Work Among the Mountaineers
By Mattie Hamilton Welch
THE Lord has again brought me to my chosen field of labor. I expect to hold free institute classes in different districts, bringing my own supplies and equipment, even an American flag to float above the schoolhouse. This field is ripe unto the harvest, and ready for the third angel's message. The Mormons and the faith-healers have tried to get converts in this region, but failed, and it seems that God has kept hearts untouched for present truth. Recently I gave an illustrated lecture. The estimated attendance was two hundred, packing the old log schoolhouse so full that I feared the floor would give way. I have a nice large radiopticon, also a tank in which I can make acetylene gas, and show the pictures on a screen. If the Lodi (Cal.) Sabbath-school, which sent its offerings to purchase this outfit for me, could have seen the appreciative children, with their parents and grandparents, as they looked at the Bible scenes,—the creation, fall of Lucifer from heaven, his entering the beautiful garden of Eden and tempting our first parents, of the fall and the angel driving Adam and Eve out of their beautiful garden home, the deliverance of Daniel from the lions' den, and other pictures,—it would have felt amply repaid. I also showed pictures of cities, mountains, and green fields in other parts of the world, which seemed to astonish them, as they think that even two States away is "foreign parts." The lecture closed with a large picture of "Christ, the Good Shepherd," as he carries a lamb in his arms, and the audience sang:— "O, come to the Saviour; he patiently waits
To save by his power divine;
Come, anchor your soul in the haven of rest,
And say, My beloved is mine." One young man who had recently returned home from the army said: "Mrs. Welch, if you do not get your reward in this world, you certainly will in heaven." His words greatly cheered my heart, as I expect to give many lectures throughout this mountain district. I hope all who read this report will pray for me. I do not attempt to do great things, but I hope that when our camp-meeting is held the last of August, I can say, "The harvest is past, the summer is ended," and I have at least saved one. In sending books and supplies for my work by express or freight, please note that Stanleyton is now changed to Stanley, and be sure to add Page County, Virginia.