West Pennsylvania Conference
By F. H. ROBBINS
The year 1914 brought its cheer and blessing to our brethren and sisters in this conference. A deep interest has been taken by our conference workers and churches in the upbuilding of the work in this part of the great harvest field. We have great reasons to thank our Heavenly Father for the progress made last year. We can say, “Truly God is good to Israel.” We know that it is not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of God that this conference has been able to make a favorable showing. We rejoice that we made up our full quota on the Twenty-cent-a-week Fund, which amounted to $8,216. Elder R. T. Dowsett’s visit in the conference was much appreciated. He and the writer visited twenty-one churches, receiving in cash and pledges about $1,400 for missions. Our tithe showed an increase of nearly two hundred dollars over the previous year. Six new Sabbath schools were added, with an aggregate membership of sixty-six. Sabbath school offerings to missions amounted to $3,982.28, being $742.23 more than the previous year. Literature sales amounted to $15,000, and, best of all, 116 persons were baptized.16 We are now more concerned over the future than the past. What will be our record this year? We all realize that as the end of time draws near, our responsibilities to God in soul winning are increased. Thorough organization and plans are needed in order to reach success. Our conference committee held its annual meeting at the conference office February 22 and 23. It was voted that each worker in the conference visit every church in his district, instructing the members how to do missionary work, and at the same time presenting the plan for raising funds to make up the full quota of twenty cents a week per member for missions. The Atlantic Union Conference asks all who can to pay one dollar a week for missions. Some cannot pay this much, while others can give more. This plan has worked well in that union conference, and it saves making such a heavy call for offerings at the camp meetings. We know that all appreciate the need of funds for missions, and we trust, when cards are presented for signature and a statement of the amount you will pay this year, that you will consider for a few minutes what God is doing for you, and that you will realize that what you give is given to God. You are dealing with God, and not with men only. The conference executive committee, in looking over the field for a place in which to hold camp meeting, has voted to hold it at Homestead Park, Pittsburgh, in June. The date of the meeting will be June 17-27. Our courage is good. We are trusting, with divine guidance, to reach a higher standard than ever before. Our greatest need is the Holy Spirit. If the Spirit is with us, we shall be led every step of the way. F. H. ROBBINS.