p. 525 | SOUTH DAKOTA by O. S. Ferren

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 13, 1901

SOUTH DAKOTA.

By O. S. Ferren

CUSTER.—The local camp-meeting held at Custer, July 19–23, is now past. Brethren Johnson and Miller and the writer were on the grounds several days before the date of this meeting, and held services for the people of the place and the few of our people who came at an early date. Every one present at this meeting learned that we are not dependent upon numbers for the direct blessing of God. Including the children, the number camped under the beautiful pine trees fell a little short of one hundred. This little company spent eight days very profitably, some of the campers coming four days' drive, with their children, in their covered wagons. The brethren and sisters at once saw that we had something for them; that the message was up-to-date; that the Lord was present in every sermon, and in every social and prayer meeting. In fact, night and day the message was kept before the people. Meetings for children and youth were held daily. Dr. Nelson, of College View, occupied one hour each day on health principles. Sabbath morning after Sabbath-school all congregated in the large tent, and celebrated the ordinances. This occasion was enjoyed by almost every one. Elder Flaiz was present the last two days of the meeting, and all enjoyed his timely instructions.

A goodly number of renewals for our periodicals were secured. There was a liberal collection taken for the different branches of the work, one especially for foreign fields. The book sales were all that could be expected. There were no health foods to ship

back, all being sold that was left at the end of the meeting. Although the State officers of the Sabbath-school were not present, yet that branch was looked after, and a goodly collection was taken. Monday all drove to Sylvan lake, a distance of eight miles, where four persons were baptized.

At our last meeting every one bore testimony to the fact that all sins were forgiven, and all said this was the most wonderful meeting they had ever attended. Several business meetings of the Black Hills church were held, and delegates to the State Conference elected.

The Custer meeting was a success. Every father and every mother and all the children and youth, with two or three exceptions, went home rejoicing in new blessings. As it should be, the meeting was self-supporting. To God belongs all the praise. He is not limited to numbers. The promise was realized.

J. E. Johnson and Brother Miller go to Sundance, Wyo., to hold a series of meetings in a church or hall; and Jay Neathery goes with me, to pitch the tent at Alliance, Neb., where canvassing and missionary work have been done. Brethren, pray for these fields, that God will give souls.

O. S. FERREN.