p. 71 | IOWA | AdventAI

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 28, 1878

IOWA

Fremont, Feb. 18.

At the time of my last report, I had closed my meetings, while Eld. Johnson, Disciple, was trying to lead the minds of the people away from present truth. This he found it hard to do.

Feb. 8 I began meetings again, with a good audience, and remained over Sunday, again closing meetings till Feb. 15. In the meantime I made very pleasant, and I hope profitable, visits, talking, praying, and distributing tracts and papers. I find this an excellent way to get hold of the hearts of the people. The way to win their hearts and confidence is to pass over the threshold, and mingle with them in social conversation at the fireside; at least this is my experience. Could there be one or two persons to aid or help each lecturer, his labors would be much reduced and the work more effectively and rapidly advanced.

At this place, eight precious souls, adults, have covenanted to obey God, and there is a good prospect for as many more. At my last meeting, two arose for prayers, whose conversion would be a great triumph for the truth.

I am now using the Baptist church, which is free to our people. I am very busy and could profitably spend the next two weeks in visiting at private houses. May God give many of our brethren a burden for this work. L. McCoy.

Marshalltown and Beaman, Feb. 19.

Since my last report, I have been holding meetings three miles north of Marshalltown, at the Timber school-house. Bro. M. M. Kenny had labored here one week very profitably. Some opposition was manifested. Eight are reported as keeping the Sabbath as a result of these and past lectures. The tract workers have been uniting in their efforts in this field. As the Christians had arranged to hold a protracted meeting here, we left, although at our closing meeting the house was crowded with attentive hearers.

The little company at Beaman, although meeting with considerable opposition, remain steadfast, and seem to be gaining strength in the Lord. We have arranged to meet with them every alternate Sabbath. O. M. OLDS.

Legrand, Feb. 18.

Commenced meetings three miles north of Legrand and six miles east of Marshalltown, Feb. 5. The house has been crowded, and quite a number have taken notes every evening. Am now in the midst of the Sabbath question. Have many invitations to call. Last night a young man requested me to go to his place and hold a few meetings; said he had been trying to keep the Sabbath for some time, all alone. Such calls are increasing. Where are the laborers?

Shall hold our first Sabbath meeting here March 2. The brethren in the vicinity are cordially invited. M. M. KENNY.

Winnebago Co., Feb. 18.

I have been laboring two miles from Forest City since the 4th of this month, and have held thirteen meetings, with a full house nearly every time. People come to the meetings from a distance of ten to twelve miles in the country. There is an unusual interest among the Norwegians and Swedes, who constitute the majority of the population. Last night there was not room for all that came. The Methodist minister from the city was present. Have never before felt such power and freedom in speaking as I have experienced here. Many are convinced of the truth of what has been presented, especially in regard to the Sabbath. About twenty are ready to observe it.

I expect Bro. Lewis Johnson here this week to help me. Pray for me, and the cause here. John F. Hanson.