A Successful Pasadena Effort
By William Simpson
R. F. D. No. 5, LOS ANGELES, CAL.,
JUNE 12, 1906.
EDITOR OF THE SIGNS—Dear Brother: I have just closed a two month's effort in the city of Pasadena, Cal. The dear Lord has gone before us in a marked manner, for which I praise Him. I had intended at first to erect a large pavilion, but was hindered on account of a very stringent city ordinance which forbids the erection of any building not made of brick or stone, within certain prescribed territory which included the main part of the business section. It seemed for a time that it would be impossible to enter the city with the message. I finally secured a large empty store building in the center of the city, and spent considerable money in fitting it up for evening exercises. I also secured the largest auditorium in the place for every Sunday evening. I can now see the guiding hand of the Lord in this arrangement, as the weather has been very unfavorable for a tent effort. Our expenses have been about five hundred dollars, but I am glad to be able to say that they have been more than met by the collection, and I have only taken up one collection a week. The Lord has doubled every dollar that has been invested. The collection last Sunday evening alone amounted to five hundred and thirty dollars, which would more than pay the expenses of the whole two month's effort. Truly the glory of the Gentiles, which is their money, has been flowing unto us, as the Lord has promised. Best of all, some of the Gentiles have come along with it. Over forty adults have taken their stand on God's side and are rejoicing with us in this precious truth. Thirty-six were baptized and were taken into the Pasadena church last Sabbath. Some have moved to other places and are witnessing for the truth. Others are awaiting baptism. Many are yet in the valley of decision, and we are praying that God will give them the courage to obey their convictions. Truly the Lord has poured out such a blessing on the Pasadena church that they are not able to receive it. The church is now crowded to its utmost. Plans are now being laid to enlarge their borders. We feel that a great responsibility rests upon the older members of the Pasadena church to care for these lambs of the flock. I am glad that I can leave them all under the care of the great Shepherd. I will now take a few days of rest with my family, and then commence another series of meetings in the city of Santa Ana, Cal., the Lord willing, and from there I am planning to work some of the large cities in the northern part of the state. Brethren, pray for us that the Word of the Lord may be glorified and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men. As I sense the awful responsibility resting upon us who know this truth, it almost overwhelms me. I am thoroughly convinced that there is nothing on this earth of so much importance as this message. I thank God from the depth of my soul for a humble part in His cause, and with you dedicate myself with all that I have or ever expect to have in helping to sound the loud cry of the Third Angel's Message in all the earth in this generation. Your brother in Christ,
WM. SIMPSON.