UPPER COLUMBIA CONFERENCE.
By L. M. Stuller
Baker City, Ore.—Last September I was elected president of the local W. C. T. U. Having so many other pressing duties at home and for the church, I would not have accepted this added burden, had I not been positive that the Lord had a hand in it, and so I laid all the cares on Him, and He bears them. The W. C. T. U. has a Penal Department of work, and has been holding meetings at the county jail every two or three weeks. There are seven prisoners incarcerated—a Chinaman, a negro, and five Americans. They enjoyed the services well, and wanted them oftener, so our church people have been meeting with them for the last two Sabbaths in the afternoon, and will continue to do so until after court meets. Then these prisoners will leave here. They think they will go free. Three of them show every evidence of conversion. The Spirit of God comes especially near on Sabbath; and as we read the word of God, they are melted to tears. One of the three who have asked for our prayers is a nice-appearing boy, not yet sixteen. He wants to sign the total abstinence pledge, when we (the W. C. T. U.) meet this afternoon. I believe the other two will sign the pledge also. They say liquor has been the cause of their downfall. Our Superintendent of Prison Work uses the Life Boat in her work, and also reads it in the union to the women. The same woman has started a Chinese mission. Brother Frost and myself, together with others, are assisting her. Our people should have begun this work two years ago. Dear brethren and sisters, do not neglect this work in your cities a day longer. My letter is already too long, and there has been nothing said about our work on the church building, but things are moving. L. M. STULLER.