At Camp-Meetings by L. A. Hansen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 21, 1911

At Camp-Meetings

By L. A. Hansen

SINCE the last report of the campaign work, several camp-meetings have been visited, with varying results as to the number of books disposed of and the interest manifested.

East Pennsylvania met no new proposition in the “Ministry of Healing” campaign, as the work has been carried forward there for some time. It is worthy of mention that in this conference, where the pressure has been felt most keenly by all, and where the effort to bring relief has been perhaps most trying, there was to be seen an unusual degree of interest and zeal. While at the beginning the situation had presented some most discouraging features, on account of the Philadelphia Sanitarium burden, yet there was, on the part of both officers and people, a spirit of courage to continue in the relief work. A number of good reports were given. Some have enjoyed very interesting experiences.

In the New York Conference the campaign was practically a new thing; with no local sanitarium work, and being at some distance from the union institution at Melrose, the urgency of the campaign had not been so keenly felt. Time was devoted at the camp-meeting in Rome to the consideration of the work, and a number responded to the call for cooperation in this general relief movement.

At the Central New England meeting held at Boston, a good interest and a willingness to cooperate were manifested. This conference being in the closest relation to the Melrose Sanitarium from the standpoint of location, an especial appreciation of the good work of that institution was evident. Not only was an interest taken, but zeal for the sanitarium work was shown on the part of the conference officers and workers. All those present at the meeting in which the campaign work was considered, showed marked interest. Some books were ordered, and promise was given of further prosecution of the work.

The Southern field has not had the benefit of any general effort; so, by arrangement with the presidents of the Southern and Southeastern unions, the campaign has been given attention at this season’s camp-meetings. South Carolina was visited first, and made a most encouraging beginning. While neither a large nor a strong conference, due consideration was given to various calls, and the “Ministry of Healing” work received its due proportion of interest and support. A number of books was readily ordered, with the understanding that this was only a beginning.

At the Louisiana meeting another ready and hearty response to all calls for help was met. This conference is not one with a large membership, but if it is to be judged by its unanimous support of all branches of the cause, it must be considered a strong one. In proportion to the number of members, an unusually large number of copies of “Ministry of Healing” was taken.

The Alabama meeting was not a large one, but those in attendance were of the true and faithful kind. A good interest was shown in missionary work, and our relief campaign had its share. Ample time was given to consideration of this work, and those present showed substantial interest by ordering books.

The interest shown at the North Carolina camp-meeting compared favorably with that at the other Southern meetings. Officers provided ample and suitable time for presenting the sanitarium work and its needs, while the people gave listening ears and willing hearts. A goodly number of books was ordered, and a continuance of the effort may be fully expected.

At the Kentucky meeting another hearty welcome was given. The officers of this conference are in full sympathy with the medical missionary work, and provision was made for its consideration. The people, too, are in accord with the work, and showed a desire to hear of its progress and needs, manifesting a willingness to help. A good beginning was made in taking books.

The meeting of the Cumberland Conference showed a noticeable lack in attendance compared with that of the previous year. This was caused by the removal from the conference of some of the members. There was no lack, however, on the part of the officers in providing opportunity for placing before the people the interests of our medical work. The Graysville Sanitarium, a union institution, is located within this conference, with the president directly associated with its board of directors. A sanitarium tent was provided, and other assistance given to further this branch of the work. A number of books was taken, and a promise was made to take more in the near future.

This makes a definite beginning for a general effort to bring needed relief to our sanitariums. Enough has already been done to show the possibilities of a hearty cooperation of all. There are many urgent needs, and not a great deal of means derived from the work itself. It should appeal to every one that a movement that gets support from outside our ranks for our own institutions, as this relief campaign does, is worthy of earnest effort. There is plenty of help to be had by this means, and a burden may thus be lifted from the medical work.

L. A. HANSEN.