p. 392 | Trip to Nevada by S. N. Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Aug 30, 1883

Trip to Nevada.

By S. N. Haskell

ACCORDING to appointment we visited Nevada Aug. 9-22. Spent a Sabbath and Sunday at Reno, and also at St. Clair. The friends at Reno had secured the Congregationalist church in which to hold our meetings. There are but few here who observe the Sabbath, but some interest was manifested from the outside, especially on Sunday. Could there be a series of meetings held at this place we see no reason why quite a number might not be gathered in. Two, who had been reading our publications, fully decided to cast their lot with us. One brother subscribed for eight copies of the SIGNS to be sent to his friends, for one year. Most of these are living in Arkansas. He also had a set of charts sent to him, as he designed to arrange his business so that he can return to his friends and do missionary work. We hope that the blessing of God will go with him.

At St. Clair there are quite a number who meet regularly every Sabbath; and although some live several miles from the place, they attended nearly all of our meetings. Like many other destitute fields we can say they need labor.

Nevada being a mining State it would not be as favorable a field to labor in as some others; but we know of no place where the prospect for a series of meetings would be better than in the above-mentioned places. They have been unfortunate in securing laborers. Elder Healey spent some weeks with them a few years ago which greatly encouraged them, but on account of poor health he could labor but little. Eld. Farnsworth's labors were also blessed when he was there. Some twelve or fifteen made a start to serve God. But when the interest was best he was obliged to start East on account of his wife's health, and they have had no labor since that time.

Quite a number are preparing to attend the Healdsburg College the next term. One brother is already at the school. He is not able to pay all his expenses through this term, but the brethren considered it a privilege to assist him. Some who have families and others who have not are endeavoring to arrange their business so as to spend a few months at the school, in order to become better acquainted with Bible truth, and qualify themselves to go from house to house, and hold Bible readings in families, and thus, by personal labor, bring souls to Christ and his truth. There are scores of men and women who could be of service in the cause of Christ, should they leave their farms, their merchandise, and other pursuits, and take a few months' drill at the College in the study of the Holy Scriptures. This would bring their minds where God could operate upon them by his Holy Spirit, and they be a channel through which light could be brought to others. It is not the flowery sermons which are needed, but men of sanctified common sense, men of integrity and moral worth, those who have acquired a competency in this life and feel the worth of the soul. There will be a special course of instruction given to such after the camp-meeting, which will be of great benefit to those men and women who wish to go out as colporteurs in their neighborhoods and towns, and to do other missionary work. Already the school has accomplished much in this direction, but we hope to see it increase in usefulness until missionary workers will be sent, not only to all parts of the Pacific slope, but to the islands of the sea and distant nations. May God hasten this time.

During the proclamation of the First Angel's Message farmers disposed of their farms and other trades, and turned their attention to proclaiming that message. Shall we not see a greater move as the last message of mercy to a dying world is closing? It certainly will come, and may God help us to prepare for that event.

The brethren in Nevada expect to be represented at the camp-meeting, where they hope that arrangements may be made for future labor in that field. S. N. HASKELL.