Arkansas by H. Clay Griffin

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · May 24, 1906

Arkansas

By H. Clay Griffin

I AM now enjoying a short visit with loved ones at home, after an absence of over three months spent in visiting the churches and isolated brethren and sisters in this State.

January 4-18 I was with the church at Black Rock. Sister Jessie McConnell, of Springdale, Ark., was teaching our church-school there, and I had the pleasure of baptizing six of the pupils on January 13. The outside interest was good, and we trust much good will result from the seed sown.

I met Elder Bender at Searcy, where we spent a day or two with the brethren in social meetings and teaching the word. We stayed at Little Rock one or two days, and then went to Hot Springs. After spending two or three days with the brethren there, I returned to Little Rock, and met with the church January 27. We had quite an enjoyable time. It was indeed a treat to meet with those of like precious faith after having been alone in the front of the battle for six months.

On Sunday, January 28, I visited Mabelvale, ten miles south of Little Rock; and spoke three times to an interested congregation. The consistent lives of Sister S. J. Null and family had created quite an interest to learn more about the third angel's message, and there is an urgent call for a tent-meeting at that place. It is encouraging to visit a community where our people are living out the principles we teach.

I returned to Little Rock, and in company with Elder Bender took the train for Keene, Tex., to attend the Southwestern Union Conference, February 1-11. On the eleventh I stopped at Dallas, Tex., and by request of Elder McCutchen, occupied his pulpit. Passing through Texarkana, I stopped a few days with the brethren at De Queen, Mena, Acorn, Eagleton, and Booneville.

February 23 I began one of the best meetings at Ava that I ever held. From the first, the interest was good. On Sunday, March 18, I expected to baptize a sister who had united with the church, but the rain fell in torrents all day, and it was only by faith I could believe it was all for the best. The rain ceased in time to have evening meeting, and although the night was dark, and the roads were muddy, we had a crowded house. I soon realized the truthfulness of Rom. 8: 28, and arranged to stay another week. At the close of the fourth week, seven others united with the church, making a total of ten, eight of whom I baptized. I also visited the churches at Ellsworth and Cline, and had some profitable meetings.

I am planning to pitch a tent at Chester, Ark., and begin meetings there.

H. CLAY GRIFFIN.