Experiences in Georgia by Arthur W. Bartlett

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 24, 1908

Experiences in Georgia

By Arthur W. Bartlett

SINCE OUR last report, there have been some interesting developments in God’s work in southern Georgia. We came to Brunswick about six months ago, and found a beautiful city of about twelve thousand inhabitants, situated on the sea. There were but two white persons keeping the Sabbath, a Brother Fisher and his wife. Brother Fisher had been canvassing for our books in the city for three years, and by his godly life had won the confidence of many. We also found a little company of unorganized colored Sabbath-keepers, which numbered six adults, also a small mission school for colored children. We turned our attention to the establishment of treatment-rooms in the city, believing that we could make our health work a “right arm” to open doors for our evangelistic labors. The Lord greatly blessed us, and to-day we have well-equipped treatment-rooms in an ideal location, and a good class of patients.

We next sought a location for a sanitarium on the beautiful and historic St. Silmon’s Island, a few miles from Brunswick, a famous summer resort for inland residents from several Southern States. By God’s blessing we were enabled to lease for ten years, with privilege of renewal, a fine building situated on a magnificent sea beach. We propose to enlarge this building, and build in connection with it a large concrete bathing-pool for winter bathing. This pool will

be constantly filled with salt water, flowing into it from the sea. The climate on this island in the winter is like that of Florida; for the Florida line is but a few miles away, but in summer it is unlike that of Florida in that cool breezes blow continually from the ocean, and there is a remarkable absence of mosquitoes and sand-flies.

Some of our Seventh-day Adventist farmers would find an opportunity on this island to secure farms for the raising of produce that brings a much higher price than in the North, and above all they could do missionary work in this most needy field. There are openings here for church-school teachers, both among the white and the colored people. We need consecrated laborers in this field more than we need money; but of course we are struggling with close financial conditions, and rejoice for any help in that line. We greatly enjoy our work here, and have realized what was promised through the Testimonies, that if any would respond to the pitiful call in the South for laborers, they would receive the Holy Spirit, and do a work that would fill all heaven with rejoicing. My address is 2200 Ellis St., Brunswick, Ga. ARTHUR W. BARTLETT.