British Guiana Council Meeting
By D. C. Babcock
A GENERAL meeting for the Guianas was held in Georgetown, British Guiana, from May 29 to June 8. The object of the meeting was to give instruction to church, Sabbath-school, and missionary officers, also to prepare our canvassers for more efficient work. Elder A. J. Haysmer was present, and gave valuable instruction in all departments of the work. All the laborers of this field were in attendance, and assisted in the meetings. Valuable instruction was given each day upon the principles of healthful living, by Mrs. Philip Giddings, who has been trained at the Battle Creek Sanitarium. This was much appreciated by all the brethren and sisters, and it is hoped that an advance step will be taken, in the temperance work in these colonies. One evening each week was set apart for the temperance work, and much enthusiasm was manifested by the public upon the principles set forth. More than seventy signed the pledge the first evening, and quite a number at the last meeting. Ministers were present from other denominations, and took an active part in the program. Sister Giddings has spoken in other churches, and the way is opening for our work in the city. For all this we praise our Heavenly Father. Each day was begun with a praise service, at 5:30 A. M., which was well attended. About twenty minutes were devoted to reading selections from the Testimonies, and the remaining forty minutes were given to personal experience and thanksgiving. From 10 A. M. to 12:45 the temperance, evangelistic, canvassing, and church work were considered. Valuable instruction was given in these different phases of the work, much time being given to church organization and management. Harmony prevailed throughout the entire meeting, and all felt that the few days spent together in seeking God were not only a blessing to each one as an individual, but that we were brought closer to God, our own hearts were more closely united, and thus we became one in Christ. A few hours were devoted in the afternoon to actual field work, and, like the seventy, the workers returned with rejoicing. There was no time wasted; but all worked for the upbuilding of God’s kingdom. From the very first evening service, our hall, which was in the central part of the city, was well filled. When the council meeting closed, we found such an interest that we could not stop the meetings. At this writing, June 24, our hall, which accommodates about three hundred, is full each night, and more than fifteen have expressed their determination to walk in the way of all God’s commandments. Brethren Giddings, Downer, and the writer have remained in the city to assist Elder Morrow for a time in the work. We are all of good courage in the Lord. Georgetown, British Guiana.