Minnesota by G. W. WELLS

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Mar 25, 1915

Minnesota

By G. W. WELLS

EVERY loyal Seventh-day Adventist is deeply interested in the onward progress of the gospel message.

We are grateful for the victories gained in the distant fields. When we read of the courage and faith of our dear missionaries, of how the work is growing under such trying circumstances as those under which many of them have to labor, we wonder sometimes why more is not accomplished in the homeland. The work is all one, and the same Lord is over all. The blessed message must go to all, to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.

It is in this generation that the gospel work is to be finished. God is calling his people to greater faithfulness and more earnest efforts in service for the lost.

There has been manifest in our conference a very deep interest in the growth of the work in the fields beyond. Some faithful laborers have been sent out to the mission fields from Minnesota. This has kindled an interest that is not easily quenched, and in view of the perilous times and the unmistakable evidence on every side that our Lord will soon come, our dear people seemed to have renewed their interest the past year, and put forth greater efforts than ever to assist in carrying forward the work. Their liberal gifts and hearty response to harmonize with the general plans, gave evidence of their confidence and untiring interest in the finishing of the work in the homeland and abroad.

While our interests have been with the many mission fields, and special efforts have been put forth to assist them, the work in the homeland and in our own conference has not altogether been overlooked.

We are indeed thankful for the degree of success that has attended the faithful efforts of the laborers and believers in Minnesota. In every department there has been some advancement made.

The reports show that about 190 were baptized last year. The tithe was $40,939.42. This was an increase of $3,523 over the previous year. We raised our full quota for missions, and in excess of this we sent in over $1,600. Our total amount was $19,521. This was over $4,000 more than was given in 1913.

The book sales were materially increased, amounting to nearly $20,000, and the sales on magazines neared the $8,000 mark.

In the Sabbath school department there was an encouraging growth, and the offerings were increased $2,000, the total amount being $9,321.

The educational department has been strengthened. A number of new church schools were started, and our academy has been filled to the utmost capacity. Some had to be turned away.

The Missionary Volunteers have shown an interest in their department, the membership has been considerably increased, and a noble class of young men and women have taken the Reading Course and passed the Standard of Attainment examination.

We greatly appreciate the hearty support and cooperation of the workers and constituency, and we recognize that in order to achieve anything for the Master, there must be, on the part of all, a surrender of heart and a willingness to be under the management and leadership of the Holy Spirit.

G. W. WELLS.