RAVENNA, MICH by A. O. Burrill

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 16, 1876

RAVENNA, MICH.

By A. O. Burrill

From Jan. 20-25, I visited this church. After the first meeting, I had an attack of the ague, and Brn. Root and Edgar carried on the meetings. The interest was good from without. A church was formed, numbering seventeen members. Bro. John Wright was chosen elder and Edward Stafford deacon. As they were set apart by prayer, and the laying on of hands, we felt that the Lord was present to sanction it by his Holy Spirit. On Sunday, twenty-six came forward for prayers.

About three years ago I gave a course of lectures here, and about twenty began to observe the Sabbath. These, with the few scattered ones who lived here before, have maintained meetings and a Sabbath-school since. I did not visit them for more than a year, yet their numbers increased, and now as we return to them we find their neighbors anxious to hear the truth, and some have decided to obey. I have been with them again for one week.

Last Sabbath, Feb. 26, a goodly number from Wright met with us, and at the close of the afternoon meeting thirty-eight came forward for prayers. These were principally sons and daughters of Sabbath-keeping parents, and many of them never had made any start to serve the Lord before.

As the good Spirit of the Lord came into our meeting the tears flowed freely, and many parents felt that their prayers were being answered.

Sunday, thirteen were baptized and added to the church, making their number thirty. There are still others who observe the Sabbath in this vicinity, and when they are all present with their children, they number some more than one hundred.

Systematic Benevolence was set before them, and their pledge for this year amounts to $218.92. Last year it was less than $50.00.

I shall remain one or two more Sabbaths with them, to look after the interests of the cause here. My P. O. address, till further notice, will be Saranac, Mich.

A. O. BURRILL.

March 1, 1876.