Missouri Camp-Meetings by O. A. OLSEN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 8, 1910

Missouri Camp-Meetings

By O. A. OLSEN

AUGUST 4 I left Chicago for the closing part of the North Missouri camp-meeting at Hamilton. I found the camp nicely located in the town park, and a good meeting in progress, well attended from the town and surrounding country.

Sabbath, August 6, was a very good day, and the camp enjoyed much of God's blessing. Following the afternoon discourse on the subject of the gospel ministry, Brethren A. F. French and V. Nutter were set apart by ordination to the sacred office of the gospel ministry. The blessing of the Lord was signally present on this occasion.

This service was followed by an excellent social meeting, in which nearly every one in the tent took part. It was one of the rare meetings which we sometimes have the privilege of attending. The outlook for the work in the North Missouri Conference is very encouraging. The brethren are taking a lively interest in the work and finance of both the home and the foreign field. May the Lord continue to add still greater blessings.

August 8 I turned my course toward Springfield, Mo., where the Southern Missouri camp-meeting was already in progress. I arrived in the evening, and found the camp pleasantly located in a suburb of the city. This was a larger meeting than that at Hamilton, and we were much pleased to see the large attendance and good interest manifested by the people of the surrounding community.

As the various phases of the cause and its needs were presented, our brethren showed a commendable interest and a willingness to act their part faithfully. The missionary work abroad and at home, and our responsibility and privilege in regard to it, were set forth with much earnestness, and met a hearty response.

Brother and Sister E. H. Wilbur, who have labored for about eight years in China, but who have recently returned to America for a vacation, were present, and related some of their experiences in that mission field. They were also present at the North Missouri camp-meeting, and spoke to an attentive audience on their work in China.

The business meetings of the conference passed off very harmoniously. Elder D. U. Hale was again elected president, and the various departments of the work were carefully looked after.

The last Sabbath of this meeting was rich in God's blessing. The weather was perfect, and there was a feeling of expectancy on the part of the congregation. Quite a number had come in to enjoy the closing part of the camp-meeting, and I am glad to report that none were disappointed.

At the close of the forenoon service a large number responded to the call to seek the Lord. Many took their stand for the first time; others who had faltered by the way renewed their covenant with God; while still others reconsecrated their lives to the Lord by a more complete surrender. It was a time of refreshing, which all enjoyed very much.

At 3 P. M. Prof. F. Griggs gave an instructive discourse on the gospel ministry, after which Brother J. Z. Walker was set apart to the gospel ministry by ordination. Then followed the examination of twenty-five candidates, who immediately repaired to the lake near by, where Brother Walker administered baptism.

I was much pleased to make the acquaintance of our people in southern Missouri. Their camp arrangement was excellent and very sanitary, and their dining-tent was in efficient hands and well looked after. On Monday morning the camp broke up, and our brethren returned to their homes joyful in heart and with renewed courage.

As I had a little time before the Kansas meeting, I took the opportunity to visit Clinton, where our new German seminary is located. There I met Brother Miller with a force of thirty men who are busy at work making some repairs and changes preparatory to the opening of school on September 28. Everything seemed to be moving on nicely, and the outlook for the school is very encouraging. O. A. OLSEN.