Mississippi by C. S. WIEST.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 24, 1916

Mississippi

By C. S. WIEST.

IN many respects the year 1915 was a very profitable and yet a very anxious year for Mississippi. More was undertaken by our believers than any previous year, and what has been accomplished is very encouraging.

During the summer three tent efforts were held, one for the white people, and two for the colored. These efforts, with the labor bestowed on the churches, have been the means of winning fifty believers to the third angel's message. In one of our tent meetings the brethren had an excellent interest, but just as they reached the height of their effort, the tent was burned down. We have not yet been able to raise sufficient money to replace this loss.

For several years it seemed imperative that the city of Jackson should have a church building for the white believers. Accordingly, at the conference of 1914 it was decided that immediate steps be taken for the erection of a church and school building combined. This required a financial obligation of $8,000. It was quite an undertaking for a small church, and the whole conference numbered only one hundred and sixty-one believers. The task was undertaken, and from the very beginning we had evidence that God approved our endeavor. Today a neat, comfortable church is bearing witness to the present truth to the people of Jackson, and is giving indeed prestige to our work throughout the State.

Because of the heavy responsibility caused by the erection of the Jackson church building, we hardly hoped that this conference could meet every call that came to it from the organized work, and are indeed glad that Mississippi has not fallen behind in responding to the call beyond her border. We were successful in raising more than our twenty cents a week per member, and have also received the distinction of being placed on the honor roll in the Harvest Ingathering goal. Our tithe during the year increased $512 over that of 1914.

The year just closed has been an abnormal one on account of the financial depression caused by the war. But the State is becoming adjusted to the present conditions, and we are looking for greater advancement in our denominational work during 1916.

We are sure that those who have contributed to the Jackson church building will be pleased to hear that the main auditorium is being filled at our Sunday night meetings. The interest is good and the indications are that a good-sized church will be raised up in Jackson. Men of prominence are attending these services, and we feel that a substantial work is being established.

We are also much encouraged at what has been done in the mission, which embraces the colored work. On the fund for missions we have raised almost ten cents a week per member, and we have reason to hope that the colored believers will raise their full quota of fifteen cents a week per member for missions during 1916.

We are making plans for a strong effort in every branch of the work during this present year. We need the prayers of all our people.

C. S. WIEST.