Sanitarium Relief Campaign by L. A. Hansen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 14, 1910

Sanitarium Relief Campaign

By L. A. Hansen

In the Northern Union

REPORT has already been made of the way in which the brethren took up the relief campaign work at the camp-meeting at Sigourney, Iowa. This matter was taken up at the other meetings in this union conference with a fair degree of interest.

The Minnesota Meeting

At this meeting the campaign work for the English-speaking people was taken up altogether in conference session, in the form of discussion on a recommendation favoring it. There was indicated a reluctance on the part of some to take hold of it heartily, as it seemed to them a proposition that was rather foreign to home interests, and one that might conflict with them. The recommendation was passed, however, without a dissenting vote, and a number of books were ordered at once by the congregation.

A separate meeting was held with the Scandinavians, a regular hour being given to it. A good interest was shown, with a disposition and willingness to have a part in this work, which should appeal to every member of our denomination. Here also a number of books were ordered, those in the foreign languages to be used when available.

As the workers and people of this large and strong conference do their share of this work, there will be a proportionate result of blessing and help to the conference interests in the development of a missionary spirit and greater faithfulness to all departments of the work. Every conference will profit by responding to calls for help in movements of general interest.

At South Dakota

At the South Dakota meeting special time was given for the presentation of the relief work, several taking part. The union conference president, Elder R. A. Underwood, and the local conference president, Elder C. M. Babcock, urged the matter as a legitimate part of the conference work. Prof. P. T. Magan emphasized the importance of responding to calls for help in the advancement of this cause in any of its branches. Dr. C. P. Farnsworth spoke from experience as he presented some of the difficulties with which our sanitariums have to contend in making ends meet. He indicated his interest in their relief by ordering fifty books. A number of books were ordered by the congregation. With the interest shown by both officers and people, we may expect good results from this conference.

At North Dakota

A good start for the campaign work in this conference had been made by the executive committee at one of its recent meetings, when the seven members pledged themselves to sell 132 books. Some of the members had already visited churches, and started the work. Provision was made at the camp-meeting for a full presentation and consideration of the work. Several languages being represented, it was necessary to hold separate meetings and to have translators.

The Germans were in the majority, nearly filling the large tent. They showed a deep interest as they listened to a presentation of facts concerning our health work and its growth. It was evident that some erroneous views had been held concerning it, but there were also an evident appreciation of learning the truth about it and a willingness to help in its advancement.

The Russians seemed much impressed as they heard of the development of the sanitarium work. These people have not been long in the truth, so much of our work is new to them. When the plan of relief was presented, it was stated by them that if we would supply the book in the Russian language, they would sell twenty each, instead of six. As it was, a number ordered books in other languages.

A separate meeting was held in the English tent, and then a recommendation was brought before the conference in session, where all were present. A very full discussion was given to it, and it was passed unanimously. Orders for the book in various languages were given at once.

L. A. HANSEN.