Bloemfontein (South Africa) Camp-Meeting by Herbert J. Edmed

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 18, 1912

Bloemfontein (South Africa) Camp-Meeting

By Herbert J. Edmed

IN this city the Cape Colony Conference held its annual session, February 15-25, under most auspicious conditions, and with many evidences of God's special help.

A beautiful location in the new park was kindly placed at the disposal of the conference by the town council. The mayor and officers of the city were very friendly, and did all in their power to make the meeting a success, by lighting the large tent, the grounds, and the road to the grounds, free of charge, and promising to donate a lot upon which we might build a church when we are ready.

During the conference the country around was deluged by heavy storms, so severe that several lives were lost. But on the camp-ground, there was only enough rain to keep down the dust and make the ground comfortable, while the clouds that covered the sky served to save us from the intense heat of that season. When the meetings were about half-way through, the whole country was shaken by a destructive earthquake, which razed several farmsteads to the ground, cracked buildings, and filled the hearts of the people with terror. In the city itself numerous chimneys were thrown down, and the streets were filled with heart-stricken people. But on the camp-ground no damage was done; and while we felt the tremors distinctly, and heard the rumbling that is so thrilling, yet no one was alarmed, and all was peace and quiet, a striking fulfilment of the words, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."

Three new churches were admitted into conference fellowship, and the proceedings, which were harmonious throughout, included the consideration of many important progressive movements.

The reports revealed that last year was a prosperous and encouraging one, and that there was an increase in the tithes and offerings as well as in the membership. There has been a determined effort to answer the Lord's prayer that "they all may be one." The Sabbath-school offerings are now devoted to missions. The canvassing work, under the direction of Brother G. H. Clark, produced sales valued at $1,915, and the periodical sales reached about $500. The conference was able to liquidate its debts, and can now devote all its income to the work of giving the message.

The devotional services were characterized by the old-time power of the truth and a revival of the "straight testimony." They were led mostly by Pastor R. C. Porter, whose studies on the subject of "Church Discipline" were considered so helpful that they are to be printed for the use of all the churches. Pastors W. S. Hyatt, I. J. Hankins, D. F. Tarr, and H. Elffers, and the writer assisted in the services. The sacrifice of jewelry and the spirit of consecration testified to the revival spirit that took hold of all present.

Pastor Hyatt was reelected president of the conference, with a strong committee, the Dutch-speaking members being well represented.

As the delegates left that sacred spot, all were impressed that there is a progressive and happy work before the conference, and that present-day conditions in the world and in this country indicate that the time has come when the Lord will cut short his blessed work in righteousness. HERBERT J. EDMED.