Alabama by W. J. Blake

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Oct 4, 1906

Alabama

By W. J. Blake

HUNTSVILLE.—Believing that the readers of the REVIEW will be glad to learn of the progress of the Oakwood church, which is very largely composed of the students of the Oakwood Manual Training-school, we are glad to note some points of interest in connection with this work. We feel that the Lord has especially blessed the efforts put forth for the conversion of our students the past few months. At the present writing only a very few, perhaps four or five, are not Christians, and these, with but one exception, have been with us but a short time.

Some come to us who have never kept the Sabbath, and know nothing of the message. These come at first for only the educational advantages of the institution, but after being with us for a time they begin to realize, both by teaching and by example, that the Lord is soon coming, and that they ought to prepare to meet him. These soon request baptism and church-membership. During the past year twenty-one have been baptized on three different occasions.

Several of our student members have for some time manifested a deep interest in missionary work, such as visiting families, holding Bible readings, selling and loaning books, tracts, and papers. About fifteen hundred of the special Earthquake number of the Signs were sold and given away in the surrounding country and neighboring cities by the members of the church. We believe that much good will result from the sowing of this precious seed. An effort is now being made to interest our neighbors and friends by holding public services once a week in the school chapel, but so far the attendance has been small. It appears

that the message must be carried to the homes of the people, for many, and seemingly the majority, are so indifferent to Bible truth that they will not exert themselves sufficiently to attend our meetings, though they seem to be interested when visited at their homes.

We enjoy, each Friday night at the beginning of the Sabbath, a good prayer-meeting, conducted by the different members of the faculty. The weekly meetings, at which all have a chance to pray and hear testimony, are occasions of spiritual refreshing.

The Sabbath-school work is under the direction of Elder F. W. Halladay, as the general superintendent. There are four assistants selected from among the students. These in turn take charge of the Sabbath-school exercises. This plan is working nicely, as it gives a practical experience to several. The usual Sabbath-day services are held each week, and on each Tuesday night the students hold a prayer-meeting, which is conducted by the young people themselves. In addition to these services the young men and women assemble at different hours each Sabbath afternoon for Bible and mission study.

A portion of the membership of our church is made up of individuals who were once students, but have left the school. We know that many of these young people as they go out from the school among those who have no interest in the message or in health reform, experience many severe temptations. But we are glad that the Lord is able to guide all such. Of course they need the encouragement and prayers of the church. We try to help them by frequently writing personal letters to all as far as we know their addresses. However, there are some whose whereabouts we do not know, owing to their frequent change of location and their failure to inform us of such changes. We hope that if any such members should chance to read these lines, they will write us immediately. We receive many encouraging letters from absent members each quarter, but wish to hear from all.

In conclusion, we will say that our church is of good courage, and we believe there is a great work and bright days ahead of us if all remain loyal and faithful to the message.

W. J. BLAKE.