IN SOUTH CAROLINA by L. C. Sheafe

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 23, 1901

IN SOUTH CAROLINA

By L. C. Sheafe

God’s ways are always the best. His plans are sure and simple. His grace and power are sufficient for all cases. It had been my privilege to labor with the Lord, in South Carolina. The object was to visit the schools for colored youth, and hold Bible studies with them, thereby getting them interested in God’s message for to-day.

At Denmark there is a school conducted by Misses L. E. Wright and Jessie Dorsey. I spent a few weeks there, giving instruction in the school, and in the homes of the people. Some interest was manifested, and one person was baptized. The work was hindered for lack of a place in which to gather the people.

From Denmark I went to Orangeburg, where an open door was found. At Claflin University and the State College I was permitted to give Bible studies, and to sell some of our books, which were eagerly sought. These two schools have about fifteen hundred pupils. Students are a hopeful class for whom to labor. I was directed to Aiken, a beautiful city of five thousand inhabitants, where, besides the public school, there are two denominational schools for colored youth. I was admitted to one of these, also to an A. M. E. church. I gave Bible studies during the day in the school, and preached in the church at night. There were seventy-five conversions, and the whole city was stirred by the mighty power of God through His word.

For reasons well known to all, it soon became necessary to seek other quarters in which to hold meetings. A suitable place could not be found, and the people were anxious to hear more of the word. We applied for a tent, but were informed that the financial condition would not permit the General Conference to send one. So we ordered a forty foot circle and a 12 x 14 ft. tent from the Battle Creek Tent Company, for security giving the names of the Lord and Sheafe. The former moved on the hearts of a few friends and the people for whom the meetings were being held, and the tents were paid for. Two Baptist ministers accepted the truth. We employed one of these all the season, and paid him ourselves. Men of some ability are investigating the truth, who, with instruction right on the field, could become efficient workers. We need a tent company who can represent the whole message.

A company of twelve Sabbath-keepers was raised up at Aiken, and many are waiting to see more proof of our sincerity in the claims we make. May the Lord move on hearts to assist the work in this field. L. C. Sheafe.