Iowa Church Reports Progress and Swedish Interest
By J. I. Ballard
BEING advised by one of the brethren that it would be well to let the readers of the Review hear from us, we cheerfully comply with his wish. The church here have no discouraging words to offer; but, on the contrary, we feel encouraged to labor on until the Master comes. Since the organization (Nov. 18, 1872), we have tried to keep up our Sabbath meetings regularly; but have failed in one or two instances on account of cold and storms. It was impossible for the brethren who resided some miles from the place of worship, to meet with us without some danger in crossing the prairies. Since our minister left us, the Lord still seems to be working with us, for four have embraced the truth; and as we hear them give in their testimonies on the side of their Redeemer, we can but thank our Heavenly Father for his loving kindness and tender mercies. We have moved our meetings from the former place of worship, to a new school-house lately erected in Hook’s Point. Here we find it more pleasant and convenient. We have hoped that ere this Bro. Matteson would be here. There is a large settlement of Swedes near this place, who are desirous of hearing the truth preached to them in their own language; and we think there might be great good done, should a minister come who could speak to them in their own tongue, and they are still waiting for, and expecting, Bro. M. “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Brethren, “Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he will send forth laborers into his harvest.” Matt. 9:38. We are all eagerly looking forward to the time of the camp-meeting in Iowa, for many of us expect to attend, if the Lord will. We have very many sins to overcome, yet, when we almost feel like giving up in despair, we have only to turn to the many blessed promises left on the pages of God’s holy book, and there find that, “to him that overcometh will be given all things.” The greater portion of this church embraced the truth through efforts put forth by Brn. Kilgore and Morrison. We truly thank our Father for having sent his servants to proclaim the message to us, and we do sincerely hope that we may live out the whole truth. We had long been treading down God’s holy law, but praises to His name, we are now ready to “lift up the standard.” Our daily prayers are, that we may all prove faithful and at last be prepared to enter in through the pearly gates into the city. Pray for us, dear brethren and sisters in the truth. Hook’s Point, April 17, 1873.