p. 21 | The General Conference by M. E. K.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Jul 1, 1909

The General Conference

By M. E. K.

The long-anticipated meeting of the General Conference is in the past. In many respects it was the greatest meeting ever held by Seventh-day Adventists. It was decidedly a missionary conference. The reports of progress from the fields were most cheering; and while the demands of these fields upon us for men and means seemed overwhelming, yet these very demands are a new evidence that the message is speeding on.

One thing that brought cheer to the hearts of our brethren from all lands is the response they see our young people making to the call for workers, and the special efforts being put forth by the General Conference to gather and train the raw recruits. As these new soldiers engage in hand-to-hand conflict where they are, they catch the spirit of the old and tried warriors; and even now we see a strong army of young soldiers pressing into service.

On each alternate day of the Conference a Missionary Volunteer meeting was held, yet the time was all too short for the many matters that demanded attention, and a few extra meetings were called. All of these meetings have been reported, except the last two, which were held Sunday and Monday mornings, June 6, 7. Although many had left the grounds, the attendance both times was fairly good, and the meetings were exceedingly profitable. Both services were devoted to a free, informal discussion of problems and experiences.

Mrs. R. W. McMahan spoke of how she had made her conventions an opportunity for helping the youth rightly to develop the social life. One evening was devoted to a carefully, prayerfully planned reception. Mrs. Bessie Rice had tried a similar plan with much satisfaction.

The question of how to secure greater uniformity in our reporting system received much study. As the purpose is to represent as nearly as possible the work of our young people, it seemed best to those present that conference laborers should not report their regular work through Missionary Volunteer channels.

In the consideration of society programs, stress was placed on the importance of thorough preparation of every part. One great purpose of the meetings is to acquaint our youth with God's Word and with the work he has given them to do. Variety is a means of creating and maintaining interest, and should be used only for that purpose.

The meeting Monday morning closed with a season of prayer that God would greatly bless this work, and grant the workers faithfulness in daily service.

M. E. K.