Sanitarium Relief Campaign by L. A. Hansen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 18, 1911

Sanitarium Relief Campaign

By L. A. Hansen

In the Oklahoma Conference

At the Oklahoma camp-meeting last year we saw a marked willingness to take hold of the sanitarium relief campaign. Officers, workers, and people united in a hearty acceptance of the work, subscribing for a good supply of books. While this strong conference has no sanitarium of its own, it has many other interests, and the manner in which it responds to this call for help for others, is indicative of its good missionary spirit.

More or less has been done in this relief work since the camp-meeting, but a more general effort was planned by the president, Elder David Voth, so a number of the larger churches were recently visited. Everything possible was done to make the effort successful. Appointments were sent out, urging a good attendance. Laborers were asked to assist, and church elders were instructed to do what they could. Especially favorable terms were made by the tract society as to time in which to pay for books.

The spirit of willingness manifested at the last camp-meeting was further demonstrated. It was a busy time for our farming brethren, and some had long drives to make to meeting-places, but they came in good numbers. Interest in the work was shown also by the manner in which some of these brethren helped in reaching different places, in some instances driving thirty miles or more.

Some of these churches are located in sparsely settled farming communities; but we saw no disposition to make excuses, but rather a purpose to find some way of accomplishing the work. The brethren seemed to know that the books and journals could be sold. Experiences were given of how the work was being done, even though it meant taking two days or more to go to some distant town or village. Results were also reported, showing that the outlay of time and labor was more than repaid.

We did not make a special effort to place the full quota of six books to each member, but it was fully and plainly understood that taking two books is only a beginning, and that the work is to continue until the full share of books and journals is sold. The manner in which the work was received gave assurance that it would not be necessary to make repeated calls in order to finish it. Help will be given from time to time, and the matter kept properly before the people; but with the good spirit now prevailing, it will not require distinct special efforts to keep the work going.

Five churches in the northeastern part of the State were first visited, in company with Elder R. B. Coberly, who is laboring especially in this field. The churches at Ketchum, Bartlesville, Coodys Bluff, Claremore, and Vinita accepted the work without hesitation. Several of the members here are new in the faith, but they join gladly with older members in this movement to help the interests of the cause and to labor for others.

At Guthrie and Crescent the membership is small, but a good proportion of work was promised, especially at the latter place, where there are but few members, widely scattered. Here a young man walked ten miles to the meeting, assumed his share of responsibility for books and journals, and took up his return trip of ten miles with a happy heart for the privilege offered him in this cause. At Perry we had a good attendance, and a ready response of orders, led by the elder. My brother, W. R. Hansen, assisted at the three last-named places, as well as at Norman, his home church.

At Enid and Butler, Elder Voth helped in giving the call. He went alone to the Ames, Okeene, and Weatherford churches, meeting with excellent results. With genuine interest and zeal for this work, he makes strong appeals for its share of support. The example in leadership tells in a ready co-operation of the members.

At Capron, Avard, and Tangier, Elder J. R. Bagby joined in the effort. These churches were no exception to what has been said of others in interest shown and willingness to do a share. Elder Bagby will visit other churches in this district and will further carry forward what has been begun. Elder A. A. Myers was present at the Tangier church, and gave good support in presenting the matter in German. He showed a thorough knowledge of the sanitarium work and its importance, and a deep interest in its needs. He has already been advancing this special relief effort, and will continue doing so.

At Addington a number of young people who will soon leave school and enter the canvassing work, united with older ones in taking books. The large membership here was not fully represented, so a full amount of orders was not secured. It is hoped that the several capable workers here will continue the effort.

The Oklahoma City church had a good attendance and gave a fair pledge of co-operation. Much good talent is here, with efficient leaders, excellent territory, and a convenient depository for books, so ready and full results should be reasonably expected. The start made at this meeting gave promise of good work.

At Norman the meeting was held on Sunday afternoon, and with principally an outside attendance, our own membership being small. The relief phase of the work was not urged so strongly. The leader and family took their eighteen books, and promise was made that the few other members would do their share.

While the Omega church was not visited, favorable mention should be made of it; for this church took up the campaign work before it was even presented as a conference effort. Several books have already been sold, and more have been ordered. A substantial cash remittance has been sent in. This is a German church, and this spirit fairly represents our other German brethren in this conference. While they have not had opportunity nor occasion for an intimate acquaintance with our sanitarium work, they show an unusual interest in its behalf, in their attitude toward the “Ministry of Healing” campaign. Several of the laborers of the conference can speak German, and conditions are most favorable for the work being finished in full among this people.

This visit to Oklahoma was an enjoyable one, viewing the work as a whole. It was clear that the strength of the conference, in a healthy membership, strong financial resources for offerings, a live missionary spirit, and the maintenance of a good standard in general, is accompanied by an earnest interest to accept a full share in every phase of denominational endeavor. A visitor must be impressed with the generally encouraging outlook in this conference.

L. A. HANSEN.