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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Jun 13, 1912

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 24.

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Wisconsin

By William H. Thurston

FOR some time I have desired to write of the work in Wisconsin. Last year our annual reports were better than those of the previous year, and this year shows a decided gain over last year. There seems to be more of the spirit of oneness and unity manifested among the believers, and a coming up onto a higher plane of Christian living. We are instructed that union with Christ and with one another is our only safety, and this brings success.
Our schools have had a prosperous year, and workers are going into the vineyard to labor for souls. Prof. C. L. Stone has responded to a call to take charge of the Southern Training-School, at Graysville, Tenn.; and Prof. E. E. Gardener, of South Lancaster, Mass., has been elected principal of Bethel Academy. The principals of the other schools will probably remain the same the ensuing year. On the whole, our church-schools are improving in methods and in character, and others will be started in September. All church-school teachers who expect to teach the coming year are required to attend the summer school at Berrien Springs, June 12 to July 26.
Our sanitarium work is in a prosperous condition, and the annual report shows an encouraging gain financially, and the spiritual work is showing greater results. The Lord is blessing the faithful services of those associated in the sanitarium.
When the heart turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away, and success follows. Considerable has been done with "Ministry of Healing" by some, and but little by others. We are thankful for what has been accomplished, but none can say we have done our best. When all are converted to the plan and heartily engage in the work, much more will be accomplished. It is the doers who are blessed, and who in turn are a blessing to others. We are selling this book, and also soliciting offerings, to relieve the burden of debt. It is not a question whether we can pay off the indebtedness; it is a question whether we will do it. It is quite largely the belief that we will, and the work moves on.
We are not satisfied with what we have done for foreign missions, but we have been so hampered with debts on every hand that it has been hard to meet all demands. However, we are hoping and praying and giving, and the outlook is growing brighter. Our workers are all having some success. It is not so much the question of more work, but better work. The openings for labor are in-creasing, and people here and there are accepting Christ. Our book work is being revived, and we have a prospect of more canvassers in the field this year than we have had for many years.
Our tract society work is building up, and prosperity is attending the efforts. The Sabbath-school work is prospering, and the offerings are increasing.
We are nearing the time of our annual conference and camp-meeting. This meeting will be held in Wausau, June 20-30. Wausau has a population of about twenty thousand, and this will be our first annual conference and camp-meeting held there. The citizens are expecting a profitable time, and it certainly should be such to those of our faith. We hope for a good attendance. The help and counsel of our people are much needed at this time, and they need the meeting. Aside from local and union workers, experienced help is promised from the General Conference. It is not only a privilege to attend these annual gatherings, but it is our duty, as far as possible, to be present.
This is a brief sketch of the situation in our conference, and of what is being done. Come to the camp-meeting and see and hear for yourselves, and then join in counsel and plans for the future work in our State. This is your work, your responsibility, and the blessing awaits you. When we all unitedly engage in the work with watching and prayer, prosperity will be ours, under God. It is the Lord's work, and we are laborers together with him. We are safe when united with Christ and with one another. Let all come to the camp-meeting and share the burdens as well as the blessings. Heb. 10:23-25.
W. H. THURSTON.