NORTH DAKOTA CAMP-MEETING.
By N. W. Allee
This meeting was held at Jamestown, June 28 to July 7. Services were conducted in the German, Scandinavian, and English languages. Many of the brethren came with teams; and the attendance was good, considering the rains, which rendered the roads somewhat difficult of travel. The heavy rains during the meeting made the camp quite uncomfortable, yet no complaints were heard, all vieing with one another to make the meeting pleasant and profitable. The Conference laborers were present, and we were also favored with the labors of Elders C. W. Flaiz and F. H. Westphal and Prof. C. C. Lewis. The services of these brethren were much appreciated. Each branch of the message received such attention as the circumstances of the meeting would permit. Much interest was taken in the educational features of our work. Church schools, canvassers' schools, and Union College each received consideration; yet the most encouraging feature of the meeting was the earnest seeking of God for a deeper personal experience in the divine life, keeping before our minds the fact that the Saviour is soon coming, and a people must be prepared for translation at His appearing. Frequent revival services prepared the hearts of the campers for a refreshing on the Sabbath. On Friday afternoon a solemn baptismal service was held, in which a number of willing souls received the administration of this sacred rite. Sabbath afternoon was an occasion long to be remembered. The ordinances of the Lord's house were celebrated, the different nationalities freely mingling together in the services. The scene must have been pleasing to God, as His Spirit was present in a large measure. A short talk was given on the object and importance of the ordinances of humility and the Lord's Supper, which was translated into the German language for the benefit of the German brethren, as they composed a large part of the congregation This service was followed by an intensely interesting social meeting. The hearts of God's children were drawn closely together, and brotherly love greatly increased. It was good to be there. Some previous planning made this service not a difficult matter on the camp-ground, and in this instance proved a great blessing. The meeting closed the following Sunday night, and the brethren returned to their homes with faith and confidence increased in the power of God, both to pardon and to keep from sin. The donation on Sabbath, July 6, was liberal, considering the close financial condition of the brethren of this State on account of the short crop of last season, occasioned by a prolonged drought. North Dakota seems to be a good field for labor, and our workers go out with courage. In connection with Elders Westphal and Reiswig, I am laboring among the German churches of North Dakota. We ask the prayers of those interested in this work, that God may bless our labors to the good of His cause in this part of the harvest field.