p. 194 | KANSAS | AdventAI

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 19, 1878

KANSAS

Among the Churches.

Since Nov. 27, when I closed up my effort in Oswego, I have visited or held meetings in the following places; Independence, Bloomfield, Lazette, Pontiac, Plum Grove, and Clarion. In most of these places I found old acquaintances from Iowa and Vermont, a great number of new openings for preaching, and new believers needing encouragement and further instructions in the truth. It was very difficult to turn away from earnest entreaties to labor in different places. I did all I could, and the Lord drew graciously near to us.

In Bloomfield I spoke three times. Several of my hearers had been in the ‘44 movement. In Clarion I spoke four times, and three made a start in serving the Lord.

I am now in Ellivon, where is a small settlement of French Baptists. There seems to be also a good opening among Americans. I commence at once an effort in both languages. We make it our home with Bro. Manny, a French brother from Illinois.

Dec. 9. D. T. BOURDEAU.

Scott.

DEC. 1, I closed for the present a series of meetings at Drywood, ten miles south of Scott, after ten weeks of labor. As the immediate result, six were baptized, nine are keeping the Sabbath, and others, we think, will soon join this little company.

The results of this effort have more than ever satisfied me that much is lost because our ministers do not hold on to the work till the deciding point is reached. It is not sufficient to simply present the arguments on the various subjects; but while minds are interested, the minister should continue to labor, both publicly and in private. Thus many would be helped to a decision who, if left to themselves, would lose their interest, probably never to be reached again.

In company with Bro. A. J. Stover I visited the church at Amity, Crawford county. Held in all eight meetings. We think real progress was made. We tried to instruct them in health reform, spiritual gifts, and the T. and M. work. Bro. Stover’s experience in connection with these branches of the work of God, and his skill as a T. and M. worker, made his services valuable. Four copies of the REFORMER were taken. One full set of “Testimonies” and “Spirit of Prophecy” was placed in the church as a circulating library.

A tract society was fully organized, consisting of ten members. In addition to a good supply of tracts, five copies of the SIGNS were taken for missionary purposes. May the blessing of God attend these workers, as they spread the written truth before the people. J. H. COOK.