The Missionary by William M. Healey

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 7, 1884

The Missionary.

By William M. Healey

Our Work in California.

OUR work in this Conference is certainly onward. Our good camp-meeting at San Jose gave it an impetus, as many returned to their homes, with courage renewed, to press the battle harder. Our ministers and colporters are not many in number, but God blesses our labors. Our reading matter that is being scattered abroad is doing its work, and laying the foundation for future results. Keep the truth before the people, should be our motto, and then support the position by living in harmony with it ourselves. The eyes of the world are upon us as a people, and we in California certainly have a responsible place in the message. My experience has shown me that God is willing to bless any labor that is put forth by us in a way that makes it possible for him to accept it.

During the past year there have been many converts to the faith in this Conference, and some new churches raised up. The labors of Brn. Briggs, Israel, and others, in Los Angeles County, have resulted in much fruit, as have also the work of Brn. Ballou and McClure in Humboldt County. The work in San Jose, with which I was connected, has also resulted in a goodly number of precious souls coming into the faith. At first we thought of building a house of worship there, but as so many were unsettled and liable to go away, it was thought best to wait.

The meeting at Healdsburg, Jan. 3-13, was in many respects a great blessing. The earnest, faithful testimony of Sister White helped us to see many of our imperfections, and some old roots of bitterness were, we hope, entirely eradicated. We are looking to a general meeting at Woodland to benefit the members of that church, as well as others.

I spent one week at Placerville since the meeting at Healdsburg, and the Lord helped us, and four persons signed the covenant to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Last Sabbath I spent with the company at Nevada City, and the Lord's blessing rested upon us.

Brethren, let us take hold of the work as never before. God is with us. Let all who can, attend the general meetings, and if you cannot be with us, let us have your sympathy and your prayers. W. M. HEALEY.