MICHIGAN by W. H. Littlejohn; M. S. Burnham

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 13, 1877

MICHIGAN

By W. H. Littlejohn; M. S. Burnham

Having closed our labor with the church at Leighton, Allegan County, we took the cars Nov. 27 for the church at Gaines, which is situated in Kent County. The weather could hardly have been more unfavorable, and the going was almost impassable. At Fisher's station we were met by the son of Bro. W. J. Hardy, who took us in a carriage, four miles and a half across the country, in the face of a driving snow storm, and landed us safely at his father's house. While we remained at Gaines such was the state of the roads that we found it impracticable to do any thing in the line of public services until the Sabbath. On that day and on Sunday we preached at their accustomed place of meeting.

Previous to this time, however, we gave our attention to the matter of looking after the interests of the church, and laboring, by prayer and conversation, with those who seemed to need help. The church at Gaines at one time was quite large and prosperous, but through various causes it has been greatly reduced in numbers, and its members had become very much discouraged. When we saw the exact situation in which they were placed, we were moved with an earnest desire to help them if possible. We gave ourselves therefore to the work, trusting in God for help, and taxing our strength to the utmost. Before we left the place, the blessing of the Lord rested in large measure upon the people, and difficulties were removed which had been heretofore considered almost insuperable. We left them, to all appearance, quite well united; and if they shall hold the ground which they have thus gained we predict for them a future of usefulness and peace.

W. H. LITTLEJOHN. M. S. BURNHAM.