THE WEEK OF PRAYER IN BATTLE CREEK.
By A. G. Daniells
The Week of Prayer that has just closed has been in many respects a blessed occasion for the church in Battle Creek. Before the week opened, careful plans had been laid for giving every Sabbath-keeper in the place an opportunity to attend meetings, and obtain a better spiritual experience. Meetings were held every afternoon in the Tabernacle. These meetings were attended by children, youth, young people, and some of the aged members who could not well attend the evening services. At seven o’clock all who desired, met for prayer in the different vestries, and at half-past seven a general meeting was held in the Tabernacle. The evening services were not so largely attended as they might have been; yet, on the whole, the attendance was very encouraging, and increased until the close of the week. Following the general service in the evening, there was held an inquiry meeting each night. These meetings were attended by scores of persons who were seeking freedom from the bondage of sin, and light with reference to the path of duty. We have reason to believe that many received special help at these meetings. At the Sanitarium, meetings were held in all the departments, daily, at one o’clock. At six o’clock in the evening there was a meeting for the night workers, and at half-past seven a general meeting for all connected with the institution. This gave nearly every employee in the Sanitarium an opportunity to attend at least one meeting each day. All things considered, these meetings were well attended, and scores of young people received new life, light, and courage. Special meetings were held with the employees of the Review and Herald. At seven o’clock there was a meeting in every department of the Office. At eleven o’clock all the employees came together in the chapel for an hour’s service. Each evening the entire plant was shut down at six o’clock, thus giving all the workers an opportunity to attend the Tabernacle services. The meetings with the Review Office employees were the most impressive and effective of any. At the very start a call was made for reform. This call deepened, until the board and a number of the foremen and employees took their stand that the time had come for a deep and thorough reform to be made. As they carefully and deliberately came to this decision, the blessing of God rested upon them, and gave them the assurance of decided victory. During the Week of Prayer we were favored with the help of Elder Brunson and Dr. Paulson. These brethren came to us with a fresh, warm message. From the first, the burden of all seemed to be that Jesus is coming soon, and that the time had come for every believer to bestir himself, and prepare to meet his God. The trumpet was given such a definite, certain sound that many hearts were awakened, and hope was revived that the end will not now be long delayed. At the closing meeting in the Tabernacle, Sabbath afternoon, when hundreds were gathered to tell what had most deeply impressed them during the week, scores of people testified that one of the greatest blessings they had received was the revival of faith and hope in the sure and speedy triumph of the Third Angel’s Message. During the week many persons offered themselves for service at any time the Mission Board might call for them. The offering of the church, which was taken Sabbath forenoon, December 28, amounted to $2,561. This will no doubt be augmented, as some have been handing in their contributions since the collection was taken. Although the occasion might have been one of greater profit to the Battle Creek church, we rejoice in what has been accomplished. We believe that the foundation has been laid for the continuance of a good work. A. G. DANIELLS.