Michigan by W. A. Westworth

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jul 2, 1914

Michigan

By W. A. Westworth

BATTLE CREEK.—The first of last December, in answer to an urgent call, the writer came to Battle Creek, leaving his work in Pittsburgh, Pa. While there are many conditions to meet and influences at work here, still we believe that Battle Creek presents as hopeful a field as any place of like size that has been worked for years, that can be found anywhere in the great field.

Leaving behind any differences, we have endeavored to hold up the standard of the third angel's message without fear or favor, and God has blessed the work, and souls have been led to the Saviour. The Sabbath attendance has increased until at the present time there are about two hundred more persons in attendance than there were six months ago, giving us from 650 to 700 each week. Another hopeful feature has been the awakening which is seen among the townspeople regarding the truth for this time. Those who have been here for many years say that for thirty or forty years there has not been so much interest manifested to hear the message as there has been during the past winter, and there are constant accessions to our numbers. All through the winter and till the present time services have been held on Sunday evenings, which have been largely attended, and these services have now been established as a regular part of our work. Even in the hot weather, when the park across the street is attracting many, the attendance has been maintained.

A large attendance from the sanitarium, of both patients and workers, supports our work.

Financially the Lord has blessed the work. A comparative statement of the tithe receipts for the past six months shows that tithe amounting to $6,678.48 has been paid in, as compared with $4,879.76 for the same six months last year, a gain of $1,780.72. The mission offerings are not where they should be, but are showing a steady growth.

The debt on the Tabernacle has been a burden which for a number of years has been hard for the church to carry, inasmuch as the regular output for the support of the church building, and the school maintained by the church, calls for about $350 a month. These running expenses have been well maintained this year, and we close with a small surplus. At the recent meeting of the union conference here, in consideration of the help that the conference rendered when the debt was incurred, and in consideration of the advantage to the union in

having the Tabernacle here, the union agreed to raise $4,000 toward the liquidation of one half the debt, and the church agreed to raise the remainder. Pledges covering the full amount have been secured, and a goodly portion has already been paid. So in a short time we expect to be entirely free from any incumbrance.

The prospects for the future are good. The only drawback seems to be the lack of suitable help to care for the ever-increasing interests. But we know that the Father's hand is leading, and we fully believe that here where the headquarters of our work were established and maintained for so long a time, God has a work which he will foster till the end. Pray for the work in Battle Creek.

W. A. WESTWORTH.