Our Later Experiences in Australia by R. C. PORTER

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

Our Later Experiences in Australia

By R. C. PORTER

The recent Australasian Union conference was preceded by a convention, in which the most important questions to come before the conference were considered. This proved a great saving of time in the union conference. The time was fully occupied during the convention, and the preparatory council was a spiritual preparation for the conference.

The plans for the union conference had been well made. The reports from all parts of the field had been gathered and printed in the Record, so that all the facts and figures needed for reference were in the hands of the delegates at the beginning of the conference. This proved beneficial in two ways: it made it possible for the work of the conference to move off from the start without being delayed for reports, and it gave opportunity to those representing different fields to present other important features of the work.

Each day during the conference was devoted to a special department of the work. One day was given to the medical missionary work, another to the educational, another to religious liberty, and another to the missionary campaign work, and so on through the conference. In this way each department shared equally in the time and opportunities in the deliberations of the conference. There was one feature that was especially commendable. There was no falling off in attendance from one day to another on account of the different kind of work under consideration. All the delegates seemed equally interested in every branch of the work.

Another feature of the meeting which I regarded as important was that there were no committee meetings of any kind held while there was a religious or a conference meeting in progress. This gave opportunity for all to attend all the services, and to receive the spiritual benefit of such meetings. As a result, the committee work was harmonious, and a great amount of work was accomplished in a short time.

The reports from the field showed a marked gain in almost every line over the previous biennial period. The results reported from labor performed in the islands were far beyond our expectations. It has been demonstrated that our books can be successfully sold among the natives. It is also evident that they read the books and accept the truth. This will be a great help in carrying the message to the millions who sit in darkness in these fields. A Chinese girl,

who recently accepted the faith in Singapore, contrary to the established custom of her people, decided to try canvassing. One of the sisters in the church accompanied her while she canvassed among her people in Singapore. In a short time she sold and delivered over four hundred books in territory that had been previously canvassed. She is still continuing the canvassing work, accompanied by her mother, and is meeting with the same success. This is only one of many reports that show that our publications can be successfully used in our work among the natives.

The Australasian Union Conference is pursuing a very aggressive policy in all the departments of its work. The missionary campaign movement and the “Ministry of Healing” campaign are being vigorously pushed throughout the field.

The studies on the rise and progress of the message, and the spirit of prophecy, conducted by Elder J. N. Loughborough, were very much appreciated. Studies on organization and the danger of apostasy were also well received. It was very evident that the Lord had given Elder Loughborough special strength to endure his journey and to perform the labor in connection with this meeting. The deliberations of the conference were harmonious, and the actions taken were unanimous. Elder O. A. Olsen is enjoying good health, and he and his associates go forth to their work with strong faith that the message is soon to close in triumph. It was the unanimous testimony of those attending this meeting, that this was one of the best meetings of the union conference ever held in this field. We can say for ourselves that it was one of the best that we have ever attended. We shall long remember our pleasant association with the workers in the Australasian Union Conference. We have received many helpful suggestions for the work in Africa, and we are more than ever assured that it was in the order of God's providence that we should receive the benefit derived from this meeting, and a visit to these island fields, before entering upon our work in Africa.

R. C. PORTER.