Southern Union Conference by G. B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 22, 1914

Southern Union Conference

By G. B. Thompson

The regular biennial session of the Southern Union Conference was held in the Fatherland Street church, Nashville, Jan. 2-11, 1914. Practically all the laborers in the union were in attendance at the meeting. The brethren and sisters residing in the city did all they could to entertain us, and made us all feel welcome while we were in Nashville.

With the exception of a meeting of the Southern Publishing Association, held the first day, the first six days of the meeting were devoted exclusively to a ministerial institute. Elders I. H. Evans and W. W. Eastman, Prof. C. L. Benson, and the writer carried the burden of this work. All deeply regretted that Elder A. G. Daniells was hindered by illness from being with us.

The same blessed Spirit which was breathed upon us at previous institutes was present at this meeting. The very first service was characterized by a most earnest spirit on the part of all the laborers, and a deep searching of heart. The Spirit of God took control of every heart. The conviction deepened each day, and all were led to humble their hearts in the presence of the power and majesty of God, and to seek most earnestly for a cleansing of heart, and a fuller consecration to the work. The appeal to all to arise and finish the work given us to do, found a ready response in every heart. A burden for souls seized us, and all felt greatly reproved for their feeble efforts and barren results in bringing souls to Christ. All felt that as laborers in the vineyard of the Lord, ordained to preach the gospel, it was incumbent upon them to be soul winners. Some expressed themselves publicly as having decided either to be more fruitful in soul winning or to step aside and give place to those who could be. Others said they had, after prayerful con

sideration, set it as their goal to bring at least one hundred souls to Christ in 1914. Others said they had decided on fifty. The conviction seemed to take hold upon the workers that if all would surrender themselves wholly to God, and take hold of his promises, a thousand souls might be brought to Christ in the Southern Union during 1914. With this glorious purpose in view, all the workers went forth from the meeting to awaken every member in every church, and enlist all in the most vigorous and determined soul-winning campaign ever launched since the message entered the Southland.

We are encouraged to believe that a new and glorious era has dawned in the work of God. The Master will never disappoint those who go forth to wage a relentless warfare against sin and to win lost souls to Christ. This is the only mission of the church. That time seems to have begun which the servant of the Lord saw, when doors were thrown open everywhere to the message, and thousands were seen going forth to proclaim the truth everywhere. Truly, as the prophet has said, "As soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children." Isa. 66:8.

To finish the work in this generation, already hoary with age, is a work which only God can do. But he can, and he will finish the work through human instrumentalities. It is for us, as workers, not only to go forth and compel people to come in from the highways and byways of sin, but to arouse our churches to pray and work for souls, and thus quickly finish the work. The thought that the work of God will close in the Southland first of all, seemed an additional incentive to diligence and consecration in this field. We believe the Lord will not pass by the earnest prayers for the anointing of the Holy Spirit to preach the message, which ascended to his throne from this meeting, and that all will be encouraged by seeing more souls brought to Christ.

The business part of the conference was characterized with the utmost unity, and occupied less than three days. The reports from the different conferences and departments were of an encouraging character. The work is growing. Some of the conferences have raised their full quota of the Twenty-cent-a-week Fund, and none is very far behind. There has been an increase in tithe in the union, as well as encouraging results in bringing people into the truth. Elder S. E. Wight was unanimously reelected president. Gaylord H. Curtis was elected secretary and treasurer. The other officers chosen were largely the same as for the previous term.

During the time of the conference the colored laborers held evening services in their church. The Lord greatly blessed their efforts, and about twenty souls were brought into the church as a result.

The closing meeting on Sabbath afternoon consisted of a social service. The testimonies borne told of victory, a new vision of the work of God, and renewed hope and courage. Following this meeting, Elder Evans and I left for College View, to be present at the opening of the institute and conference in the Central Union Conference.

G. B. THOMPSON.