New Jersey Conference by A. R. SANDBORN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 9, 1915

New Jersey Conference

By A. R. SANDBORN

NEARLY eleven months of the year 1915 are in the past; and as we look over these months, we rejoice to see that they have been months of progress for the New Jersey Conference.

At our camp meeting held in June, the blessing of God was poured out in rich measure. It was especially inspiring to see our young people in little groups of six or eight, stealing quietly away at the close of the evening service, to gather in prayer band meetings. By the close of the ten days’ encampment practically every young person on the grounds had yielded to the Saviour and resolved to live for him.

During the summer there were five tent companies in the field, located at Burlington, Union Hill, Arlington, Phillipsburg, and Jersey City. Of these efforts, one was for the Swedish people and one for the colored. At Burlington twenty-two were baptized as a result of the summer’s effort. These were a welcome addition to the small company already organized at this place. At the present time a neat little church is in process of erection, and will soon be ready for occupancy. A new church is also in building in Jersey City.

This year we have eight church schools in the conference, three of which are home schools. Good reports are coming from them, and we are thankful that so many of our children are able to attend a Christian school.

This past quarter ‘four new Sabbath’ schools have been organized, making a total of thirty-eight, with a membership of one thousand and sixty. The mission offerings are steadily on the increase, and it looks now as if we should easily reach our Twenty-cent-a-week Fund for the year 1915.

The young people’s work, as well as

other departments, shows a very encouraging growth. We now have seventeen Missionary Volunteer Societies, with a membership of two hundred and eight, which does not include the twenty-five or more young people who are attending Washington Missionary College. This year the Missionary Volunteers of New Jersey will go beyond the financial goal set them by the general department. A number of youth have been baptized during the year, for which we are glad.

We must not forget the Harvest Ingathering campaign. So far, this year bids fair to be the best one for missionary effort of this character in the history of the New Jersey Conference. The month of October showed a gain of over one hundred dollars above that for the corresponding month of last year. The missionary secretary has been visiting every church, and actually going out with the people to show them how to solicit means. The results of this work have been most excellent. One small company has already raised $150, and is still engaged in the good work. The missionary meetings and prayer meetings have received new life from this campaign, and it is proving a blessing not only financially but spiritually.

As we look over the year’s work in New Jersey, we feel greatly encouraged, and can but say from our hearts, “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.”

A. R. SANDBORN.