Untitled article by P. Strong

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · February 11, 1868

REPORT FROM BRO. STRONG.

By P. Strong

CLOSED our meetings in Tittabawassee Dec. 23 and 24. In company with Bro. Lawrence, and Bro. and Sr. Cornell, came to St. Charles. Found the way hedged up for public meeting, and the church in a rather dark state. Held meetings at their houses, and tried to get them into working order. Bro. Cornell preached to them twice, and then left for a new field of labor. Held in all with them, public and private, twenty meetings; four of which were business meetings, in which most of their trials and wrongs were confessed. Still some are holding on to their hard feelings, to their own hurt, and the injury of the cause.

In going to St. Charles, it was my intention to hold meetings for those without, but everything seemed to be against it. First, there was a protracted meeting in progress, then shows, dances, donations, singing school, and last but not least, trials in the church. Yet we trust some good has been accomplished. Bro. Lawrence left for home, Jan. 9, and I closed my labors there, the 13th.

As I look back over my labors in Saginaw Co., with Bro. Cornell and Lawrence, I have great reason to rejoice. It is true we had some dark clouds to pass through, but in most cases there was light beyond.

And here, for the encouragement of those that have given of their substance to scatter Reviews and tracts, I would give a brief history how the truth first came to be presented in Tittabawassee. An old sister, who had kept the Sabbath for years without seeing any of her family or friends come with her, began to feel that she was indeed alone. She gave away a bundle of old Reviews to a caller, little thinking that from them a strong church would be raised up. But the Lord can work, though it may seem long to us. The lady took the good seed home and hung it on a rafter in the chamber, not being interested enough to even look at them. Finally, one day, not feeling well, she thought she would look at those old Reviews, and the first piece she read riveted her attention, and she read them all through, and sent to the Office for more. Soon conviction took hold of her, and conversion soon followed. But this was not enough, her friends must see the truth also.

Therefore she kept sending for books, till six eight-dollar packages have been scattered in that region; and through the influence of the books, Bro. Cornell was called to labor in Midland and Saginaw counties, and as the fruits of those old Reviews, books, and labors, under the blessing of God, there is a church of twelve established at "Sixteen," and one of fifty at Tittabawassee, with an interest spreading to hear more, and I hope and trust that those old Reviews will be the means of saving many in the kingdom of God. Still scatter the seed.

Jan. 14, held one meeting with the scattered few in Duplain, and then came on to Orleans to rest a few days. Was cheerful on preparation day in meeting Bro. and Sr. White, and Bro. Andrews again. On the Sabbath as we listened to their straight, but cheering testimonies, our heart was made glad in the Lord, and we are led to say, Truly the Lord is leading this people through to a safe place. Sunday, at the close of the meeting, fourteen came forward for prayers. It did our heart good to see the children calling on the name of the Lord.

Tuesday came to Orange and commenced a course of meetings where Bro. Loughborough had advertised to commence. Held six meetings before he came. There is some interest manifested to hear, but it is not general. Bro. L. is now here, and I hope the interest will increase, and much good be accomplished.

P. STRONG.

Orange, Mich., Jan. 30, 1868.