Indiana Conference by H. R. Johnson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 13, 1908

Indiana Conference

By H. R. Johnson

This conference meeting was held, according to appointment, January 14-22, at the Wabash Valley Sanitarium. It was truly a season of great refreshing throughout. The Lake Union Conference president, Elder A. Moon, attended the first part of the meeting and rendered valuable assistance. His Bible lessons on gospel organization, as set forth in the economy of ancient Israel, were made very impressive by the light they contained, and by the deep spiritual feeling in which they were given. Elder E. J. Van Horn, who had been laboring for some weeks in the conference, gave some very instructive thoughts on Christian growth and Christian life from Matt. 5:1-13. Elder N. W. Kauble, of Berrien Springs, favored the delegation with an excellent talk on school work. Evening studies were given by the writer, on individual organization; the unfolding of the everlasting gospel; and the revelation of its cleansing power in the lives of the believers, in good works to the glory of God. These lessons from the blessed Book all had a salutary, molding influence on the work of the conference.

There were no idlers. The delegates tried to find their proper place in each meeting, and to act their part faithfully. The aggressive measures for the enlargement of the work were considered with deep interest. Isa. 54:2 was dwelt upon with emphasis: “Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes.” That the hearts of our people in this conference might be more fully awakened to the great work before us, it was voted to support one native worker in each of the following fields: Japan, China, India, Africa, and among the colored people of the South; also that Elder A. W. Bartlett, who has a burden for the colored people of the South, go to that field, and receive his regular support from his home conference. Elder J. F. Steele will also be supported for one year in West Virginia.

Work on the Wabash Valley Sanitarium is progressing nicely. The location is beautiful; the building is neat and modest—an ideal structure for its work. May God bless this institution for his name’s sake.

God has truly blessed the Indiana Conference both spiritually and financially in a marked manner. The delegates rejoiced over the present condition, but more for the promising outlook. The conference officers who had served during the past year were re-elected for the coming year. Elder W. J. Stone, the president, was much worn and in rather feeble health, from hard labor and a protracted cold. It was voted that he, as far as possible, lay aside his cares of conference work for a while and take a much-needed rest.

Love, union, and harmony of action increased in the conference proceedings from day to day. The last day was the crowning day. The farewell service was a remarkable meeting on account of the presence of God. Surely Jesus did breathe upon us the Holy Spirit from the Most Holy.

H. R. JOHNSON.