p. 102 | MISSOURI by George I. Butler

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

MISSOURI

By George I. Butler

Drywood, Avilla, and Rolla.

Since my last report I have labored in these places, in all of which are small churches. I have been striving to increase their interest in the solemn truths of the message, and in the tract and missionary work. In each place the meetings were much hindered by unfavorable weather; but for this there would have been a good interest at Drywood. Continued labor might be profitable here. A club of six SIGNS was taken.

Near Avilla I spoke eight times. This church is now composed mostly of Sabbath-keepers who came from Illinois. The cause here has been wounded by some of its professed friends, still there are some earnest ones left, who feel an increasing interest in the work. A club of sixteen copies of the SIGNS was taken, and we hope some effective canvassing will be done. There was quite an outside interest here.

At Rolla I found the little band of Sabbath-keepers still firm in the truth, though they have had but little labor these two years past. It is little less than marvelous, considering the circumstances through which they have passed, and the bitter opposition they have had to meet, how a little company, mostly women, could be able to keep up regular Sabbath meetings and weekly prayer-meetings, isolated as they have been, without any former experience in the message, and with no help from abroad. Surely there is a power in the third angel’s message. Their hearts still glow with love for this truth. The Spirit of God was in our meetings. On account of the opposition of some members of the nominal churches, we were obliged to hold our meetings, with one exception, in a private house. I found many of my old friends, not our members, anxious to hear, and I think more meetings must be held at this place, when we can have a place in which to hold them. Had some very pleasant visits with prominent citizens. Adventism has gained a standing in Rolla, and we rejoice at it. On the whole, I felt much encouraged by my visit here. I obtained two new subscribers for the REVIEW, four for the REFORMER, three for the INSTRUCTOR, and eight for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.

I spent one day in ascertaining the price of tents in St. Louis, and shall soon be able to give reliable information on this point. Stopped over one day at Salisbury, Mo., with Bro. Gallemore, and spoke to a fair congregation in the evening. There seems to be some interest at this place. Obtained a club of twelve SIGNS here also. We still believe that faithful labor will accomplish as much in Missouri as elsewhere. This Conference is in great need of this kind of labor. May faithful laborers be furnished by the Master, is our earnest prayer.

March 15. GEO. I. BUTLER.