THE Seventh-day Adventists in the State of Iowa have sold a greater number of “Christ’s Object Lessons” than have the Seventh-day Adventists of any other Conference in the world. The Iowa Conference is not the largest numerically, nor the strongest financially, among us. But it has sold more books than any other. About seven thousand “Christ’s Object Lessons” have been disposed of in Iowa. This is a brilliant record. It is one of which Iowa may well be proud in the Lord. It is a Christian accomplishment, for which we all feel thankful to our God.
One year ago the question of the relief of Union College through the instrumentality of “Christ’s Object Lessons” was first laid before the people of Iowa at the annual meeting at Ames. No public call was made for money for the Material Fund, but an effort was made to get everybody to purchase and resell at least six copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” The principle was laid down that the doing of this would result in great spiritual blessings to the individual worker, unity among church-members, and the bringing of many souls to a saving knowledge of precious Bible faith.
Some welcomed the light, grasped the promised blessings, and went out to garner in souls with the Object Lessons of Christ.
In November last a meeting of the workers was called at Des Moines. This was a wonderful, an epoch-making gathering. A determination to get out and do something for the Lord seized many of the workers. The State was divided into districts, and into each district a corps of workers went.
This was the beginning of a thoroughly organized effort for the circulation of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” The ministers began to teach and train and help the people to do the work. Not only did they teach and train others, but they did more than this, they sold books themselves. They sold them to the people of the world. One minister, Elder Jeys, sold one hundred and forty books to those not of our faith.
Everywhere the people, gathering faith and courage from the deeds of their ministers, took heart and went to work. Strong farmers, of stammering tongue, perhaps, but honest men who believe that the Lord is coming, went out for the first time, in many cases, to sell a book. It was a new experience, but it was a bright one, and happiness and gladness of soul were the result. The selling of the first book imparted new courage to sell more books. Timid sisters, and even little children, also engaged in the work, and their efforts were crowned with success.
At the Des Moines camp-meeting this summer, a jubilee service was held, at which a large number testified of the rich experiences received while doing this work. The joy of having actually accomplished something definite for the Master was expressed by many. That keen Christian pleasure is the fruit of selling “Christ’s Object Lessons” was testified to by scores. And high above all this towered the blessed evidence, rolled forth from many a heart, that this movement had unified the churches, just as the Spirit of God had said it would. Besides this, the movement has given strength and courage to the churches. The doing of actual work in a field of labor so long dreaded and unentered by the laity, has made the churches strong.
In connection with this came a scene long to be remembered, when many of the common people arose and stated that they were willing and anxious for their ministers to go and labor in the regions beyond, and that they would take care of themselves and the fields around their homes. Truly this was a sign of a new awakening and of newly consecrated Christian life. Such a move as this is what the Lord has long been calling for, and we pause for a moment to breathe a prayer that it may mark the beginning of a great exodus, upon the part of our trained workers, to the waiting fields across the seas.
Two calls were made for money, with the result that donations in cash and pledges to the amount of seven thousand dollars were made to the Relief of the Schools Fund and the general work. And for this our hearts go out in gratitude to the One who has said that He loves a cheerful giver.
The Iowa camp-meeting closed triumphantly, a blessed victory for the precious cause which we so dearly love. P. T. MAGAN.
