Alabama by A. L. Miller

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Nov 26, 1914

Alabama

By A. L. Miller

EVERY Seventh-day Adventist is interested in the third angel's message and its progress. Our hearts are made to rejoice when we hear of the victories gained for the truth in distant fields; and when we read of the faith, hope, and courage of the missionary, we sometimes wonder why more is not accomplished in the homeland. Our work is all one, and the same Lord is over all; the message must go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people before the Lord can come, and this means America as well as other lands.

Our work in Alabama has been greatly prospered the last two years. During the conference year ended at the time of our annual camp meeting, in August, 1913, ninety-five new believers were added to our churches—fifty-five white and forty colored. For the year ended in August, 1914, there were one hundred and ten additions—seventy-five white and thirty-five colored. In 1913 our only ordained colored minister was transferred to North Carolina, and this accounts in some measure for fewer additions to the churches of colored believers than in 1913.

The tithe of Alabama for 1912 was, in round figures, $3,700; for 1913, $4,800; and for 1914 it bids fair to reach $5,800. We are out of debt, and have a small working capital. The conference has paid its quota of the Twenty-cent-a-week Fund for the last two years.

The colporteur work is also making a fair gain. For a time, this department was without a field man, and the sales dropped from a yearly total of $15,000 to $6,000. A field man was secured in August, 1912, and during 1913 orders taken amounted to $11,000. We believe that during 1914 we shall reach the $16,000 mark. Although there is a financial crisis in the South just now, because of the closing of the cotton market, our deliveries are running up to between sixty and seventy per cent of the orders.

Last year we had six schools—four for white students and two for colored. Two of the schools for white children were what is known as “hill schools.” This year we have eight schools.

We are grateful indeed for the gains which we are able to report, and we desire to thank our workers and the constituency for their hearty support and cooperation.

At this writing we are holding meetings in Elkwood. During our stay here five have already united with the church, among them the grandson of William Miller, who was so prominent in the 1844 movement. We are thankful indeed for this. Remember us and our work at the throne of grace.

A. L. MILLER.