p. 12 | OKLAHOMA by A. J. Howard

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 1, 1900

OKLAHOMA

By A. J. Howard

DEIGHTON.—Four weeks ago my wife and I arrived at this place, and began meetings the same evening. On a recent Sunday we organized a church of twenty-seven members. Nine had formerly kept the Sabbath, eighteen were new ones—four only ever having made any profession of Christianity, and fourteen directly from the world.

In seeking God, we were led by his Spirit to present purely gospel themes, weaving in some precious line of prophecy each evening. We gave the law and the Sabbath in the gospel, in the third discourse, following with the betrayal, sufferings, and resurrection of our Saviour. We then invited sinners whose hearts had been touched by their Saviour’s passion for them and who desired to lead a better life to manifest it while we sang, “Christ is knocking at my sad heart.” Fourteen responded.

At our first Sabbath meeting forty-two were present. The Sabbath-school numbers about thirty regular pupils. The members chose the name of “Mt. Sion” for the church: the post-office is Deighton.

But the best part of it is, we placed the “Good Preacher”—the REVIEW—in each family—eleven copies. So we feel free to leave them for other urgent calls, knowing they can not fail by the way while reading the faithful messenger, the REVIEW AND HERALD. There are six good musicians in this company, who formerly used their talents in worldly amusements; but now turn them in praise to God, praising him with stringed instruments. Ps. 150:4.

We are enjoying more of the Lord’s presence in presenting the Word than ever before. Our longing is daily to be more and more like Jesus. We realize

that his coming hasteneth greatly; so we must not grow weary, but snatch all honest souls from the great time of trouble just ahead.

We expect others to be added to this live company soon. While God is working so mightily, Satan came also; but the good angels restrained his wrath, so we only received one shower of eggs. The Lord will direct future work we know to his glory.

A. J. HOWARD.