IOWA

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 9, 1878

Waukon.—I came to Waukon, April 11. Of late this church has been greatly reduced in numbers, not by apostasy, but by removals. Those who gained a good experience here and learned to bear burdens are now pillars in several of our large churches in this Conference and others. But the removals have left this church weak in numbers, and I found them somewhat discouraged. I labored for the conversion of the young and the encouragement of the old, and God blessed my efforts. Eight of the youth made a public profession, and I had the pleasure of baptizing them. These were young persons of promise; three of them had taught school with good success. We left the church greatly encouraged, and we see no reason why they may not prosper.

Fayette.—Tuesday I came to Fayette. Held a meeting in the P. M., after which I baptized nine. It was a good season for us all. A good portion of these were children of Sabbath-keepers, yet grown up to man and womanhood. Although the notice of the meeting had been short, yet the attendance was large. The bank of the river was thronged with spectators, and I feel sure a good impression was made.

Sigourney.—Sabbath and Sunday, April 20, 21, I spent with the church at Sigourney. We were glad to meet Bro. Butler, who had kindly consented to attend our State quarterly meeting of the T. and M. society; but we were sadly disappointed in not seeing more of the officers of the society out. As the president was detained at home, and the directors, for some reason, were not there, our meeting, so far as business matters were concerned, was a failure. But charity for the officers of our T. and M. society prompts me to say that I do not think their absence from this meeting is a fair index of their interest in the work. As all these brethren had promptly attended the meetings recently held by Bro. Canright and myself, they no doubt felt that they had done about all they could. Nevertheless, we think they made a great mistake.

When we saw that our T. and M. business could not be attended to, we turned our attention to the spiritual wants of the church; and here God did not disappoint us. We labored for the conversion of old and young, and a good start was made. On Monday morning, before we left them, I had the pleasure of burying nineteen in baptism; these united with the church.

The scene at the water’s edge was one that will be long remembered by those who participated in it. As these dear souls arose to walk in newness of life, the Spirit of God rested upon them, and as they were restored to their friends, who had prayed and labored so long for them, tears of penitence and joy were freely mingled. Thus closes another week’s labor, in which thirty-six have been baptized and have united with the people of God. Nearly all of these have been converted during this time. I now go to Nebraska to labor for a few weeks. My courage is good.

My permanent P. O. address is Knoxville, Marion Co., Iowa. Letters may be sent to my places of meeting, however.

E. W. Farnsworth.

Nebraska City, Neb., April 25.

Fonda, April 29. Last Sabbath and first-day I met with the church at Fonda. We had a full attendance, and every member took part in the meeting. One was added to the church. We organized a Sabbath-school. God will bless these brethren and sisters, if they will enter into this work with earnestness.

I obtained five subscribers for the INSTRUCTOR; two for the REFORMER; two for the REVIEW; and two for the SIGNS.

At Sac City we organized S. S. to the amount of $83.30. At this place two more signed the covenant. May God bless the companies at Sac City and Fonda.

At Storm Lake the late tornado destroyed Bro. King’s house, killed his mother-in-law, injured his family, and destroyed his garden, by which he made most of his living. He needs help. G. V. Kilgore.

Sheldahl, April 25. The people at Sheldahl are very much interested in our lectures. The truth is raising quite a stir throughout the neighborhood. Our large hall is crowded every evening when the roads are good. The Methodist minister here attends most of the time, and tells his members to come.

Men say, “Can’t you come to our school-house in the country, and talk these things to our people?” We spoke in the town north of this, on the prophecies and coming of the Lord, and nearly every one in the house voted to have us come back. The calls are plenty.

William Everhart.

Scott Kilgore.