Camp-Meeting Notes by L. A. Hansen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 20, 1910

Camp-Meeting Notes

By L. A. Hansen

In addition to the camp-meetings attended in the Northern Union Conference, which have already been reported, it was my privilege to visit those mentioned in the following notes. We may be able to report from other unions and meetings as we receive items of information.

Southwestern Union Conference

This union has no sanitarium indebtedness of its own, but is taking hold of the campaign work along with the rest of the field, devoting the proceeds to work outside its own territory. On account of conflicting dates of other meetings I could visit only the Texas and Oklahoma meetings.

At Texas we had a very interesting time. Elder L. W. Terry gave hearty support to the campaign, and other workers joined. Time at business sessions and at a special service was devoted to the work of the campaign. A good supply of books was ordered by the people.

The Oklahoma brethren and sisters took up the work enthusiastically, when the vote was taken, and pledges were made. The president, David Voth, and Elder G. F. Watson, the union president, with Elder O. A. Olsen, united in the presentation of the question. Special interest was shown on the part of all; and when opportunity was given to vote, there was a unanimous response in the affirmative. It was noticeable that the workers took their share.

Central Union Conference

This union has been active in pushing the campaign, allowing Dr. C. A. Hansen, the medical secretary, to devote much time to it. He was also present at nearly all the camp-meetings in that territory, and aided in presenting the campaign work, besides giving much attention to other lines of medical missionary work.

At the North Missouri meeting, time was devoted to a consideration of this question. Elder A. R. Ogden, the president, and other officers of the conference, showed their interest by urging the matter, and by pledging themselves to do their part. The people took hold well. A meeting was held with the Kansas City church on Sabbath for those who could not attend the camp-meeting, and an excellent spirit was manifested. The elder of this church, Dr. G. A. Droll, had set a good example as a church leader and as a medical worker, by pledging to sell one book a month for three years. His sanitarium family showed a good interest also. As medical secretary of the conference, he will be enabled to further advance this work throughout the State.

In Southern Missouri a cordial reception was given to the medical missionary work in general, and ample time was devoted to its consideration. Elder D. U. Hale was anxious that the campaign should be well started at the meeting, with the view of following up the interest afterward in all the churches. The people responded with interest. The members of the Springfield church who were present held a consultation during the time the pledges were being taken, and voted to take a number of books for the church. I visited the Carthage and Joplin churches on the way to the next meeting, and the members here showed a practical interest in the progress of the medical work.

The Colorado Conference had already made a strong effort in disposing of “Ministry of Healing,” and held the record for the largest number of books pledged, amounting to nearly $7,500 worth. But the matter was presented just as strongly at their meeting. Elder C. R. Kite showed earnest interest in it, and the other officers co-operated fully. The people naturally followed, and there was a good interest. Elder A. T. Robinson gave valuable support to the movement.

At the Kansas meeting we also met with co-operation. The press of business connected with the division of the conference, and other matters, prevented many of the officers from being present, but full time and liberty were given for presenting the relief work. A noticeable thing here was the loyal support given by the people to the Wichita Sanitarium, and the many encouraging reports given in the discussion of its work. A decided stand was taken in its behalf. Many books were placed, and promise was given that the relief campaign work would be followed up in the churches.

Lake Union Conference

The Indiana meeting was an exceptionally good one for the campaign work. Plans had been laid some time before for its presentation. This conference is deeply interested in placing its sanitarium on vantage-ground. Excellent work is being done by the institution, and the desire is strong that it shall be relieved from all financial perplexities. The president, Elder Morris Lukens, showed special interest in having the campaign work fully presented. He and other workers showed their interest in the work by pledging to sell twenty-five books each, to begin with. Many books were subscribed for by the congregation, and the work is to be followed up in an active manner in the churches. There will be actual relief for the Wabash Valley Sanitarium, in this movement, to judge from the way in which the work is being taken up.

At the Wisconsin camp-meeting we had another interesting time. Special provision was made for suitable hours for presenting the medical missionary interests. The needs of the Madison Sanitarium made this question one of live consideration. The newly elected conference president, Elder W. H. Thurston, as well as Elder C. McReynolds, indicated an appreciation of the importance of this enterprise, and both urged it earnestly. A good supply of books was on hand; and when the proposition was submitted to the congregation, the people showed their interest by taking all the books on hand, and pledging for many more. Definite plans are laid for continuing this work; and as the people take hold of it, there comes courage to all in seeing relief for their institution.

In Southern Illinois an effort had been

made some time ago to place a quantity of books. Because of change of officers and conditions, it had not been possible to follow up the effort very definitely; and as a result, all the books were not sold, and there was more or less question as to the practicability of the plan. But Elder E. A. Bristol, the president, was willing to do all that could be done to revive the work and to advance it. Time was given for presentation of the medical work and the campaign. Elder E. W. Farnsworth rendered valuable assistance, giving some personal experiences in the “Christ’s Object Lessons” campaign. Others took part; and when the people were asked to express their attitude, they responded heartily. All the books on hand were sold, and others pledged for, some promising to sell as many as fifty each.

There is opportunity for the development of an excellent missionary spirit in this work; and as it is carried forward, it can not be other than a blessing to each conference and to the people. It is evident that the Lord is in the movement, and that we have but to follow the admonitions given us, to realize all he has promised us in every good work.

L. A. HANSEN.