A Growing Interest in the Work
By A. G. Daniells
We are continually receiving fresh evidence of the fullest confidence of our people everywhere in the wisdom of establishing the headquarters of our cause at Washington, D. C.; and more than this, we have fresh and increasing evidence of a growing, widening interest in the development of the work here. On returning to my office from the College View Council, I found letters on my desk that filled my heart with gladness. These letters are from brethren and sisters in New Zealand, who accepted this message under my labors sixteen and seventeen years ago. I will take the liberty to make public portions of these letters, to let all our people know how the hearts of our brethren and sisters in distant lands are moved upon by the work we are doing in Washington. Sister M. Caro, of Napier, New Zealand, writes as follows:— When your circular letter arrived with the other matter enclosed, I just said, “Lord, what shall I do?” And I at once felt impressed to borrow five hundred dollars and send it by this mail. I had not a pound of my own at command; so I tested the Lord as to his mind regarding the matter of borrowing; and it come out on his side; so my five hundred dollars goes with my son’s, and if you are as glad as we are, you will be happy; and I am sure you will be. Her son wrote by the same mail the following thoughtful instruction:— For a long time I have wanted to send something to our Washington work, and your printed appeals sent to my mother and others have intensified that desire. Having only a few pounds to put my hands upon at present, I have prayed much about the matter, and I have been led to borrow one hundred pounds to send you. A draft on the Bank of England is enclosed,—five hundred dollars from my mother, and the same amount from myself, and $2.50 from Mrs. S. Berry. Our church elder, Brother Smith, will have some small amounts to send soon from other church-members. One hundred pounds would not give an even five hundred dollars, so I have added more to make the even amount in each case. I have reckoned the pounds at $4.87; that is the amount the United States post-office gives all the year round. The exchange rate on a draft depends, I know, upon the state of the money market. I hope and pray that the market will be favorable when you are cashing this draft, and so God’s work get the most possible. Should, however, there be any shortage to make the even one thousand dollars, will you kindly make it up, and I will remit the same. These are but samples of the excellent communications that are pouring into our office from all parts of this world. Do not such letters show a growing interest in the development of the work at Washington? And should not this cheer all our hearts, and lead to prompt, liberal giving on the part of our people in America?