Among the Churches by William M. Ings

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Apr 23, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 17.

Among the Churches.

By William M. Ings

FEBRUARY 26, I joined Elder Briggs at Placerville, where he had arranged for a series of meetings. These continued for three weeks, and as the result nine persons promised to walk in harmony with all points of our faith, and six adults were baptized.

Meetings were held during the day to strengthen and encourage those already in the faith. Much time was spent in giving instructions in missionary work. One person will devote her whole time to canvassing for "Sunshine" and SIGNS, and others will give some attention to this work as soon as they can arrange their business. Three distributors were placed in as many prominent positions, which will supply the traveling public with reading matter. Thirty-six yearly subscriptions were added to their club of SIGNS, and sufficient means were cheerfully pledged to carry on the work for the present year. The town was divided into wards, and persons assigned to work up an interest in their respective districts. All pledged to faithfully pay the Lord's tenth. Five subscriptions were taken for Good Health, and three for the Review. Over $25 worth of Bibles and other books were sold, and $25 was donated to the work. We left the friends greatly encouraged.

March 24-30, we spent with the church at Reno, Nevada. No special effort was made to create an outside interest, although some interested listeners were present. Some practical duties were set before this church, and there was quite a willingness to act in harmony with the instructions given. All the company present vowed to hereafter deal honestly with the Lord, and return to him his due in tithes and offerings. The friends voted to place five distributors in some of the most accessible places in Reno, and will keep them supplied with our literature. Thirty-four SIGNS were added to their club, and sufficient means was pledged to carry on the work for the present year.

One sister who had lost her interest in the message returned to the fold, with deep repentance.

From March 30 to April 7, we labored in the interest of the St. Clair church. Here we found an outside interest, every seat being filled. Instruction was given in sending out SIGNS, writing letters, etc., and the friends took hold with a will to learn all they could, and hereafter much work will be done by this church to help spread the Third Angel's Message.

Thirty-four SIGNS were added to their club, and some other subscriptions were taken; and means was raised to cancel their indebtedness, and a sufficient amount was pledged to continue the work. After a Bible-reading on tithing, every one pledged to faithfully pay the tenth to the Lord. As the outside interest continued, it was thought best for Elder Briggs to continue the meetings for a few days longer.

I returned to Reno to finish the work there. I enjoyed a profitable time with this church. Several meetings were held, and the ordinances of the Lord's house were administered. This was a blessed season to all present.

Surely the Lord is good, and is always ready to give us of his Spirit when we draw near to him. WM. INGS.

Oakland, April 15, 1885.