California by J. F. Ballenger

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Mar 1, 1906

California

By J. F. Ballenger

LONG BEACH.—The Lord has signally blessed the efforts put forth for the upbuilding of his work in this place. The church here purchased a tract of two and one-half acres of land in the suburbs of the city, for which they paid seventeen hundred and fifty dollars. This they divided into twelve lots, nine of which they sold for more than enough to pay for the whole tract, leaving three lots clear. On one of these they have erected a neat building, twenty-eight by forty feet, for a church-school; in this they also hold their Sabbath meetings. The building, when completed, was all paid for. Since we have finished the schoolhouse, our numbers have increased so rapidly that by another season it may be necessary to erect a building for a church.

The Lord has blessed our efforts for the Spaniards. We have labored for them through an interpreter, and several have accepted the truth. January 28 four Spaniards were baptized, also one German sister. Others expect to be baptized later. A German minister, Elder Louren, of Oklahoma, has been laboring here during the past month, and several of these people have accepted the truth.

At the baptism last week the services were conducted in three languages—the opening song in Spanish, the prayer in German, and the baptismal ceremony in English, thus showing how this message is gathering believers from all nations. Our Sabbath-school numbers about seventy; we have a class in Spanish taught by a brother who was a government interpreter in Manila. We have also a German class, besides several

in English. The Lord is calling for volunteers in every tongue to fight the good fight of faith.

By invitation of the board of directors of the Paradise Valley Sanitarium I go there to act as chaplain. My address will be Paradise Valley Sanitarium, National City, Cal. J. F. BALLENGER.