Superior Mission Field
By M. W. Lewis
Menominee, Mich.—During the week of prayer Elder H. R. Johnson and the writer spent the time with the north branch of the Stephenson church, near Wilson. They are located about forty miles from the Stephenson church proper. This makes it rather difficult to get a general attendance from the two divisions at the same time; and for this reason the Wilson branch desired to organize themselves into an independent church, at this important meeting. Therefore the meeting was appointed with the Wilson branch, that it might further develop, and thus prepare the church for organization. When we began our meetings, we found that this branch of the Stephenson church was having an unpleasant experience on account of certain ones who had recently come among them, advocating unwarranted ideas of health reform, and being seemingly determined to force them on their brethren. This aroused opposition, and was paving the way for a division in the company. The radical party had been advocating some of the doctrines of Buddha instead of health reform from the standpoint of the Bible and the Testimonies. But when this doctrine was exposed, and the true principles of health reform set forth, all came into line, confessing their mistakes, and asking forgiveness of one another and of God. Then the Spirit of God came in more fully, and we had one of the most remarkable meetings I ever attended. We held two meetings each day. These meetings were well attended. Most of these brethren and sisters are French- and Belgian-speaking people; but we had interpreters, so that they could get the benefit of the instructions. The readings were highly appreciated, and had a good effect. And all, or nearly so, seemed to catch the missionary spirit, and were anxious to do all they could. On the last Sabbath during the week of prayer, the ordinances of the Lord’s house were celebrated, and it was a remarkable day for us all. The good Spirit of the Lord came in, and we had a feast of good things. Harmony and unity prevailed. I never saw a greater manifestation of brotherly love. This good spirit was very manifest the next day in the business meeting, when an organization was effected. This organization opened the way for the church to discipline those who had been walking unruly, and in the investigation of this matter we found that three members of the church had been using tobacco. Two confessed that it was wrong, and said they would give it up; but the other one, who had been using it for some time, declared that he would not quit, and asked to have his name dropped from the church record. But all were so deeply concerned in his welfare that it was suggested and agreed upon that he take another quarter to consider the matter and to pray, and that the church should do the same in his behalf. After the organization an elder was ordained as the second elder of the church. Elder H. R. Johnson was present, and rendered valuable help in these meetings. I never saw more harmony manifested in the election of officers in all my experience. Truly the Spirit of God was present to unify the work. With one exception, all seemed to be happy in the Lord. Their hearts revived again by the presence of Christ, and they seemed to catch the missionary spirit, a spirit of labor. This church helped what they could by way of Christmas offerings, and are making a reform in the matter of paying tithes. It is a promising church. It has taken the name of the Wilson church. The work in Menominee is prospering. We held a course of lectures here, November 21 to December 14. The attendance was rather small. If it had not been for the interest already awakened by the distribution of reading matter, visiting, holding Bible readings and parlor lectures, the attendance would have been limited indeed. To my mind this shows that it is an excellent plan to work up a good interest in this way before a public effort, if possible. Some of the business men took quite an interest in helping us to pay our hall expenses. One man paid me twenty dollars. Our receipts more than covered our expenses, for which we felt indeed thankful. Elder H. R. Johnson and Brother F. J. Harris assisted in conducting14the meetings. In this city, as in many others, there is much prejudice against this closing message. And while we did not see any immediate result from the meetings, yet they opened the way for Bible work in the homes of some families, and further developed those with whom we had been reading. Five of these interested ones made a start at the beginning of the new year. Others are interested, and we hope soon to see them take their stand. Part of this success here is the result of the canvassing work done by Sister Elsworth, of Washington, D. C., who stayed with us last winter. She found a family who was ready for the truth, and arrangements were made at once for us to begin a course of parlor lectures and Bible studies. This lady accepted the message. Then she began to plan for us to give the light to some of her relatives. This was done, and six others have accepted present truth. It is safe, I think, to count on about twelve at the present time. To the Lord be all the praise. During the week of prayer the company here gave about ninety-two dollars for Christmas offerings. The husband of the lady who accepted the Sabbath last winter, handed us fifty dollars. He is in good circumstances, and is a very generous-hearted man. He is convinced of the truth, but the way does not seem clear for him to close his stores on the Sabbath. May the Lord bless the work all along the line.