p. 190 | MICHIGAN

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 12, 1879

MICHIGAN

Memphis, Lapeer, and Flint.—Held five meetings with the church at Memphis, all of which were quite well attended. Five were baptized. This is one of the largest churches in Michigan, having a membership of eighty-three. There are no trials in their midst. I visited the Sabbath-keepers at Smith's Creek. An unfavorable influence has been exerted there in the past, which has discouraged some. Twelve are still holding on to the truth. They now hold Sabbath meetings, and have organized a Sabbath-school.

At Lapeer the brethren are of good courage. They are active in the missionary work. There was a willingness manifested to take an advance step in the S. S. work. Money was freely donated to pay for fifteen copies of the Instructor. I found a few keeping the Sabbath at Imlay City, Lapeer Co. I promised to meet with them occasionally, which was encouraging to them, as they have been almost entirely neglected.

Bro. Lamson was with me at Flint. Our meetings were good. On the Sabbath, brethren were present from Mount Morris and Thetford, so that our house of worship was quite well filled. There are a number here that are interested in the truth, who with a little labor may be led to obey. On first-day, June 1, five were baptized by Bro. Lamson. They are doing but little in the interests of the Sabbath-school, but are willing to take hold of the work. It was voted to send for fifteen copies of the Instructor, also a S. S. Secretary's Record Book. It was with some misgivings that I came to this part of the State; but as I have tried to do my duty I have received some encouragement, and find a willingness on the part of our brethren to co-operate with me. I hope to leave the cause of God in this section in a more healthy condition than at the present time. Will the brethren and sisters pray that the blessing of God may rest upon my labors. H. M. KENYON.

June 3.

Mt. Pleasant and Seville.—May 24, 25, held meetings in Mt. Pleasant at what is known as the Hoag school-house. A year and a half ago there were eight scattered Sabbath-keepers in this county; now there are fifty-five. This is the result of persevering, continued effort. Sunday we repaired to the Chippewa River, where seventeen followed their Lord in baptism. A church of thirty-one members was organized, and more will soon be added. This is a very promising field.

In company with Bro. L. Kellogg, we came to Seville, May 27. Found several keeping the Sabbath, and desiring to become organized. We continued with them until Sunday, preaching every evening to a full house of attentive listeners. Eight were found ready for baptism and organization; others will be ready soon. Sunday we went nine miles and baptized six. One encouraging feature is that the straight testimony was well received. After baptism, two brethren were solemnly set apart as elder and deacon. May they all walk worthy of the vocation wherewith they are called. E. VAN DEUSEN.

June 3.

Eaton Rapids, Tent No. 3.—According to appointment I met with the brethren at Eaton Rapids, May 10, 11. Found them desirous of having tent-labor in that vicinity. They need help. We had good meetings at private houses. In the evening, May 12, I met a few of the brethren in Charlotte. They were very anxious that a tent meeting should be held there. Visited Bro. Carman and Bro. Lewes of Dimondale. Wednesday and Thursday evenings had interesting meetings at West Windsor. Spent Sabbath and first-day, May 17, 18, with the Alaiedon church. They seem to be doing well, but need encouragement on some branches of the truth. Shall try to help them. Visited the brethren in Lansing, the 19th. On account of sickness we had no meeting. Found Bro. Kynett in deep affliction on account of the death of his youngest child, and the sickness of another. After going to Eaton Rapids, getting out my hand-bills, and leaving them to be circulated, I returned to West Windsor, and held a meeting with good interest in the evening of the 23d. Spent Sabbath and first day at Dimondale. I think the spiritual condition of this church is good, but they need some encouragement. The 26th, went to Battle Creek for my tent. We pitched it and commenced meetings as appointed, May 30. Have held seven meetings with a fair attendance although it has been rainy. The interest seems to be increasing. Brethren and sisters, pray for us. T. M. STEWARD.