p. 13 | The Natal-Transvaal Camp-Meeting and Conference

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 20, 1910

The Natal-Transvaal Camp-Meeting and Conference

By W. S. Hyatt

W. S. HYATT

The Natal-Transvaal Conference held its annual session October 15-25, in connection with the camp-meeting at Troyeville, a suburb of Johannesburg. There was a good representation of the brethren and sisters from all parts of the field. Elder R. C. Porter called a meeting of the union conference committee to be held at the same time and place, and all were present except Dr. Geo. Thomason, who could not leave the sanitarium for so long a time. Thus a large number of laborers were in attendance to assist in the meetings. Brother G. H. Clark, who has recently arrived to take charge of the canvassing work, was also present, and his labors were greatly appreciated.

Elder Porter opened the meetings with a clear and decided message, calling upon both ministers and people to seek for the unity of the Spirit, and to put away everything that savored of condemnation. It was clearly shown that the old covenant was condemnation, but the new is joy and peace in the Holy Ghost, and that the angelic message sent to man is still, “Peace on earth.” There was a general response on the part of all present, and many heartfelt confessions were made. Even the children caught the spirit, and they confessed their wrongs one to the other, and prayed together that God would forgive them. In the public service some touching testimonies were borne by the lambs of the flock, which brought great rejoicing to all present. Thus the King’s

highway was cleared, and the way opened for the operation of the Holy Spirit with power.

All departments of our work—conference, canvassing, tract and missionary, medical missionary, native missions, and educational—received consideration, and plans were laid for an aggressive campaign. The conference planned for Elder H. J. Edmed to take a company of workers and open mission work in Johannesburg, the golden city of South Africa. Elder Porter is to remain until about the close of the year, and assist in holding a tent-meeting. Brother Clark is to hold a two-weeks’ institute with several persons who have decided to enter the canvassing field. As the funds of the tract society were low, the brethren voluntarily raised a fund for its assistance. The prospects for the book work are good, and courage fills the hearts of all connected with it.

In response to a call from our people, the union conference committee decided to print a quarterly magazine called the South African Signs of the Times. This is to be sold for sixpence a copy. It is hoped that many of our young people will be able to secure scholarships by the sale of the paper, and thus it may become a blessing to our youth, as well as to those who purchase it.

One day of the meeting was spent as “field day,” and a large number of the camp went out selling the Bible Training School. There was considerable enthusiasm on the part of all thus engaged. Although many of these people had never sold a paper before, there were over one thousand copies sold that day, and many rich experiences were related upon their return.

Considerable time was devoted to the medical missionary work of the conference. Several of our brethren have opened private treatment-rooms, and a measure of prosperity is attending their efforts. The conference institution at Maritzburg is also prospering, but the lack of capital to place the work on a good basis has crippled it. When our brethren and sisters learned this, they were again moved upon by the Holy Spirit and voluntary offerings were made for the cause of the Lord. The offerings to this institution and the tract society amounted to $1,190.70. But the good work did not stop here. A brother who owned two houses in Maritzburg donated these to the conference, free from debt. This property is valued at about six thousand dollars. This caused great rejoicing among the brethren, and it seemed evident to all that as the King’s highway was being cleared, the Holy Spirit was coming in and causing individuals to give themselves and their means to the forwarding of the message.

The conference secretary reported a gain of seventy-five Sabbath-keepers during the past conference year, and two churches were added to the conference. The treasurer’s report showed a gain of $506.76 tithe during the year over the preceding year. This is $26.97 per capita, which is encouraging. The Sabbath-school offerings for this little conference amounted to $443.18, all of which was donated to missions. The tract society sales for the year amounted to $2,706.70, which is a gain of $704.56 over the preceding year. Thus it may be seen that there was a substantial gain in all branches of the work.

The last Sabbath, the last great day of the feast, Elder Porter preached a very impressive sermon, after which Brethren W. H. Haupt and M. E. Emmerson were ordained to the gospel ministry. The Lord came near and witnessed to his acceptance of these brethren for the work to which he has called them. Brother Haupt is to labor principally for the Dutch people, and Brother Emmerson for the natives. The business of the conference was transacted harmoniously, not a dissenting voice being heard. Elder Edmed was again re-elected president of the conference. God greatly blessed his people who attended this meeting, and backsliders were reclaimed. Word was received that others who had taken part in the work many years ago, but who had dropped out by the way, had decided to return. Many felt that this was in direct answer to prayer, and again there was great rejoicing in the camp. Many earnest prayers were offered to God that the work that had started so well might spread to all parts of this field, and many wanderers be led to return to the fold; and that the Spirit of God might bind the hearts of his children together as one, that they might stand shoulder to shoulder and with a united front give the last message to South Africa through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Kenilworth, Cape.