CLIFFORD G. HOWELL by Clifford G. Howell

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Jan 14, 1904

CLIFFORD G. HOWELL

By Clifford G. Howell

Tennessee

EARLEYVILLE.—Many have read Elder Godsmark’s article in the Review of December 3 with reference to the work we are trying to establish in this needy field. Several have written us in regard to locating here; and in response to Brother Godsmark’s appeal we have received five dollars from a dear sister in Michigan; also a “box from kind friends at Judd’s Corners, Mich. These kindnesses are much appreciated; and I know there are others who have felt prompted to aid in the work. There are so many needs and so many calls that I would not now add to what has been said had there not come to us a circumstance which I expect to describe in our school record under the heading “Blessings in Disguise.” About eleven o’clock, Thursday, December 24, a fire broke out in the haymow of our barn, and made a clean sweep of barn, corn crib, sheds, hay, fodder, broom corn, and about one hundred and thirty bushels of corn, a good part of which had been bought to feed through till another season. We do not know how the fire started. Brother Auten, to whom the barn belonged, and I were both away. The neighbors came and worked heroically to save the house and what else they could. They are very kind indeed to us, and offer to help in the work of rebuilding. I do not know the full meaning of the circumstance; but I am sure that God will make it plain to me in his own good time. And the promise “to give unto them beauty for ashes” has been a great comfort to me.

Two or three have written, asking how to send money. It may be sent by post-office order on McMinnville, Tenn., the letter being directed to me at Earleyville. Registered letters may be directed to the last-named place.

The following thoughts from “Gospel Workers” have been of much encouragement to me: “Those who closely connect with God may not be prospered in the things of this life; they may often be sorely tried and afflicted. . . . Job was deprived of his worldly possessions, . . . yet he preserved his integrity and faithfulness to God. . . . It is a work of faith to calmly repose in God in the darkest hour,—however severely tried and tempest-tossed, to feel that our heavenly Father is at the helm.”

I have confidence that he guided us here to do a work for him, and with hands uplifted to heaven for help, we will not fail nor be discouraged.

Since beginning this article, a little motherless thirteen-year-old girl we have taken into our home came to me and asked, “Brother Howell, how long has this world stood?” I told her, “About six thousand years.” “How long,” she queried further, “will it be till Jesus comes?” “Some now living,” I replied, “I will live till he comes.” “O, I hope I shall live till he comes!” she said, with her eyes just sparkling, “I never thought of it at home; but since coming here, I have thought I would like to live till Jesus comes.”

May God grant that she may, with many others here whom he desires to reach with this message through us.