How God Is Working by W. J. Stone

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 5, 1914

How God Is Working

By W. J. Stone

About three years ago an Abyssinian Sabbath keeper, in passing through Virginia, stopped and held meetings in a colored settlement at Thelma. As the result of his efforts, seventy-five or one hundred began the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath.

When this man left the place, the company, not being organized and having no leader, began to diminish in numbers. Many of them drifted back into Sunday keeping, but a few have continued to observe the Lord's Sabbath; and these, learning of the World's Conference to be held at Washington, D. C., last spring, sent one of their number to Washington, asking that some one be sent to give them further light upon the Bible.

Last July I visited them, and held a few meetings. The labor was greatly appreciated. Later, I sent a colored minister there, who held meetings for ten days, but could not remain longer on account of the tent season. A few weeks later, another colored minister visited them, and held a few meetings. All

these efforts helped to strengthen them in the faith.

Last November, Elder J. B. Mallory went there to hold a regular series of meetings, and after six weeks of instruction they felt that they were ready to be organized into a Seventh-day Adventist church. They had given up the use of tobacco, and were ready to walk in all the light of God's Word.

On Sabbath, December 27, I again visited these brethren and sisters for the purpose of organizing a church. I found that quite a perceptible change had been wrought. While they were greatly rejoicing in the new-found faith, the emotional spirit that seemed to move them when I first visited them, had largely disappeared; and a sane, intelligent company of worshipers, just like our older brethren and sisters, had gathered to be organized into a church of Seventh-day Adventists.

After presenting the principal doctrines of our faith and ascertaining that they were in full harmony upon all points and with one another, a church of twenty-three members, all adults, was organized, and a full corps of officers elected.

This company has its own church building, fully paid for, and most of the members own their homes. Elder Mallory will remain for a time to more fully establish them in the faith.

A church school has been started, with Miss Harris, who was educated at Oakwood, as teacher, and the work there is in an encouraging condition. We believe others will soon be added to their numbers. Remember this company in your prayers. <span class="signature">W. J. STONE.</span>