Australasian Union Conference by G. D. THOMPSON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 19, 1911

Australasian Union Conference

By G. D. THOMPSON

(Concluded)

G. D. THOMPSON

WHILE the Wahroonga Sanitarium as a whole showed some financial loss, the medical department made an excellent showing. The sale of health foods has increased so that further facilities for manufacture must be provided. The work of the various other institutions and health food cafés is encouraging; all showed a balance on the right side of the ledger, and they are exerting a strong influence for the truth.

The treasurer presented a very clear and comprehensive report, showing the expenditures made in the home field and in each mission established among the islands. Missions are being sustained in the Cook Islands, Fiji Islands, Friendly Islands, Java, New Guinea, Norfolk, Pitcairn, Samoa, Society Islands, and Sumatra. There are, of course, several missions in some of these groups. The union conference raised for its work from all sources the past two years, about $93,500. Of this amount the Sabbath-schools alone gave about $17,700. The increase in the Sabbath-school donations in 1910 over those for the previous year was $5,500. When it is remembered that this is in a field where the total church-membership is only a little over four thousand, the increase is very gratifying indeed. Nowhere have I seen the Sabbath-school work carried forward so aggressively, and made so nearly what it should be, as here. The island fields have been kept before the schools continually, and much interest is taken by the schools in producing illustrations for the lessons, and brightening things up, and making the school interesting. At the same time the spiritual interest is not neglected.

One difficulty here, as elsewhere, is to find qualified laborers to answer the calls coming from the various parts of the field. There is a fine class of young people in the union. These are being trained for service, and are carrying heavy responsibilities; but the demand for workers is greater than the supply. A number, however, were chosen for various places in the islands. It was planned, if possible, to open work in Borneo, the Celebes, and the New Hebrides, where John Paton spent his life. These are important fields. Borneo is, I believe, the second largest island in the world, and has a large population. The others are also important fields, and the opening of our work in these places will mark an important step in the progress of the message. It is hoped that these fields may be entered at once.

The Missionary Volunteer Department is well organized. The work done is very encouraging. There were eighty-three societies at the close of the year; and during the biennial period just closed, they contributed to the foreign work nearly seven thousand dollars, a gain of about three thousand dollars over the previous biennial period. To say nothing of the inestimable spiritual blessings which have come to our churches and youth through the work of this department, the above figures are sufficient to show that the organization of the Missionary Volunteer Department was a wise step.

For some time the need of a paper in the Samoan tongue has been felt, and it was voted at the conference that such a paper be started as soon as possible. Some funds for this enterprise are already in hand, and no doubt the paper will soon make its appearance. It will be printed at the Avondale Press.

Pastor J. E. Fulton was unanimously chosen president for the coming term. Pastor E. H. Gates, who has been some twoscore years among the islands, was elected as one vice-president, and he will devote much of his time to caring for the work in the islands. The other vice-president can not at this time be definitely announced. Pastor A. H. Piper was elected secretary; Miss E. M. Graham, treasurer; and Brother C. H. Pretyman, auditor.

The call to work the cities met a hearty response in the conference. All saw in it a great evangelistic revival, a return to old-time methods of bringing souls to the truth. In this conference are found some of the largest cities south of the equator. Much has been done in these centers; but much still remains to be done, and plans are already being made greatly to advance this work.

The work of the conference was characterized by deep earnestness. A spiritual atmosphere was very marked throughout. Daily Bible studies were conducted, and during this period no committee meetings were held, but all the delegates came together to study the Word of God and seek for divine guidance. A number of studies were given concerning the work of the Holy Spirit, and our need of a great spiritual refreshing, that we might put forth stronger evangelical efforts than ever before to finish the work. God's Spirit came near to our hearts. There were perplexities, and some serious problems to solve; but the Lord helped us, and we had clear evidence of the leading of God in many things. A number expressed their great thankfulness for the way the Lord guided in the deliberations of the meetings.

This was one of the best union conferences I ever had the privilege of attending. I got a new view of the great scope of God's work in this part of the world. The brethren here are struggling with stupendous problems. This field is one of the most difficult in the world to manage, owing to the great scope of territory which it embraces. But the Lord has wrought great things for his truth here during the quarter of a century the message has been established. At great sacrifice, schools and sanitariums have been built, in which our young people can be trained to carry forward the work. Over four thousand believers have been gathered into the churches. There are no more faithful and efficient workers in any field than here, nor a more kind-hearted and loyal body of believers. Their hearts are in this work, and they love it more than their own lives, and are making great sacrifices to advance the message.

I have never seen delegates leave for their homes with more courage for the future, and the outlook for the advancement of the work is good. Let God's people everywhere remember the great Australasian Union Conference in their prayers. The work in this field, especially in the islands, can be carried forward only by sacrifice. Some fields are unhealthful and the climate is trying. Homes must be built for the workers. A number of homes have been provided, yet not enough. Some of the workers have already suffered loss of health for lack of a comfortable place in which to live. I think this conference has done more in that direction than any union I know of.

I appreciated very much the privilege of attending this conference, uniting with the delegates in council, and forming the acquaintance of so many of the believers.

Following the conference, I plan to attend the camp-meetings in Adelaide and Tasmania, and after spending some time with the conference president among the churches in New Zealand, I expect to return home.