North Carolina by J. O. Johnston

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 20, 1908

North Carolina

By J. O. Johnston

EUFOLA.—For a few years past the writer has been laboring at this place, building up an educational interest and laboring as the way opened among the neighbors and friends in the surrounding country. After fifteen years' experience in tent work in the Southern field, I became fully convinced that in many instances our ministers could accomplish far more if they would seek to build up a more solid and permanent work. Effort after effort has been put forth in tent labor, and very little has been accomplished, because the work did not abide after the tent was taken down, and the ministers left the place.

A few years ago these words came to the writer from one who speaks with authority: “If one hundred laborers would step out of the ‘regular lines,’ and take up self-sacrificing work, such as Brother — has done, souls would be won to the Lord. And the workers would understand by experience what it means to be laborers together with God.”

Shortly after receiving the above instruction, I came to Eufola, erected a school building, and began to work among the people. A few accepted the truth, and others moved in to get the benefit of the school, until a church of some twenty-five members developed. This year we felt that the time had come to make a strong public effort for our neighbors; so we asked the conference to furnish us with a large tent. This they did, and we began meetings on June twenty-six. Dr. Albert Carey was present during part of each week, and his help was greatly appreciated. Elder D. T. Shireman was also present a few days. All were glad to hear this aged servant of God, who has ability to speak words which sin-sick souls love to hear.

August 2 the meetings closed, as the tent had to be taken down and sent to Lexington, where it is to be pitched for the coming camp-meeting. The interest, which was not very good at first, began to increase, and continued to increase until its close. Never has the writer seen a more solid, wide-spreading interest than has developed at this place. While only twelve or fifteen can be definitely counted upon as ready for baptism, yet many more are deeply stirred, and the Spirit has spread conviction beyond our own borders into other neighborhoods. The daily paper of Statesville has published stirring articles with reference to the meetings, giving some of the arguments presented in favor of the truth; and by this means the hearts of at least some have been turned to inquire for the message.

The interest now will be carried on by visiting and holding meetings in the academy building. We ask for earnest prayer in our behalf, that this work, which is but begun, may be fully developed.

We can not find words to express our joy at seeing so many of our neighbors uniting with us to keep all the commandments of God. We are seeing of the travail of our souls, and it is a satisfying portion; but all the glory is the Lord's, who has made us partakers with him of his joy.

J. O. JOHNSTON.