they live. In this way they are a nucleus for a large work to be carried on in that province with a population of perhaps fifteen or twenty million.
But we are not merely setting into operation a printing plant for this great field, and opening a new province to the truth. Beyond all this we are planting a standard in the greatest city of the Orient, and the largest and most important missionary center of the world. Our very presence there puts us continually in the way of great opportunities, and correspondingly great responsibilities. In no other place could the message we hold be so largely and readily published abroad. Shanghai is the gateway to nearly all China and the highway of the Orient.
Brethren, “continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ.”
Canton.
Camp-Meetings in the Northern Union Conference
By R. A. UNDERWOOD
THREE of these meetings are now in the past; the first was held in Minneapolis, Minn. This was a meeting of spiritual blessings, fifty-five persons being baptized. About four thousand dollars was given in cash and pledges to the General Conference to hasten its work in foreign fields. One thousand dollars was raised in cash and pledges for the home work. There was a good attendance from the city, and nearly one thousand persons camped on the grounds. It was a meeting of great encouragement to the brethren in Minnesota.
The second meeting was held at Woonsocket, S. D. Something like seven hundred of our people camped on the grounds. The attendance was good from the town. About the same number were baptized as at the Minnesota meeting. A little less than five thousand dollars was donated at this meeting to help the General Conference in its work in the regions beyond. The most important action of the conference was one touching the removal of their academy from Elk Point to a more central location in the conference, which was adopted by a unanimous vote after considerable discussion. This means much for the educational work in that conference. A large committee was chosen by the conference to secure a site, and locate the school. The brethren all returned to their homes full of courage and hope for the success of the work, not only in their own conference, but in the wider fields beyond their borders.
The third camp-meeting was at Velva, N. D., and was the most remarkable meeting of the three. Meetings were held daily in four different languages. About one hundred twenty-five Russians were present. Brother Adolph Boettcher labored for the Russian brethren. About seventy-five Scandinavians were present, and Elder S. Mortenson and August Anderson labored in that tongue, besides other local helpers. About one hundred fifty of the American brethren were present. Elder G. B. Thompson, the writer, and others labored in the English-speaking tent besides speaking occasionally to those of other tongues through an interpreter. Elders G. F. Haffner, C. J. Kunkel, and others labored especially for the Germans, who represented the larger part of the camp, over four hundred being present. Ninety-six persons requested baptism, some of whom desired to be baptized at their home churches.
The Spirit of God wrought in the conversion of souls in a marvelous manner. The special revival move began in the young peoples' meeting on Friday. Sabbath evening, after the congregation had been dismissed in the German tent, a few earnest workers began to labor for the unconverted. In a short time a number joined the company of workers. Parents and others who had retired to their tents, arose and returned to the large pavilion to labor for the unconverted. The revival work went forward without excitement but with great power until three o'clock in the morning. Something like thirty or more found forgiveness of sin and acceptance with God before the meeting closed. Some of these had long resisted the Spirit of God, but now they surrendered. Sabbath morning the work continued in all the four congregations in great power. During the forenoon and afternoon one could see companies in various parts of the camp, and at times in the large pavilion, gathered together, with three or six or more, earnestly pleading for their unconverted friends, praying and weeping. A marked feature of the work was to see those who had been set free from sin earnestly labor for the unconverted. Wives were laboring for their unconverted husbands, husbands were laboring for their unconverted wives, stout hearts were moved by the Holy Ghost, captives were set free, while the light of joy rested upon many. No confusion nor excitement prevailed.
The Lord with mighty power was in the camp. Songs of praise were mingled with tears of joy as captives were set free. It was the most remarkable manifestation of the Spirit of God I ever witnessed at any camp-meeting.
Sunday forenoon was devoted to the consideration of the needs of the work in foreign lands. The same power and spirit which had been manifested so strikingly on the Sabbath were present to convict many of their duty to part with some of their earthly substance, and make sacrifices to God in sending the last message of mercy to the needy fields beyond our own borders. Men and women arose in the congregation with weeping, and gave of land and of money until twenty-five thousand dollars had been given to help the cause in foreign fields. A considerable portion of this was in land, which will have to be sold. The Spirit of God impressed nearly all present to give of their means.
Surely we experienced showers of the latter rain. About one thousand dollars had been previously donated to help the work in the local conference. Sabbath morning in the various tents there was received $121.67 as the Sabbath-school donation.
One of the evidences of the working of the Spirit of God upon hearts to give of their substance to the work in the foreign fields was especially noticed among the Russian brethren and sisters. They had assembled with the German brethren in their meeting. It was very difficult for any to translate from the German or from the English language into the Russian tongue, so the Russian brethren decided that they would go to the meeting and simply look on without knowing what the speaker said, it not being translated; hence all that these brethren could understand of what was being done was what the voice of the Spirit of God told them, and what they saw of individuals rising and weeping when they made their offerings. Many of these Russian brethren arose, and15with the hand beckoned to the one who was receiving the pledge or offering to come to them. Unable to speak in a language that could be understood by the one taking the pledges, they would simply write the amount they wished to give in figures. Hundreds of dollars were given by the Russian brethren in this manner.
At 4 P. M. the congregation assembled on the bank of the Moose River, which runs beside the beautiful city park upon which the camp was located, to witness the burying of many precious souls in baptism.
Among the laborers, aside from the local workers in the conference at the meeting, were Elders G. B. Thompson, G. F. Haffner, S. Mortenson, A. Boettcher, C. L. Benson, T. D. Gibson, and Dr. C. P. Farnsworth, and the writer. Dr. Farnsworth labored continually to help the physical conditions of the campers, and he also gave two or three talks in public. His labors were much appreciated.
From the report given above it will be seen that about two hundred were converted during these three camp-meetings, and some thirty-four thousand dollars was raised in cash and pledges to send the gospel to the regions beyond.
Our brethren have been greatly encouraged, and have gone from these meetings full of faith and with a purpose to do all they can to finish the gospel work in this generation.
Personally I feel to praise God for the victories gained, and would give all the glory to God for the measure of success that has attended the efforts of his servants. R. A. UNDERWOOD.
Mission Notes
“Victory over besetting sins,” is the motto adopted by one mission band out in a trying and difficult field, where fierce opposition is being brought to bear upon the work of the message by one who has turned away from the church. As a result of each member’s striving for the mastery over his own sins, the worker records that only one member has departed from the faith in their company during the past year. A pretty good recipe for meeting apostasy anywhere.
To illustrate the joy which fills the hearts of the workers when they get the good word that recruits are on the way to join them, we quote from letters recently received from Elder D. C. Babcock, West Coast, and M. C. Sturdevant, of Solusi mission, Buluwayo, Africa. Brother Babcock says: “Your good letter received. How glad we are for the good news of help coming! I could scarcely keep from weeping for joy when I read that Professor French and wife would soon join us in the work here.” Brother Sturdevant says: “We are cheered to hear that help is on the way, and a telegram tells me to meet them [Brother and Sister Campbell] the third [of June]. How gladly we shall do it!”
BROTHER J. C. ROGERS, in describing the way in which a young man finds for himself a wife in Nyassaland, says: “Their marriage ceremony is very simple. If the girl wants the man, she cooks a pot of porridge, and sends it to him. If he eats it, that constitutes the engagement. From that time on he gives her a yard of cheap calico occasionally, to bind the bargain. When the time set for the marriage comes, all the people in the surrounding country assemble, and they make great pots of beer, and gather all the food to be found. This big feast constitutes the marriage ceremony. If any one has a grudge against the bride,—if she has refused to carry water or wood for her parents or her elder relatives, if she has disobeyed them in any way, if she has not knelt humbly at their [the elders] august approach in the footpath, in short, if she has displeased any one at any time in her past life,—they do not take revenge at once, but simply say, ‘I will remember.’ Then just before the time of marriage, each one holding a grudge is at liberty to bring a large whip, and beat her to his heart’s content.” Thus the ceremony ends, and the young man takes to himself his wife. Brother Rogers has applied to the government for official papers authorizing him, when necessary, to perform this sacred rite in a Christian manner, especially among our own people.
Greater New York Camp-Meeting
By K. C. Russell
THIS meeting was held at New Rochelle, a suburb of Greater New York, June 4-14, and was located in the center of the city on a beautiful plat of ground surrounding a large dwelling-house of the New England type. This dwelling served as a dining-room, and afforded a lodging-place for quite a number.
Our people came out in large numbers on both Sabbaths and Sundays, and there was also a fair attendance during the week.
One unique feature of this meeting was that there were present representatives of nineteen different nationalities, and one could but think of the realization of the words of John, the revelator, when he said, “I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, . . . of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb.”
The regular business of the conference was not transacted at this time; and the services were devoted exclusively to the study of the Word, to the missionary work, and to seeking the Lord.
The early morning meetings were in charge of Elder E. W. Farnsworth, who conducted a series of studies on the history of ancient Israel, which were both instructive and interesting. All departments of our work were given their share of attention. The ten-cent-a-week plan for the support of our mission work in the regions beyond was spoken of at different times during the meeting, and we believe that it will be generally practised by the members of the Greater New York Conference.
One cheering feature of this meeting was that of completing the raising of their balance of the $150,000 fund.
Separate meetings were conducted by the superintendent of the German department of our work, Elder O. E. Reinke. These services were attended by much of the Holy Spirit’s presence, which will give renewed courage in carrying the third angel’s message to the one million Germans in the Greater New York Conference.
Besides the regular conference laborers in attendance, were Elder E. W. Farnsworth, president of the Atlantic Union Conference; Elder O. E. Reinke; Elder H. F. Ketring, president of the Central New England Conference; Prof. B. F. Machlan, principal of the South Lancaster Academy; Elder C. S. Longacre, Bible instructor in the South Lancaster Academy; Brother F. M. Dana, secretary of the department of the young people’s work in the Atlantic Union Conference; Elder F. C. Gilbert, superintendent of our Jewish mission in Boston; Prof. B. G. Wilkinson, Bible instructor in the Foreign Mission Seminary; Brother R. J. Bryant, Atlantic Union field agent; Elder B. F. Kneeland, president of the New Jersey Conference; Elder David Ostlund, of Iceland; Elder E. E. Miles, and the writer.
Elder C. H. Edwards, the president of the Greater New York Conference, is of excellent courage, as he continues to direct in the great and important work of warning the millions of people in the Greater New York Conference.
Plans were laid to conduct five tent efforts in and about the city in the English, German, and Scandinavian languages.
More workers and more means are needed in order to warn the surging mass of humanity in that great metropolis.
K. C. RUSSELL.
North Dakota
By C. J. KUNKEL
BOWDEN.—The blessed experience of the Velva camp-meeting is not confined to that place alone. The young people of the Bowden church desired to be baptized at their home, so it was decided for me to go there for the Sabbath following the camp-meeting. Nine more of the young people gave their hearts to the Lord, and on Sunday twenty-one were buried with their Lord in baptism. At 7 P. M. we came together to celebrate the ordinances of the Lord's house. We had hardly begun with the ordinance of humility when in one corner of the church we heard some poor soul pleading with God for pardon. This spread until we had to dispense with the ordinances altogether, and the revival work continued until after two o'clock the following morning. As a result twenty dear souls found pardon.
There was no excitement, only the quiet working of the Holy Spirit. When we were about ready to dismiss the meeting, an old brother arose, who had been carried away with a fanatical holiness movement about ten years ago, and asked the church for pardon and admission. This was another cause for rejoicing, and he was made welcome by all. This experience will live long in the memory of the Bowden church.
One pleasing feature after this revival work was, that as soon as those dear souls had found pardon, a goodly number of the parents declared themselves ready to send their children to our academy. If the Lord protects the crops of North Dakota, our facilities at Harvey will be far too meager to accommodate those who desire to attend. To the Lord alone we ascribe all the praise.
C. J. KUNKEL.
Wyoming Conference and Camp-Meeting
By J. H. WHEELER
THE first annual session of the Wyoming conference assembled in a beautiful grove at Crawford, Neb., June 18-28, in connection with the annual camp-meeting. The Wyoming Conference is composed of the State of Wyoming, nine counties of northwestern Nebraska, and six counties of South Dakota. A good representation of our people from this locality was present at the beginning of the meeting, and this was increased to approximately two hundred at its close. The president's address and reports of the different workers showed that God had blessed all the work in this field during the past year. Six new churches have been organized with a membership of one hundred thirty, with many more interested ones in the localities where these churches were raised up.
Good ministerial help was present during this meeting, and excellent meetings were held, in which God blessed, and hearts were made tender and accepted Christ. Twenty-nine followed their Lord in baptism during this meeting. Besides the local workers, Elders E. T. Russell, F. M. Wilcox, Meade MacGuire, Charles Thompson, B. E. Huffman, and Prof. C. C. Lewis, Dr. Ida Herr, and Brother C. G. Bellah were present during a part or all of the meeting.
All departments of the work were given due consideration and advanced moves were taken, as the following resolutions which were unanimously adopted will show:—
That we affirm our confidence in the great underlying truths comprising the third angel's message and in the work and leadings of the spirit of prophecy so graciously manifested in the church, and express our earnest purpose to prosecute the work committed to us to glorious triumph.
That we approve of and pledge our hearty co-operation in the plan recommended by the General Conference for an ingathering for foreign mission work, November 22-28, during Thanksgiving week of 1908.
That we pledge ourselves to endeavor to greatly increase the donations to foreign missions.
That we undertake to raise for foreign mission work an amount equal to ten cents a week per capita for our church-membership.
That for the present we favor the Sabbath-school donations and the annual midsummer offering being applied on this fund to make the average of ten cents a week for each church-member.
That in each church it shall be the duty of the church missionary librarian to take charge of the distribution and collection of the missionary envelopes, and in every way to encourage the church in systematic giving for foreign missions.
That the educational superintendent and Missionary Volunteer secretary give her entire time, as far as consistent, to16the building up and strengthening of these branches of work.
That during the coming year a general educational campaign be carried on among the churches of the conference.
“Whereas, the tract and missionary work in our conference is at a low ebb, which we attribute largely to the fact that no effort has been made through an organized tract society to push this work in our conference; therefore,—
“Resolved, That we return to the plan of carrying forward the work through a conference tract society, and that the secretary and treasurer of the conference take charge of this branch of the work.”
The financial report showed tithe receipts to the amount of over seven thousand dollars and trust funds over eighteen hundred dollars. The tithe per capita was over seventeen dollars. On the last day of the meeting the needs of the world-wide work were presented, and twelve hundred dollars was raised in cash and pledges to be paid by Jan. 1, 1909. Book sales for the past year were $4326.55.
Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows: President, Elder J. H. Wheeler; vice-president, Elder G. A. Kirkle; secretary and treasurer, S. J. Quantock; superintendent of the church-schools and Missionary Volunteer work, Nora Hough; State missionary agent, H. E. Lysinger; religious liberty secretary, R. T. Baer. The people returned to their homes greatly encouraged, and with a firm purpose to be consecrated to the service of God, to spend and be spent in his service.
J. H. WHEELER.
Canvassing in Oregon
By Walter Harper
I LEFT San Francisco on the staunch little steamer of the Oregon Coal and Navigation Company, the “M. F. Plant,” soon after our good camp-meeting near Oakland, and reached Coos Bay safely in due time, and was at work in a few hours after the boat arrived. One afternoon here I was granted success in taking orders for eleven “Seer of Patmos,” besides other orders. All honor to the Lord alone. He only can give success to our labors, work we ever so hard in our own strength. Last week was the first time I ever took an order for the “Seer of Patmos.” I can see the Spirit of God working on the people to bless the efforts to sell this book.
One day last week the Lord gave me five orders for “Ministry of Healing,” besides a number of dollars’ worth of other orders. I take along on this trip the book “Ministry of Healing,” with my other work and try to sell one or two copies a day as missionary work for the Lord. I find great blessing in doing this. Sometimes I get started on this book, and have such good times that I can scarcely stop when I have sold one or two for the day, but run away over this number. I have done this same work, on this same plan, at intervals for years with “Christ’s Object Lessons” in my regular canvassing work. I have received many rich blessings in doing this. How I wish all our canvassers and workers would share in it, too; for all can if they will only take hold in faith. I find it does not interfere with my regular canvassing work to take orders for one or two of these books a day as missionary work for the blessed Master. I deliver them the same time these I do the other orders. I take “Christ’s Object Lessons” on one trip, and “Ministry of Healing” on another trip. My experience that I have worked out, or that came to me, was that it called down blessings on the other part of my work, and my soul was blessed also. How I wish all our canvassers, especially those working for scholarships, would try this plan.
WALTER HARPER.
Hawaiian Islands
By C. D. M. WILLIAMS.
NEW CHAPEL AND MISSION HOME, HONOLULU
HONOLULU.—We learn that Elder R. C. Porter is to pass through here June 27, on his way to Africa, and we are making an extra effort to finish our little chapel, so as to have it dedicated when he comes. All the money has been raised except about fifty dollars, and the work is done except the ceiling of the two sides and one end, and the casings to put on the inside of the door and windows. This we think we can do before he comes. The chapel is twenty-eight by forty feet, with fourteen-foot studding. Our house is thirty-two by thirty-two feet, with two porches and four rooms attached, making a house of eight rooms and two lanais. We are exceedingly thankful to the Lord for the church and home, as every move toward securing them seems to have been attended with his blessing. We have come to the time when every move should be a right one, directed by the Spirit of God. And all lines of the work should advance with rapid strides. We feel that we must live very near to the Lord, so that we may not be found wanting.
C. D. M. WILLIAMS.
