Michigan by W. A. Westworth.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 11, 1915

Michigan

By W. A. Westworth.

BATTLE CREEK.—As many months have passed since a report of the work in Battle Creek was made we are glad to testify to the leading of God in this church. We are continually impressed with the strong evidences of the guiding hand of God, and especially is this seen in the harmony of spirit which seems to be ever gaining among us, and in the desire to press forward with the message given to us, and to do our part in finishing the work. Despite the fact that for so many years the message has been represented here, we still see a growing interest to hear the truths we hold, and honest hearts are accepting the peculiar doctrines which are calling out a people to prepare for the soon coming of the Master.

For the past year Sunday evening meetings have been a regular part of our services, and we have an attendance of several hundred besides our own membership; and although our work is no new thing here, we constantly see honest souls stepping out to walk in the light. The week of prayer services, together with a special effort made for the young people, under the efficient leadership of Prof. W. E. Straw, the assistant pastor, proved a great blessing to us. A goodly number made a first start to serve the King, and have joined the church. Back-sliders have been reclaimed, wanderers

have returned, new converts have given themselves to their Saviour, and many hearts have been revived. January 23 was a precious day with us, for thirty-eight souls went forward in baptism and joined the church. Thus we see our attendance steadily gaining, and there are fully two hundred more in regular Sabbath attendance than there were a year ago.

Financially the blessing of God has been with us also. During 1914, for the first time since we as a people set ourselves to raise a regular sum each week for our full membership, the Battle Creek church has passed the mark. During 1914 the church raised for missions $2,283.73 more than the previous year. During the year $13,665.92 was paid in tithe, an increase of $3,308.42 over 1913. This means a yearly per capita tithe of $27.33.

God has blessed the school work this year. Under the direction of Prof. W. J. Blake, assisted by four other teachers, and with an attendance of 130, the school is doing good work both intellectually and spiritually.

The local expense for the church and school amounts to about $375 a month, which has been met, along with our other responsibilities. The total paid in by the Battle Creek church for 1914 amounted to $28,084.83, or a per capita income of about $50. The debt which for so long a time has been a burden, has been almost paid off, and there is sufficient pledged to care for the entire amount and leave a surplus of several hundred dollars. Electric lights have been installed, the baptistery remodeled, and other improvements effected. So in a material way as well as in a spiritual way has the hand of our God been with us for good.

As a church we are pressing forward to finish the work. We are praying for renewed grace ever to be found doing our Lord's bidding. We realize the great need of power from on high, for the allurements of sin are on every hand, but we are finding day by day that there is help in Israel's God. Pray for the work in Battle Creek.

W. A. WESTWORTH.