Meetings in Michigan by Joseph Bates

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 19, 1870

Meetings in Michigan.

By Joseph Bates

My last report, June 12, was respecting our series of meetings in Hastings, Bowne, Gainesville, Vergennes, Fair Plains, and Orleans.

June 18–20, was with the church in Oakland and Rochester. Held five meetings with them, and celebrated the ordinances. Labored with them in their families to overcome the besetments and temptations of the evil one, and follow the increasing light of the third angel's message, where God was blessing his people.

June 21–27, held five interesting meetings with the church in Memphis. Many of them manifest a strong desire to overcome, and reign with Jesus. Enjoyed much freedom in praying with Sr. McConnel, who was not expected to live. Her faith in the message was unwavering. She said, “I am willing to die if it be the will of the Lord.” God bless and save her, is our prayer.

Bro. Gurney’s team brought me nineteen miles, to Bro. Dickson’s. From thence I came twenty miles further to Lapeer. Here I spent six days visiting the brethren and the sick ones. Sabbath and first-day, held seven meetings. The brethren were much encouraged and strengthened, and are laboring to free themselves from the burden of their indebtedness for their meeting-house. We held our first meeting here last evening. JOSEPH BATES.

Holly, Mich., July 7, 1870.