SIOUX RAPIDS (IA.) CAMP-MEETING.
By N. C. Bergersen
The first service was held Tuesday evening, August 20, Elder L. F. Starr giving a stirring discourse. The Spirit of God came very near in all the services, giving His servants freedom, that they might speak His word with boldness. It also reproved us of sin; but God was merciful and righteous, and forgave us our iniquity. The word presented was like fire, and it softened our stony hearts. “His word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones. . . . Sing unto the Lord, praise ye the Lord; for He hath delivered the soul of the poor from the642hand of evil-doers.” Many came forward for the first time, and others had their courage renewed. It was indeed a blessing to be present at the Sioux Rapids camp-meeting, and to hear the testimony that came from God’s people. We frequently heard the remark, “I have attended our camp-meetings for many years, but this is best of all.” In the words of another: “Glory be to God that the work in Iowa is onward and upward. The good work begun at our State camp-meeting was continued at the northwestern camp-meeting with such power that there is no mistaking that the cause of God is onward in Iowa, and that the time for sleeping is in the past. The current is sweeping on. Brethren, be sure to attend your local camp-meeting and see for yourselves, and I am sure that you will know, as I know, that the Lord is coming, and that soon.” Many people from town attended the evening services. I believe the Sioux Rapids tent company have, under God, done a good work this summer. Several of the best business men in the town attended the Scandinavian services, at which God came very near us. As a result of the meeting, eleven were baptized on Sunday, and several persons changed their plans for work. Some will take up the nurses’ course at the Iowa Sanitarium, and others will either canvass or enter the Bible work. A spirit of liberality for the work in the regions beyond was in the camp; and two hundred dollars, in cash and pledges, was received for the tent fund. The help of Elder C. W. Flaiz, President of the Northwestern Union Conference, was very much appreciated. The camp-meeting closed Sunday evening, August 25, with a shout of victory going up from the camp. The closing meeting was a praise service.