Things in Iowa by B. F. Snook

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 24, 1863

Things in Iowa.

By B. F. Snook

I AM truly thankful that I can say that things in Iowa are becoming more hopeful and encouraging. The Lord is returning, and the light of his countenance once more begins to shine upon us.

On Sabbath, Feb. 14, I met with the brethren at Richmond, and on Sunday we met at the house of Bro. Curtis, where all the brethren in that vicinity came together in the unity of the faith. The Lord gave great power to the truth, and blessed with his good Spirit all who were there. We had a communion season, which was a joy to every heart. O, what an awakening was there! All took a new start for the kingdom, much encouraged to go on with the Lord's people.

Tuesday, 17th, we visited the church near Millersburg, and though the going was quite bad, we rallied the brethren out and had a good meeting that evening. Next day we bore testimony on the signs of the soon coming of Christ. The melting Spirit came down, and all hearts ran together in sweet union. We then organized a church of twelve members. Six others who would have been present were prevented by sickness.

Wednesday evening we closed with a discourse upon the alarm of Joel ii, 1. The brethren there feel much encouraged, and more determined to go on in this good work than ever.

Next day we traveled about twenty miles through the mud, while the cold snow-storm and wind came heavily upon us all the way. At night we preached in Dayton to a deeply-interested audience for nearly two hours, and felt much blessed and refreshed.

Next day we went to Washington, and on Sabbath and Sunday preached four times. The little flock there were greatly encouraged. There are some signs of good developing at that place, though the opposition is great and strong. Some more are deciding on the truth.

Monday following we went to Mt. Pleasant, and began meetings in that vicinity on Tuesday, 24th. Prospects were very discouraging, as the mud was quite deep; but a goodly number came out. Next day it rained nearly all day, but we had a good meeting notwithstanding.

Friday we moved our meetings to the house of Bro. Sharp by his request, where we all remained till we closed up on Sunday night following. The Lord was present to help in time of trouble, and gave such a blessing as the occasion demanded. The meeting there was one of the best of my life. We organized a church of seventeen members, and baptized sixteen. Six new ones made a start along with us, three of whom were baptized. The children were deeply impressed, and called for prayers, and expressed an anxious desire to go with their parents to the kingdom.

Sabbath and Sunday, March 7 and 8, I spent in Iowa City. The brethren were greatly encouraged with the visit, and the Lord blessed much in ridding the cause of some distressing troubles. Here we baptized six; and on the following day parted in glorious hope of meeting in a better country. In all, in three weeks and two days I attended thirty-four meetings, preached twenty-six times, baptized twenty-three persons, and sold over $25 worth of books. Wherever I go the blessing follows. I feel much encouraged, and am determined to go on with the remnant to mount Zion. Brethren, let us try to meet there. B. F. SNOOK.