Australia by J. E. FULTON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jan 28, 1915

Australia

By J. E. FULTON

J. E. FULTON

Our union conference in September, 1914, was by far the largest gathering ever held by Seventh-day Adventists in Australasia. About 250 tents were pitched for the accommodation of our people, and as no more tents could be procured, many took rooms; a number of brethren who lived near also attended.

A ministerial institute was held prior to the union conference. This was well attended, and was appreciated by our workers and others who were present.

We were highly privileged in having Brother A. G. Daniells with us. He labored incessantly throughout the institute and conference. God certainly gave his servant sustaining grace. His labors were greatly blessed to the help of all. We were glad also to have Sister Daniells with us. She has many friends in Australia. We are sure some credit is due her for the success of our meetings, because of her tact in arranging periods of much needed rest for Brother Daniells, without which it is certain he could not have stood the strain.

Most of our ministerial force from all the conferences attended both the institute and the conference. While our conferences felt the loss of the workers for the time, and the expense was great, yet this will no doubt be more than made up by the increased efficiency of the laborers which will result from the substantial help and inspiration obtained while in attendance at the meetings.

Missionaries were present from New Guinea, New Hebrides, Norfolk Island, Fiji, Tonga, the Cook Islands, and the Society Islands. The Australian aborigines and the Maoris of New Zealand were also represented.

Reports have come to us from Brother and Sister G. F. Jones, who recently opened work in the Solomon Islands. They have made good progress with the language, and calls are coming in from the natives for work to begin among them. This is indeed very encouraging.

The war had recently broken out, and it was feared that some of our missionaries might be detained on their journey to the conference, but all arrived on time and in good health.

For some time we had received no word from Brother Howse, of Samoa; but finally a steamer risked calling there, and brought word that our missionaries were well, and that Samoa is now a British possession.

The war has created a deep impression upon the minds of the people of this country. Many are volunteering for active service at the front,—the very best and strongest of the country's young men. Troop ships, convoyed by Australian and Japanese war vessels, have taken thousands to the seat of war, and large numbers are still eagerly offering themselves for enlistment.

In business and financial circles a wave of depression has swept over the country, and many have been thrown out of employment.

A rising tide of missionary enthusiasm characterizes God's people throughout the field. A keener realization of the nearness of the end has come upon us, and I feel sure there is a disposition on the part of all to arise and finish the work.