p. 16 | The Arkansas Camp-Meeting for the Colored Believers

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 7, 1909

The Arkansas Camp-Meeting for the Colored Believers

By J. W. Dancer

THIS meeting was held at Little Rock, September 2-12. The location was regarded by all as a good one from every standpoint, being in the suburbs of the city and on an elevation, with plenty of shade. The settlement is mostly colored people of the better class, who preferred to buy homes and settle in the suburbs rather than live in rented houses in the heart of the city, where it would be impossible for them to buy homes on account of the exorbitant prices.

There were over thirty, including children, in attendance. These came from six or seven different places, and included at least four fifths of our entire membership in the State. The work for the colored people in Arkansas is weak. We trust that instead of standing aloof and pitying us, some will hear the Macedonian cry when they read this.

By order of the conference I came here, pitched the tent, and began meetings about two weeks before the camp-meeting, so when the camp-meeting convened, a good interest had been developed among the outside people, which lasted till the end of the camp-meeting. At nearly all the night services there was an overflow.

The evening services have continued since the camp-meeting closed; but as might be expected, a reaction has taken place, owing to the breaking up of the camp, and the outside attendance has fallen off considerably. But those who are really interested are still attending the services, and from these we hope to see results.

There was over one hundred fifty dollars in cash and pledges contributed by the believers toward different branches of our work. Considering the financial condition of the colored believers of Arkansas, this was remarkably good.

On the last Sunday of the meeting the writer buried five dear souls in the watery grave, and they were raised, we trust, to walk in newness of life.

A local camp-meeting for the white believers of this part of the State was held at the same time and in the same city as the one for the colored. This gave opportunity for some of the white laborers to preach and render other necessary help at the colored people's camp. Elder W. A. Hennig's lessons on liberty were much enjoyed by all. Elder J. W. Norwood, the newly elected president of this conference, also gave much valuable help during our camp-meeting. Elders J. S. Rouse and A. P. Heacock, and Brother Kinzer preached one sermon

each at our tent.

Elder W. W. Eastman and Brethren Dart and Tucker held some meetings with us in the interest of the canvassing work.

Near the close of the camp-meeting a fast was proclaimed, and the believers formed themselves into groups of three or four and spent a portion of the day in visiting the people in the vicinity of the camp. This was a most blessed day. We had been having testimony meetings once a day, but there was none like the one following this day of fasting and prayer and visiting the people in their homes. Each one had a fresh experience to relate.

All returned home with new courage and hope in the message, and a determination to finish the work the Lord has given us to do, and thus hasten his coming and his kingdom.

J. W. DANCER.