ILLINOIS

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 17, 1879

Report of Meetings.—Feb. 23 to March 9. I held meetings in the Texas church. Some promised to keep the Sabbath, and two or three await baptism. The truth is working here like leaven.

March 25, I visited Harvel, and held one meeting. All are holding on here.

March 26 to April 1, I was at Woodburn. The brethren have just finished repairing their church. It presents a very neat appearance. The brethren here all seem to be doing well, except in finances. Hope they may improve in this. Remember, brethren, God blesses the liberal soul. Only a part voted to adopt the tithing system in full. I am now at home, sick. C. H. Bliss.

St. Anne, April 6.—With Bro. R. F. Andrews to push forward the work among the Americans at Pittwood and in the vicinity, I have been enabled to successfully close up my work in this section for the present. I have visited and held meetings at eight different points. Twenty-seven persons have been baptized, eighteen of whom are French. Seventeen French members have been added to the St. Anne church. Thirty-five persons, at least, have embraced the Sabbath, besides some who have decided to obey under Bro. Andrews's successful efforts near Pittwood. Were it not that five families are moving away, we should have quite a large company to meet together on the Sabbath. But we expect that some, at least, of those who leave will help in raising up believers where they go.

One week ago yesterday, Sabbath, we celebrated the ordinances with many of the new converts, and an elder was ordained for the St. Anne church. Yesterday, after an interesting baptism, I had an important interview with the leading French brethren, organized systematic labor and arranged to have other Roman Catholic fields entered at once. If the St. Anne church labor patiently as they have done in the past, they certainly will gain souls to the truth.

I have also made special efforts to furnish names to vigilant societies for our French paper. My P. O. address, for the coming week, will be Sheridan, La Salle Co., Ill. D. T. Bourdeau.

Kankakee, April 7.—By invitation, I came to Kankakee, April 4. We had good Sabbath meetings, and a business meeting on Sunday. Two who had given up the Sabbath were disfellowshiped, and one was received into the church. At five o'clock P. M. we met to celebrate the ordinances. This was a good season. The Spirit of the Lord was present, and every one gave a good testimony. We all renewed our covenant with the Lord, and promised to serve him more faithfully.

To-day I go to Kempton, to see those who have lately embraced the truth there. I ask the prayers of the children of God. Lewis Johnson.

McCord, Martinville, and Greenup.—At McCord we found prejudice, but had a fair hearing until the roads became almost impassable. A failure in crops for several years has brought many to destitution. It is reported that forty families in this township have applied to the county for aid. The work here is not finished. Four promise to keep the Sabbath. The field being a new one, it has proven to be, truly, a “battle ground.” Our current expenses, above donations, will not exceed one dollar. Bro. Strader and wife have assisted much.

I met Bro. Colcord at Martinville. Spoke twice. Was encouraged to see the interest manifested; some came thirty miles through mud and storm. The church here is a model of neatness.

I aided Bro. C. at Greenup. The brethren and friends, by their zeal in coming to meeting, showed that their souls were hungry for the word of life. The Lord blessed, and I trust all were fed. I met with this church in their quarterly meeting, April 4–6. We enjoyed the presence of the Spirit from the first, and were made to “rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.” It was all of the Lord. I remain here for a few days, as there is some interest.

This being my first year in the field, I have had much to learn. I have heeded, and intend in the future to heed, Jas. 1:5. My courage is good. I trust I have a connection with the true Vine. Pray for me. A. A. John.