J. F. PIPER by J. F. Piper

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 20, 1913

J. F. PIPER

By J. F. Piper

Maine

THE Lord has graciously blessed the work in Maine the last year. There has been a larger number of Sabbath-keepers reported than for several years in the past. One new church of seventeen members was organized and has prospered. Several of the older churches have been encouraged by having new members brought in. While we have mourned the death of several of our workers, yet such experiences should cause us to renew our consecration and to buckle the armor a little tighter that we may hasten on to the finishing of the work.

The finances of the conference have been blessed by the Lord, our tithe being $3,043.14 more than the previous year, or an increase of 51 per cent, giving the conference a tithe of $20.96 per capita; while for the year 1911 it was $13.85 per capita.

The offerings to missions, too, have increased quite encouragingly, as there was contributed $2,960.42 during the year; while in 1911 there was given only $1,145.86, making an increase of 158 per cent for the year 1912, or more than two and one-half times as much as in 1911. Our people throughout the State have

responded nobly to every call made, and are willing to give even to the point of sacrifice for the advancement of the cause of God. One church of more than fifty members averaged 27 cents a week a member, while two other churches gave 20 and 22 cents a week a member.

The Harvest Ingathering work was planned, and those who were systematic in following the plan were successful in securing money for missions. The Portland church alone, with only fifty-five members, raised $209 in the Harvest Ingathering work.

Our book and periodical work also has made an encouraging increase, the total sales for 1912 being $7,818.39, while for the year 1911 our total sales amounted to $3,976.99, giving us a gain for 1912 of $3,841.40, or an increase of almost 100 per cent for the last year.

The Sabbath-school work is prospering. The offerings for the last year have more than doubled that which was given for 1911. The work in all departments is onward, and our people are of good courage and have a mind to work.