FUTURE LABOR IN MISSOURI AND KANSAS.
By George J. Butler
Since the action of the General Conference in recommending me to labor the present year in Missouri and Kansas, some may have felt an interest to know what plans I have formed in reference to the matter. Indeed, I have received several communications from esteemed friends in regard to this subject. Up to the present time, I have not been so situated that I could make any extended plans concerning future labors in these States; but I hope soon to be able to give my whole time and strength to the work. In my recent visit to Battle Creek I counseled with Bro. Ayers, the president of the Kansas Conference, who is taking treatment at the Sanitarium, and whose feeble health makes it necessary for him to lay aside all responsibility and care for the present. I have also had letters from the other members of the Kansas Conference Committee in regard to the cause in the State. I have traveled in Missouri much the past year, and think I realize something of the condition of things there. I earnestly desire to labor where I can accomplish most for the cause and where I am needed most. It has been a matter of great anxiety and perplexity to me how to divide my labor between the two States. My brethren in Kansas are urging me to labor among the churches and take special responsibilities. But, on the other hand, I have been elected president of the Missouri Conference, and there is great need of labor there, and but very few who are preaching, not nearly as many as in Kansas. Hence I feel a special responsibility to do what I can in Missouri. Kansas has recently had the benefit of three general meetings which were probably attended by the majority of the Sabbath-keepers in that State. At these meetings instruction was imparted by those who have the very best gifts among our people. It would hardly seem best for the present to appoint more general meetings. Should I take time to visit all the little companies in the Conference, I should find no time to do anything else, and could not visit near all of them. After counseling with those I have mentioned, and after much thought and prayer, I conclude to constantly communicate with the two remaining members of the Kansas Conference Committee (Brn. Stevens and Cook) in reference to matters in the State; and when exigencies arise in which they think my labor would benefit the cause specially, I will go and do what I can. I would recommend that the ministers, licentiates, and members who have matters of interest to communicate, or know of openings for labor, or have other business which needs attention, write to them (perhaps to Bro. C. F. Stevens, Ottawa, Kan., as he will be detained at home most of the time), as they are familiar with all parts of the Conference, and we can counsel together and act as duty seems to require. As to Missouri, I expect soon to send appointments for several general meetings at central points, at which I hope to meet brethren within a reasonable distance, and do what I can to stir up the minds of all to renewed diligence in the Master's cause. I hope also to lecture at several important points, and do something to bring souls into the truth. I shall be glad to hear from any brethren or sisters who know of good openings in their vicinity. We shall give the preference, in laboring, to those places where expenses will be met, as our funds are very low. We cannot pay expensive hall rents when openings can be found without. Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, Dec. 18.