South China by E. H. Wilbur

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 26, 1914

South China

By E. H. Wilbur

E. H. WILBUR

THE general meeting for the Cantonese division was held at Fatshan, Nov. 18-23, 1913. The morning hour was set apart for prayer service, which was a means of great blessing to all. Bible studies and preaching services were conducted daily from eleven to one o'clock. The afternoons were given to reports from native workers, and we were favored with a sermon each evening. One afternoon was devoted to a discussion of Sabbath school work. The discussion was led by Mrs. B. A. Meeker. Our Sabbath school was conducted by Dr. Law Keem, and we endeavored to conduct a model service, so that our workers in returning to their fields would better understand how to conduct Sabbath schools. We separated into sixteen classes. The attendance was one hundred and nine. We asked for an offering of $15 Mexican, and received $16. After the Sabbath school we conducted an ordinance service, the largest we have ever had in the Cantonese field.

The evening after the Sabbath, Elder R. C. Porter arrived, and he gave a most encouraging talk on God's providences in missions. Sunday morning and at the eleven o'clock hour Elder Porter gave us some practical lessons from the book of Job. At twelve o'clock Sunday Dr. Law Keem was ordained to the gospel ministry. Following this service, candidates for baptism were examined, after which more than one hundred of us walked to the river, where two house boats had been engaged, one for the men and one for the women. As we floated down the river to a quiet place, all joined in singing songs of Zion. After we had anchored, the friends gathered upon the banks of the river and witnessed the baptism of twenty-two. Elder Law Keem assisted the writer in the service. Returning to the chapel, a farewell service was held. I do not remember of ever having attended a better testimony meeting. Mothers rejoiced because their sons and daughters had gone forward in baptism. So many were eager to testify that it was difficult to close the meeting.