Indiana Camp-Meeting by George B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 2, 1909

Indiana Camp-Meeting

By George B. Thompson

The annual camp-meeting of the Indiana Conference was held at Bluffton, August 5-15. The camp was well located, close to town, and many attended the evening services, and manifested much interest in the truths presented. A tent effort had preceded the camp-meeting, and a strong corps of workers will conduct another effort following the meeting. The prospect seemed good for a church at this place.

The meeting was well attended by our own people. About six hundred were fully camped on the ground and in rooms near by. A good spirit was present during the entire meeting. The spirit of supplication and prayer rested upon many, and the desire to find a greater nearness to God deepened as the meeting progressed. Many consecrated themselves to God anew. Excellent meetings were held for the youth, and a number were converted. The last Sabbath of the meeting nearly the entire camp was moved in a special way to seek for victory over besetting sins, and a greater fulness of the Holy Spirit. Twenty-five were baptized.

The growth of the message in “the regions beyond,” and the crying need of more laborers and more funds to extend the work, were presented by Elder A. G. Daniells, who was present during the first part of the meeting. These talks greatly cheered the hearts of all, and a deeper interest was awakened in this work, and the individual responsibility resting upon each member of the church was more keenly felt. This spirit, carried to the church, will result in reviving them, and greatly increasing the offerings to missions.

Elder A. J. Haysmer was present a short time, and laid before us the conditions and needs of the work among the colored people of the South. This was much appreciated. Upward of twenty-five hundred dollars was given in response to the various calls for foreign missions, work among the colored people, work for the blind, and the local conference work.

The matter of holding the business of the conference entirely separate from the annual camp-meeting is not altogether satisfactory, and a vote was taken requesting that the conference be held in connection with the camp-meeting next year.

Elders A. G. Daniells, A. J. Haysmer, E. K. Slade, Brother Miller, editor of the paper for the blind, and the writer, were present and joined with the laborers of the union and local conferences in the work of the meeting. Elder W. J. Stone was present a short time, and all were glad that his former health and strength is fully restored, so that he hopes to be able soon to engage again in active work. Elder Morris Lukens enjoys the confidence of all, and with his corps of faithful laborers is working hard to build up the work.

This meeting was a great blessing to all who were present. It is a source of regret that many allow the cares of life to deprive them of the blessings of these annual convocations. The brethren and sisters left for their homes with renewed determination to be faithful and share in the overcomer’s reward.

G. B. THOMPSON.