p. 15 | Pennsylvania Tent Mission in Williamsport

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Sep 29, 1904

Pennsylvania Tent Mission in Williamsport

By W. H. Smith; Nellie B. Underwood; Albert Sholder

Pennsylvania

WILLIAMSPORT.—God has wondrously blessed us, multiplying the seed sown and increasing the fruits of righteousness at every step of the way. At the very beginning of the work, when selecting a site for the tent, we realized that God had a chosen people in Williamsport who were to be called out of Babylon; for the enemy was so persistent in withholding from us the use of desirable locations. Then the guiding hand of God was seen as he located us on a pretty grass plot in a strong Catholic community near the St. Boniface church and school. Although the pitching of the tent was ignored by both children and adults, on the evening of June 28 we opened the song service in hope and courage, knowing that God had thus far led, and that he would be with us to the end. The Lord sent out the people to hear the word, and while our congregations were not large, except Sunday nights, they were composed of honest souls seeking truth. Two or three families were so eager to hear that they came a distance of four miles almost every night in the week; among these was the family of eight mentioned later. The Lord wonderfully blessed in the presentation of his word, giving liberty to the speaker, and some who came out of curiosity were won by the truth. As the testing truths were presented, the congregations steadily increased, and even the Catholics would assemble outside the tent and listen with interest. Much of their prejudice was removed, as was evinced by their offers to help us in any way they could at time of storms. Three afternoons of each week children's meetings were held, which were quite largely attended by Catholic children, and we trust that the seed sown in their hearts will bring forth fruit to the glory of God.

The last service in the tent was held August 28, when the largest congregation we had at any time was present to hear the plain testimony of God's Word respecting the New Testament Sabbath. Since that time we have been holding services in the chapel, and carrying on the work in the homes of the people. As the seed has been sown, God has not failed to give the increase, and we now have twenty-eight Sabbath-keepers, including one family of eight. Eight of this number are men, and one of these brethren has been driven from his home because of his loyalty to God. Four souls who had long known the truth and grieved the Spirit of God by their resistance, have ceased the struggle, entering into a covenant with God, and are now living in the light of his countenance. We also have three colored sisters, one being the matron of the home for aged colored ladies. These sisters are an honor to the cause of truth, and will be instrumental in spreading the truth among their own people. Twenty-six have been baptized, of which number six were re-baptisms. Still others will be buried with their Lord next Sabbath. Fifteen have already united with the church, and others will do so later. Since the tent was taken down, several have become interested in the truth, and are now in the valley of decision. We feel confident that they will stand on the Lord's side ere many days pass. Almost daily we are finding precious souls who are seeking truth, and it is our purpose to continue the work, making the winter season one of earnest labor and victory. It is God who has given the victory, and knowing that he is “the same yesterday, to-day, and forever,” we ask you to join with us in the prayer that he will more fully magnify and make honorable his law in this city.

W. H. SMITH, NELLIE B. UNDERWOOD, ALBERT SHOLDER.