Australia by W. Woodford

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 22, 1902

Australia

By W. Woodford

SINGLETON, NEW SOUTH WALES.—We are beginning to feel the effects of the drought at this place. The past seven months about one inch of rain is all that has fallen. Most of the people have to use the river water for all purposes. Doubtless many will be brought to poverty. Our neighbors are losing their cattle, horses, and sheep. It is sad indeed to walk over the fields, or paddocks, among the carcasses. It gives one a faint idea of the scenes foretold of the condition of the earth when the seven last plagues shall be poured out. How earnest we all should be to make sure work for a home in the new earth, where sickness, drought, and death cannot enter.

We feel thankful that we have been able to erect a church building in this place, where those who have accepted the truth may meet to worship the Lord. We need new seats now, then all will be complete. We are using the camp-meeting seats at present. Our company is small, and we would be thankful for any help that our brethren could give us toward paying for our building. The cost of land and material is nearly one hundred and twenty-five pounds, the work being donated by the brethren. The sum of £26 11s 11d has already been collected, thus leaving a remainder of nearly one hundred pounds yet to be paid. We have hired fifty pounds for two years, at six per cent, and thus we have been able to pay our bills, and expect to receive more subscriptions to meet the rest as it becomes due. On account of the drought, it means a hard pull for us here, because of our poverty. Yet we have faith that the Lord will finish the work begun; for he has blessed us all along.

W. WOODFORD.