West Virginia by L. E. Sufficool

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Jul 11, 1907

West Virginia

By L. E. Sufficool

THE LORD'S work is still meeting with success in West Virginia. For many reasons, we feel that now is the opportune time for this State. In recent years it has become wealthy as the result of the coal, oil, and gas developments. The people are, generally speaking, religiously inclined, very agreeable, and anxious to know the truth.

The conference year closes September 5. The year has been a successful one, and while we would have liked to see more accomplished, we believe our conference is numerically and spiritually stronger to-day than it was one year ago. Late reports from our laborers show thriving interests throughout the conference, and we believe that we may expect several companies ready for organization before our annual conference meeting, September 5-15.

At a recent meeting of the conference committee, several calls were received from men not of our faith. We only wished we might have with us sufficient help that all these calls might receive our immediate attention. We were certainly made to realize our great need of laborers as never before. Truly we pray to-day for laborers. Where are the workers? We very much dislike to write to those who are calling for light, that we have not the help to send. Notwithstanding

that we still have unanswered calls entered upon our books, as a committee we endeavored to send the laborers into the new fields. The results have been indeed encouraging.

Elder W. R. Foggin reports a live interest, with crowded house, each evening at Little Birch. The last communication reported seven converts, and many others interested. At Rio, Hampshire County, Elder P. W. Province recently organized a church of eleven members, with a Sabbath-school of twenty. May the Father's blessing ever be upon the little band at Rio.

In harmony with the light the Lord has so recently given, our conference is still extending the interests of the cause in our larger cities. We are finding many honest souls, very much dissatisfied with the existing conditions in the churches, and praying for more light and truth from the Holy Word. We have endeavored to lay a firm foundation for public work in the city of Charleston through systematic tract work. In this way many honest souls have been found, the workers have made many acquaintances, and some have accepted the message.

We have now opened the public effort. Last evening the attendance numbered about two hundred. Associated with the writer and Mrs. Sufficool in this effort, we have Brother and Sister J. B. Huguley, students from the Washington Training-school, who are rendering excellent assistance in the city work. Sister Beryl Cummings, a graduate of the Bethel Academy, Bethel, Wis., has been doing a very excellent work with tracts in the city, the influence of which is indeed a great help at this time in the public effort. Sister Myrtle Amick, of Parkersburg, will soon associate with Mrs. Sufficool and Sister Cummings in the house-to-house tract and Bible work.

We consider the canvassing work to be one of the most important branches of the Lord's work. We believe there is no work more important than that of placing our publications in the hands of the people. Canvassing is truly gospel ministry of the highest order. Of the canvasser the Lord has said, "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Let our canvassers carry the "precious seed;" the promise is sure. The Lord has promised success to these "seed bearers." Then no longer hesitate, fearing that you may not have success. Our canvassers are all meeting with success. Much literature is thus being distributed each week, but we do need more "seed bearers" in West Virginia. Who will take up this blessed work just now?

We are all of good courage in the blessed cause. We are nearing the end of the battle, and with our Father's help we shall endure as good soldiers unto the end. Christian love and unity prevail throughout the conference. It is good to be here. The Lord still lives in Zion.

L. E. SUFFICOOL