How a School Was Started by Clifford G. Howell

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 12, 1906

How a School Was Started

By Clifford G. Howell

In the spring of 1887 I gave my heart to God, and my life to hastening the coming of his Son. In the fall of the same year, I went to Battle Creek College to prepare for the warfare from which there is no discharge. When I reached the college, I found I had but twenty dollars, so expected to remain but a few weeks, and then go forth into the harvest-field. Providence permitted me to remain for three years, and it was so ordered that in those years wave after wave of blessing swept over the college and sanitarium; and the impulse of those precious seasons sends a thrill of thankfulness even now. Every one of the class which finished when I did volunteered for service.

In 1893 God gave me a helpmate, who had been for years a teacher, and in 1898 we went forth from Battle Creek with the educational work, of which the Lord had spoken so much, strong upon our hearts. In 1902 I gave up my position with the Michigan Conference in response to the many appeals for help from the Southern field, and told my Master I would go forth at his call to labor for him; and he has not failed nor forsaken me.

In leaving the Northland, I had so fully surrendered my plans of life-work that I hardly expected ever to connect directly with the school work again, but rather to remain in the ministry. When a brother spoke to me, desiring that his place should become connected with the cause of God, I thought such a healthful location should have a sanitarium, and I would try to get a doctor to come and start one. The fleece had to be spread many times in various ways before I undertook the establishment of a school, even in this needy field. But it is in moments of self-surrender that God can speak to us; and when with open Bible, and uncovered head, in view of the open heavens, I knelt upon the land offered for the Master’s service, and the ninety-first Psalm spread its divine protection around me, my confidence grew strong that God had chosen this place, and connected me with his choice, and I would not draw back.

Having girded on the armor, I have tried to stand close to the line of battle, through years of waiting for the accomplishment of our Commander’s plans. The money I had earned in the cause had gone into the cause again, so my work must be of faith. The last wage kindly sent me by the Michigan Conference went toward paying for a mule. I hired another, which died, and the live one went to pay for the dead one. Most of my first summer’s crop went up in smoke, partly, at least, to remind me not to get more interested in crops than in souls.

Our first building was a little schoolhouse, twenty-two by thirty-two feet, on the school land. A week ago we moved into our second building, a dwelling partly finished, located in the woods. It is to this we have sent out the invitation to devoted young persons to come and join us in raising up a memorial for the Lord in this part of his vineyard. I have heard from a number, and believe there are others whose hearts will stir them up to come and unite with the work here. It has been my hope from the first to have a school where young persons could train for service, and at the same time pay their way in work. A number of earnest families have moved here. We had twenty accessions to our church on one Sabbath, and others since. These are interested in helping the school.

There are so many calls for help that I hesitate to ask for donations; yet if there are stewards of the Master’s goods who feel that he would be pleased to have them trust us with a portion, we will thank both him and them. Such donations may be sent to our treasurer, Brother O. E. Offerle, R. F. D. 2, Daylight, Tenn. I have sold a number of copies of ‘Christ’s Object Lessons,’ and if there are those who have copies through which they would like to speak to souls here, they may send them by mail as above, or by freight to McMinnville, Tenn.

Our work is among the whites. There are no colored people within a number of miles of us.

I have taught each year since coming, at first among outside pupils; but we have some bright young people of our own preparing for service.

We have no barn yet for team or cow. Our carpenter, Brother Watt, is faithfully working on the house, not alone that it may be finished, but that, when finished, it may be a means of helping to finish the building of the Lord, his perfect church, which has been rising so slowly through the ages.

Our present term of school began Wednesday, June 6, and we offer room, board, light, and tuition for six to eight hours’ work a day. I know there are many who have not had advantages, or means to attend our better-equipped schools; and I hope to help this class.

Since the preceding was written, I have received the following:—

“Brother Howell, I know Jesus is soon coming, and I want a speedy preparation to carry this last warning message to the world, even in this generation. My heart is burdened for souls. . . . Is it possible in your neighborhood to do missionary work, such as holding Bible readings, canvassing, caring for the sick, and the like?”

This is the kind of inquiry I delight to answer. There are opportunities for all this kind of work. Seven persons have begun to keep the Sabbath since we came here, and our little schoolhouse is filled each Sunday night with listeners to the truth. The meetings should be followed with readings, literature, and Christian Help work. If any of this appeals to you, let me hear from you. My post-office address is R. F. D. 2, Daylight, Warren Co., Tenn.

CLIFFORD G. HOWELL.