p. 28 | From South Lancaster Academy by B. F. Machlan

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 9, 1908

From South Lancaster Academy

By B. F. Machlan

OWING to the fact that many of our students had planned to spend the holidays at home, and the time of their departure came during the time set by the General Conference for the week of prayer, it was decided to hold our week of prayer one week earlier than the appointed time. The beginning and ending were marked by a day of fasting and prayer. The hour from 8:50 to 9:50 was set apart each day for the readings, and the time was spent in listening to the readings, in prayer, and in testimony service. The blessing of God attended all our meetings, and a number of our students decided to obey the Lord. Altogether, we have witnessed forty-five baptisms since the beginning of school. During the entire time a true missionary spirit has prevailed, and when, at the close of the week of prayer, the annual offering was taken, it was found that the students of the academy had given $193.84, and the primary department $34.23, making a total of $228.07.

Although the fire demon has wrought havoc among us, we are not discouraged nor cast down, but are happy in the knowledge that God is with us. It is told of two children who were looking through colored glasses, that one remarked, “The world is blue,” while the other said, “No, the world is bright.” By the blessing of God we have been able to take our place with the latter; and as we look into the future, it seems very bright to us, and we are seeking God earnestly for wisdom to know how to labor that it may grow brighter and brighter.

We have recently enjoyed a visit from

Professor Kern. Our society of Missionary Volunteers was reorganized, and taught how to plan for future work, and was much encouraged by his visit; his chapel talks were also much appreciated.

The work of repairing our building is being pushed very rapidly, and should nothing prevent, by the first of January order will have been restored. Much of the work is being done by students, and they appreciate the experience it affords them.

Prof. R. F. Cottrell will soon leave us for his new field of labor in China, and Elder C. S. Longacre will assume his duties as teacher of Bible and history.

A number of new students are expected after the holidays, and our enrolment will be materially enlarged. Our present enrolment is two hundred seventy-eight. We are of good courage in the Lord. B. F. MACHLAN.