Appeal for Help by J. H. Rogers; Chas F. Stevens

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 4, 1875

Appeal for Help.

By J. H. Rogers; Chas F. Stevens

We write in behalf of the brethren and sisters in Kansas, who are destitute. From the knowledge we have of their condition, together with the testimony of numerous letters received from different ones, they surely must be helped with food and clothing, or they cannot get through the winter.

Bro. J. N. Ayers, our Conference treasurer, writes to a brother in Iowa, Jan. 21, from which we copy:—

“My brother was over to see me to-day in relation to asking aid for the Centerville church. He says it is impossible for some of the members to get through the winter without help, both in provisions and clothing, and that all of us will have to have provisions and seed in the spring. He says that he talked with Bro. Brown (the elder), and they concluded it would be best to see if the brethren in Iowa would not ship these things to us, and wait on the church until we could raise a crop, or until we could raise the means to pay for them. If the brethren can do it, it will be esteemed a great favor by the brethren and sisters here.”

“Please let me know what can be done immediately, as something must be done here, and I do not see how we can relieve those that are suffering unless we get some assistance from abroad. Freight would have to be paid; for the church cannot raise money enough to take anything from the depot. It is humiliating to say so, but we cannot help ourselves.”

“Yours in haste and hope,

“J. N. AYERS, Clerk.

“By recommend of the elder and deacon.”

We could copy from many others. Bro. O. O. Bridges, of Mitchell Co., Kan., writes concerning their destitution in the Solomon Valley. Now we appeal to our brethren from abroad who are willing to lend a helping hand, to forward their donations to Bro. J. N. Ayers, Farlinville, Linn Co., Kan., by registered letter or P. O. order on Mound City, Linn Co., Kansas.

Let the elders and leaders of the different churches report the true condition of the destitute, and those likely to suffer, to Bro. J. N. Ayers, as above, who will be prompt in seeing to proper disbursement of means of any kind donated.

Now, dear brethren, we would not make this appeal were we not sensible of the fact, by observation, and otherwise, that actual starvation is staring some square in the face, in those parts where the drought and grasshoppers cut off everything in the shape of subsistence. We submit this matter to you, believing that many would esteem it a privilege to assist if they were sure their donations were not misdirected.

J. H. ROGERS, } Committee.

CHAS. F. STEVENS,