New South Wales Camp-Meeting by G. B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 1, 1910

New South Wales Camp-Meeting

By G. B. Thompson

G. B. THOMPSON

THE NEW SOUTH WALES CONFERENCE was held September 15-25, in Rockdale, a suburb of the city of Sydney.

The membership of this conference is over one thousand. There was an encouraging attendance of our people at the meeting, and the churches were well represented by delegates. The camp was composed of some ninety tents, neatly and tastefully pitched, and the best arrangements throughout were excellent.

The Spirit of God was present from the beginning. A large number came forward at the revival service on both Sabbaths, seeking for victory over besetting sins, a pure life, and a closer walk with God.

A splendid company of young people were present, and the Lord blessed them very much. So far as I know, all consecrated their lives to his service. Prof. B. F. Machlan was present a portion of the time, and presented the advantages of a Christian education, such as can be secured at the Avondale school; and some who have not been in school before will be found there the coming year.

The young people have been quite active in missionary work during the year. They have purchased and paid for a tent, all complete, at a total cost of about $350. This tent will be used in field work this year. The first Sabbath of the meeting, a service was held with the young people, dedicating this tent to the work of God. The Lord came very near on this occasion. By their offerings, also, a school building has been built in Java during the year.

The laborers have had some most interesting experiences in presenting the truth in new fields, and laboring in the interests of the temperance campaign, and God has blessed their labors in gathering in quite a number of souls. During the year 126 were baptized and added to the church, and several companies will be organized during the coming year.

A temperance campaign in the state of New South Wales has been in progress for some months, and has opened the way for our people to come in touch with many leading Christian workers and business men of the state. Our people have been very active on this question; so much so, that the work of the Adventists was everywhere spoken of and favorably commented upon, and our literature was pronounced the best in the field. We need to widen our horizon a little, and learn that it is not best to stand aloof on this question. On this matter we have been instructed as follows: “I have been shown that we are not to shun W. C. T. U. workers. By uniting with them in behalf of total abstinence, we do not change our position regarding the observance of the seventh day, and we can show our appreciation of their position regarding the subject of temperance. By opening the door, and inviting them to unite with us on the temperance question, we secure their help along temperance lines; and they, by uniting with us, will hear new truths, which the Holy Spirit is waiting to impress upon hearts.”

When, as has been the case here, the temperance issue stands alone, we should step into the ranks, and fight the battle with them. This would put us into touch with souls who will be reached with the message, and who might never be reached in any other way. The temperance meetings here have been the best I have seen in a camp-meeting, and the temperance campaign waged by the New South Wales Conference, the most vigorous I have seen by our people anywhere. It is well worthy of study by our people in other fields, and will without doubt help our work very much. If the vote is successful, it will abolish the retail sale of liquor, which will be a tremendous victory for the temperance forces. The agitation is very strong. A meeting was held at the city hall in Sydney, at which the lord mayor presided, and leading temperance workers were present as speakers. Some of our workers were invited to occupy the platform with them.

The business of the conference was very harmonious throughout. A spirit of love and confidence was manifested in all the meetings. Pastor J. H. Woods was unanimously re-elected president of the conference for the coming year. A baptismal service was held, and fourteen were baptized. Brother W. G. Brittain was ordained to the gospel ministry.

I have enjoyed more than I can express the privilege of meeting the kind-hearted, hospitable believers in this conference. Nowhere have I met a more consecrated, loyal conference of believers in the message than here, or those who were more active and earnest in their efforts to extend the work.