p. 142 | SOUTHWEST MISSOURI by J. G. Wood

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 3, 1877

SOUTHWEST MISSOURI.

By J. G. Wood

I met with the church at Nevada March 31, and labored with them and near there one week; found them much discouraged and scattered. They had not met for two months or more, for the want of a place to hold meetings. They were behind on their rent $49 for the use of a hall for meetings, which seemed hard to pay. After laboring with them a short time they felt much encouraged. Means were raised to pay the back rent and engage the hall again. All took new courage to sustain their meetings.

I was with the Clintonville church April 7 and 8. Some valuable members have lately moved from this place to Texas, but their meetings have been well sustained. Four were added to the church, and two buried with Christ by baptism. All were encouraged.

At Union Point, one year ago, after preaching some two or three weeks, eight came forward and covenanted together to keep all the commandments of God and faith of Jesus. Last June we visited them again, appointed leaders, organized s. b. to the amount of $30.00, and left 14 members. They have had but one visit from our preaching brethren since till now. I have been here one week. Eleven have been recently added to the church. I baptized eight, so they now have a membership of 30. Others are keeping the Sabbath.

We celebrated the ordinances of the Lord’s house. Reorganized s. b. amounting to $72.50. Bro. C. M. Holland was chosen and ordained elder, and Brn. Eanes Sprague and John Cochran, Jr., deacons. The melting Spirit of God rested upon us. Nearly all were in tears. These brethren have received much opposition from other churches; but as they have purified themselves by putting away their evil habits, the Lord has blessed. May they continue humble and faithful to the end.

J. G. Wood.