Week of Prayer in the District of Columbia
By K. C. RUSSELL
THIS precious season was faithfully observed by our four churches in the District of Columbia, and excellent reports have been received from the leaders of all these meetings. At some of these services the enemy was present, as usual, to darken and discourage souls, but thanks be to God for the victories gained by all those who made a full surrender to the Saviour. Heartfelt confessions were made by souls who had been burdened with sin. Among the sins which were confessed were indulgence of appetite, impatience, a failure to read and study the Bible and to engage in earnest prayer, also the sin of robbing the Lord in tithes and offerings, and other evils which are becoming too common in these perilous times. It was gratifying indeed at some of these meetings to witness nearly the whole congregation consecrating themselves to God, and also to note the willingness with which many placed themselves upon the altar to be used by the Lord in his vineyard wherever in his providence they may be called to go. It was a source of encouragement to note the active part which was taken in the services by the employees of our offices, and our young people in general. We feel sure that if the consecration which they made is maintained by them,16their lives will exert a winning influence upon those who are out of Christ. During the Thursday evening service at the Memorial Church the writer called attention to an expression which was made in the first reading of the week of prayer, by Sister White. In speaking of effectual prayer, she said, “He [the Lord] can move upon the hearts of few statesmen,” and those present were exhorted to pray earnestly for the lawmakers who are assembled here at the capital of the nation, that they may be brought to a knowledge of the truth. It will be interesting to the reader to learn that after we sought the Lord in behalf of our statesmen, a congressman visited the hygienic cafe the very next evening, Friday, and seeing preparations being made to close for the Sabbath, made inquiry why it was, and was told that we observe the seventh-day Sabbath, which begins at sunset. An invitation was extended to him to attend our week-of-prayer service at the church, to which he responded. He came early and remained through the entire meeting, giving the most earnest attention, and manifesting an interest in all the exercises. It seems to me that this experience should encourage us to heed the exhortation of the apostle Paul to pray “for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” While we are not able at this writing to announce definitely the amount of offerings received as the result of this week of prayer, as we have not yet received a report from one of the churches, and further donations are also expected, yet we are glad to report that the amount already received in cash and pledges aggregates upward of five hundred dollars. During the first two or three days of the meeting, we were favored with the assistance of Elders A. G. Daniells and G. A. Irwin, but, owing to the fact that they were called to Battle Creek during the week of prayer, they could not remain through the meetings. We were glad, however, to have with us during the entire period Elder W. C. White, who rendered most valuable assistance in the meetings. During the week of prayer he visited each of the churches in the District, and also the Washington Training College. We are glad to report that there has already been inaugurated a campaign along the line of Christian Help work, whereby the consecration made during this week of prayer can be put into action in systematic personal work for perishing souls. Chairman Evangelical Com. of D. C.