The Southeastern Union Conference by Wm. A. Westworth

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 12, 1908

The Southeastern Union Conference

By Wm. A. Westworth

In response to a call from the union conference committee, I came to this field about the first of June, and through the summer I spent the time at the various camp-meetings in the union, getting acquainted with the situation here in the Southland, and coming in touch with the laborers in the several conferences, and also studying the institutional conditions,—their needs and advantages.

I have been enabled to appreciate, as never before, the Testimonies which relate to the duty of this people to the problems presented by the great Southern field, and I believe that if our people could realize the situation here, there would be a greater effort made in behalf of this part of the Master's vineyard than has ever been attempted. But while we see the crying need for both men and means, we are deeply impressed that there will be a great response to the efforts put forth, when we do all that the Lord has said should be done. We have never met a more hospitable people, ready to listen to the message when they hear it. But our efforts have been so feeble, and the work has been touched, as it were, by our fingertips! Here are large cities, scores of them, which have never been entered by our workers. Our efforts have been confined to small limits and along beaten tracks, with a world waiting for the first sound of the message.

Our canvassing work is daily demonstrating that books can be sold here as well as anywhere, and many families have been blessed by coming here from the North and living the truth before their neighbors. Statistical reports show that here in the Southeastern Union Conference, capital invested is yielding a far greater return than in many sections considered advantageous from a commercial standpoint, yielding an average of from twelve per cent to twenty-six per cent profits. We believe that our brethren and sisters will do well to study conditions here, and settle where they can daily bring the blessed light of truth to the millions sitting in darkness.

In my work throughout the conferences I have been impressed with the zeal and courage which prevail among our people. While there have been perplexities and difficulties to meet in each conference, it has been with gratitude that we have seen the guiding hand of the Lord, and our people have united in pressing forward as never before to do a mighty work for the Master. Plans have been laid for enlarging our work, and steps taken to do our share in all the great onward movements, such as the ten-cent-a-week plan, the Thanksgiving week ingathering, besides a liberal response, in proportion to their ability, in aid of foreign missions. With but a limited equipment in the various conferences, it has also been needful to raise large sums for home work, and we feel to thank the Lord for the spirit of sacrifice and liberality which has been shown in all parts of our union conference.

The work in this new union is onward, and I believe that it has been a great benefit to this portion of the vineyard to be brought into closer touch with the organized work, and to unite in aggressive service in the last gospel message.

We shall be glad at any time to correspond with any who are desirous of uniting with us in this South country in finishing the work which the Lord has given us to do, and shall be glad to give whatever help we can to all inquirers. WM. A. WESTWORTH.