p. 45 | FLORIDA by M. G. Huffman

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 16, 1900

FLORIDA

By M. G. Huffman

OCTOBER 13-15 I was with the Waldo church in quarterly meeting. The meeting was held in the city of Gainesville, as the brethren and sisters were anxious to have some meetings held at that place. The attendance, aside from our own people, was not as large as expected. Notwithstanding, the Lord blessed. We enjoyed much of his good Spirit, and believe that some impressions were made for good.

After our camp-meeting at Lakeland, which was held November 3-12, I held meetings with the companies at Fort Ogden, Punta Gorda, and Nocatee. At all these places the Lord came near by his Holy Spirit, and wonderfully blessed in the meetings. At Fort Ogden we held our services in the large Baptist church, and the attendance continued to increase until the house was crowded. Many shouts of praise went up to God for the blessings received.

From Fort Ogden I went to Punta Gorda, where the attendance of those not of our faith was as good as at Fort Ogden. The Spirit of God was present in all our meetings, and hearts were made tender by its hallowed influence.

From Punta Gorda I went to Nocatee. There the people gathered from all parts of the country until our place of worship was packed, and many had to content themselves with remaining on the outside. Sunday morning, November 26, we repaired to the water, a distance of one mile, where two persons, in the presence of a large concourse of people, were buried with their Lord in baptism, and came forth to live the new life of faith. Seven were added to the church, which caused rejoicing.

December 3, 4, I was at Glen, St. Mary, and Macclenny, and held meetings with the friends at these places. I found the interest still good, and some dear souls loving and obeying the truth. The friends at Macclenny are talking strongly of building a church. I was sorry that I could not stay longer, and work to promote the interest that has already been awakened in and around these places. May God bless the seed that has been sown in that part of his vineyard.

I felt loath to leave Florida, and I am deeply impressed by the Spirit of God that he has yet a work for me to do in that field. I greatly appreciate the letters I have received, and am still receiving, from the many friends throughout the State, expressing their regrets at my leaving the Conference, also their interest in my welfare; and the best of it all is that they promise to pray for my success in the blessed work wherever I may go. I am of good courage in the Lord. M. G. HUFFMAN.