The Shanghai General Meeting by F. H. De Vinney

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 4, 1912

The Shanghai General Meeting

By F. H. De Vinney

“TARRY ye . . . until ye be endued with power from on high,” was said to the disciples before the day of Pentecost, and against the time when they should go out among the peoples of the earth in fulfilment of the great gospel commission.

It would seem that in the providence of God this instruction was repeated to the laborers of the China Union Mission recently. Driven from their stations because of the unsettled and dangerous conditions in this country, or called to Shanghai by the United States consul for safety, the tarrying-time came. This gave the opportunity for the general meeting; and for eighteen days each of the laborers of the China Union Mission, and the representatives from Malaysia, the Philippine Islands, Korea, and Japan were given the privilege of seeking the Lord together for the first time in the history of our missions.

A splendid hall, dining-room, and kitchen had been fitted up in the same building, with accommodations for the laborers and visitors within easy reach. The meetings began at 8 A. M., and continued, with short intermissions, until 9 P. M., many remaining at the hall from the service in the morning until after the last in the evening. A regular program had been arranged for each day, and was followed with remarkably few changes. That the Lord was leading in the meetings was very evident from the complete harmony of the subject-matter presented by the brethren who led out in the studies, and the ready response made by all to the efforts for a spiritual revival. The Holy Spirit was present at every meeting, bringing conviction to our hearts, making reconciliation between brethren, and increasing the desire for purity of life and for greater success in the cause of God. Beautiful, sunny weather continued, for the most part, throughout the time of this gathering, adding to the comfort and pleasure of the occasion.

Officers and committees for the entire union mission were elected, and plans were laid for the extension of the work in each division. The executive committee of the Asiatic Division was organized, and plans for the whole field were laid. Only a small portion of the time of the regular sessions was taken for business. The greater part of the time was given to discussions of topics pertaining to improved methods, more effective work, and relative questions which were wholesome and beneficial.

The Sabbath services were union meetings with the local Chinese church, and the last Sabbath afternoon the ordinances were celebrated, the superintendents of the Philippine Islands and Japan Missions presiding, and the superintendent of Korea and Pastor Keh acting as deacons. This was a solemn and impressive service. All in attendance felt certain of the presence of holy angels, and realized that this occasion was the last and only time that this company, who had been so signally blessed, would ever be together until the stress of the conflict should be over, and the faithful should meet at the table of the Master, where he himself would serve. In many respects this meeting was one of the best it has ever been my privilege to attend.

In the afternoon of the day the news reached Shanghai of the abdication of the emperor, and of the establishment of a republic for all China, we took ship to return to our field, and in the evening many of the China workers were also to start back to their stations. The tarrying-time was over, and with hearts enlarged, with spirits encouraged, with sins forgiven and put away, with determination strengthened to be more faithful to the call to labor where the Lord has stationed us, in his might we confidently face the future.

F. H. DE VINNEY.