p. 15 | North Carolina Camp-Meeting by R. T. Dowsett

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 23, 1909

North Carolina Camp-Meeting

By R. T. Dowsett

To say that this was a good meeting states it but mildly. The workers present were reminded of a meeting nearly nineteen hundred years ago, when the disciples of Christ, to the number of one hundred twenty, were assembled to seek God for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as promised before Christ's ascension. About the same number of God's dear children of the North Carolina Conference gathered at Cleveland, August 12-22, to seek the Lord for the outpouring of the latter rain. The promise that when we draw near to God, he will draw nigh to us, was verified. Both Sabbaths of the meeting were seasons of great refreshing. Great and decided victories were gained by burdened hearts and enslaved souls. Husbands and wives, parents and children, brothers and sisters, fell upon one another's necks, and with tears streaming down their cheeks, confessed wrongs committed and sought pardon for their transgressions.

Fourteen were baptized at Cleveland. Six others wished to be baptized at their home churches. The citizens of Cleveland and its vicinity responded to the invitation to join in the services. The people crowded the tent during the evening and Sunday services. A few decided to obey the truth. Elder R. T. Nash, with Brother and Sister A. G. Holmes, conducted a three-weeks' meeting before the camp-meeting. Elder Nash and other workers were left to follow up the interest, band the believers into a company, and more fully instruct them in the truth.

The business meetings of the conference were filled with the Spirit of God, and were much enjoyed. Elder G. W. Wells was elected conference president, with Elder M. H. Brown as his associate, acting as secretary and treasurer. Elder Brown is enjoying his labors in the South, and is in good health, as well as prospering spiritually.

Elders W. A. Westworth and K. C. Russell, Brother V. O. Cole, and the writer were the laborers present, besides

the regular workers of the North Carolina Conference.

The conference, though small in constituency, is in a prosperous condition. The Lord is blessing the Southland. Souls are responding to the message preached, and God's children are of good courage.

During this meeting three hundred eight dollars was contributed for home and union conference interests; six hundred twelve dollars was contributed for missions, besides thirty-five dollars in Sabbath-school offerings. Nearly one thousand dollars for a little band of one hundred twenty believers, poor in this world's goods, shows their love for the truth, and their anxiety to see their Saviour come.

The work for the colored race received considerable attention. The brethren sense the responsibility of doing more aggressive work for this benighted race. North Carolina, as well as the other conferences in the South-eastern Union Conference, is organizing for this work, and a strong effort will be carried forward for this people during the year to come. But little money is in sight with which to carry forward the work, but the brethren are walking out by faith. Hearing the call of God to take hold of this work, they know he will supply the facilities when they show their willingness to do their part. Bright days are ahead for North Carolina. R. T. DOWSETT.