Earlier text: Who Healeth All Our DiseasesDemerara, Trinidad, St. Vincent, and Antigua
By A. J. Haysmer
MAY 28 I arrived in Georgetown, British Guiana, to attend a ten days' general meeting. I found nearly everything in readiness. Our brethren had rented a hall, with rooms for those coming from the different churches and companies. Nearly every company was represented. The evening services were well attended by those not of our faith, and the subjects presented were such as to benefit both these and our own people. Two temperance meetings were held, and the majority of those present signed the pledge. The necessity of rapidly pushing our work out in the unwarned districts, also of a systematic effort to educate our churches and companies so they can do practical missionary work, was largely dwelt upon in our council meetings. While we do not see all accomplished that we hope to, we believe that the work will receive a new impetus from now on. Men from the city asked us where we had been hiding, why we had not bestirred ourselves and let the people know we were there, and what we had for them? We as workers accepted this rebuke, and resolved to push the work with more vigor than in the past. The Spirit of the Lord came in, and some who had been disfellowshipped were reclaimed. Three were baptized, and many became interested in the truth for the first time. Our brethren returned to their homes with more faith and better courage to engage in the work before them. Arrangements were made to continue the evening meetings for a time. At the close of the meeting I went to Trinidad, and spent a few days in council with the brethren there. I was glad to see the work growing. The effort to raise a building fund is encouraging, and new plans were suggested, which I believe will greatly help in this work. My next stop was at St. Vincent. I found Elder Van Deusen well, and working hard to enlighten the people; but Sister Van Deusen was very poorly. The hard work she has been doing has been too great a strain upon her. One would think that, after the terrible volcanic eruptions which took off so many souls, injured many persons, and rendered many more homeless, the people would be thinking more seriously about their eternal salvation, and would be turning to the Lord. While this is true of a few, and has given us the opportunity of presenting the signs of the times to many who before would not listen, yet Amos 4:11 describes the condition of the rest. This is a hard field indeed, and may the Lord give his servants strength faithfully to present the truths for this time. June 23 I took a small boat for St. Lucia, to catch the packet for Antigua. We were twenty hours going about fifty miles, but arrived just in time to make the boat, reaching Antigua about eleven o'clock Wednesday night. They have just secured property for a church, and will soon begin to build: the work is prospering. The number of believers is increasing. Brother Wellman is not only holding meetings in the hall, but open-air services in different parts of the city. This is doing much to bring our work before the people. I had a good time while in St. Kitts, and baptized five persons, one a Spanish sister from San Domingo, the first convert in this field who speaks Spanish only. May the Lord add greatly to the nucleus. I have also baptized four since coming to St. Thomas, two of whom were a man and his wife. The gentleman has attended the Moravian training school in Antigua, and has been teaching and acting as local preacher for four years. He seems to be an earnest young man, and I hope will make a worker for the small islands after he has had a little training. We get good reports from the field. The work is going hard, but the Lord is blessing. I am anxious to cover the islands as quickly as possible, for disasters and war will soon make the work harder, and many will be cut off. The Norway Conference
By C. B. Jensen
OUR sixteenth annual meeting in Norway was held in Bethel, Christiania, June 10–15, 1902. At the opening meeting thirteen of the twenty-one churches were represented by delegates. When it is remembered that almost as much time is needed to sail from the northern part of Norway to Christiania as to go from Christiania to New York City, one may see that it would be next to an impossibility for the northern churches to be fully represented. As the larger number of our brethren live in the southern part of Norway, these annual conferences are generally held there for the accommodation of the majority. A number of the northern churches sent telegrams to us, expressive of their interest in, and prayers in behalf of, our deliberations, that God might give wisdom in all that should be done. The president, Elder O. A. Johnson, briefly reviewed the work of the year, and heartily thanked the brethren for the cordial manner in which they had responded to the needs of the cause. They had been asked to assist in raising money at three different times, besides the regular annual offering, thus paying the conference and tract society debts to the publishing house. In view of the custom now gaining recognition at all our general meetings, it was voted that a large committee be chosen to act as a committee of counsel, as follows: H. Hansen, N. P. Nelson, Z. Sherrig, H. J. Hansen, C. B. Jensen, O. J. Olsen, O. A. Johnson, John Lorntz, A. Sewaldsen, Z. Johansen, H. Angel, E. Iversen, A. O. Narem, H. M. Lund, and J. Badendich. The following subcommittees were chosen:— On Resolutions: N. P. Nelson, H. Hansen, Z. Sherrig, Z. Johansen, John Lorntz. On Credentials: O. A. Johnson, A. G. Daniells, H. J. Hansen, A. O. Narem, C. B. Jensen. On Nominations: A. Sewaldsen, E. Iversen, J. Badendich, L. R. Conradi, S. M. Scheen. Opportunity was given our local ministers and church-school teachers to relate their experiences in the field during the past year. These were of a varied nature, indicating that the enemy of all righteousness is not asleep here in Norway. One minister had been threatened with death by shooting, if he did not leave the town; another had been imprisoned four days, with nothing but bread to eat and water to drink, because he had baptized a convert under age, whose father objected; one of the church-school teachers related a touching incident of how his pupils, instead17of playing during the recess hour, had spent the time in prayer in a secluded place, asking God’s blessing upon them and upon their teacher. These experiences were listened to with interest and sympathy on the part of the congregation, as one could see from the tears in many eyes. The following resolutions were passed:— “Whereas, Our ministers are few, and rarely have an opportunity of visiting our isolated brethren and sisters, and,— “Whereas, In the past the Sabbath school has proved to be a great blessing to old and young, therefore,— “1. Resolved, That we encourage our isolated brethren and sisters to devote some time every Sabbath to a thorough study of the Sabbath-school lesson, that they may, through this branch of the work, be partakers of the blessing and light God is willing to bestow upon his people. And, further,— “We Recommend, That at the same time, these brethren and sisters take up a collection, and at the end of each quarter forward the money to the conference treasurer. “Whereas, The quarterly reports from our Sabbath schools and churches are quite incomplete, therefore,— “2. Resolved, That we encourage our secretaries in the various churches and Sabbath schools to be more prompt in filling out and sending in said reports. “Whereas, Evangelists’ Sendebud [Gospel Messenger] has not the circulation among our own church members that it ought to have, and thus comes out with an annual deficit, therefore,— “3. Resolved, That we attempt to increase its circulation (a) by visiting every family among us that does not take the paper; (b) by soliciting subscriptions among outsiders; (c) by requesting that our ministers, and others who have the ability, write short, pithy articles for the paper. “Whereas, The Lord has richly blessed us in all branches of the work during the past year, therefore,— “4. Resolved, That we express our deep gratitude and thankfulness for all his goodness toward us. “Whereas, We gratefully acknowledge the help rendered us by our brethren in America and in other lands, during the time of our financial difficulty, therefore,— “5. Resolved, That we hereby express our heartfelt thanks for their tendered sympathy. “Whereas, Our hearts are to-day full of gratitude to God for his wonderful deliverance in our time of great need here in Norway, and as our brethren in America and other parts of the world so nobly came to our rescue, not only with their counsel, but with what money we needed to pay the banks, and thus saved the cause of God from the reproach of our enemies, therefore,— “6. Resolved, That we ask our brethren who are present from America, to carry our sincere thanks to our beloved brethren beyond the great Atlantic for all the help and encouragement they have sent us in our time of need. “Whereas, During the past year our church schools have proved themselves to be a great blessing, therefore,— “7. Resolved, That our churches be encouraged to lay plans whereby more church schools may be established. “Whereas, Many of our tracts are out of date, and a number are also out of print, therefore,— “8. Resolved, That Z. Sherrig, O. A. Johnson, H. M. Lund, S. M. Scheen, and John Lorntz be a committee to look over and revise our tracts, and recommend which of the old, as well as what new books and tracts, should be printed. “Whereas, Our canvassers are suffering from the financial crisis that has visited our land, and the opposition to their work has become more intense, so that it is difficult for them to make their work self-supporting, therefore,— “9. Resolved, That the conference committee appoint a day on which a collection in behalf of this branch of the work may be taken up. “Whereas, Other conferences pay their own president, as they do their other missionary workers, from nine tenths of all their tithe, and pay one tenth of their tithe (as well as their Sabbath-school donations and week-of-prayer offerings) for use in the mission field, therefore,— “10. Resolved, That we adopt the same attitude toward the Scandinavian Union Conference, and accept the usual custom of paying the conference president from the nine tenths of the tithe, and that, in harmony with the advice of the visiting brethren, we ask the European General Conference for an appropriation large enough to cover the deficit that will be occasioned in our conference treasury by this additional expense.” Resolutions five and six seemed to touch a responsive cord in the hearts of the people, and many touchingly related how this experience, more than anything else, had led them to realize that this is indeed the work of God. The lesson has been a bitter one, but through the help of the Lord, it will be productive of great good to the cause of truth in Norway. The philanthropic work received its share of attention. This branch of the third angel’s message is now represented in three centers,—by our water-cure establishment in Christiania, which is under the direct supervision of the Norway Conference, and by treatment rooms in Bergen and in Hamar, both of which are private, self-supporting undertakings, operated in harmony with the light God has been pleased to give us as a people. The following persons were chosen as the board for the Norwegian Philanthropic Society: President, O. A. Johnson; Vice-President, O. J. Olsen; Secretary and Treasurer, John Lorntz; other members, H. J. Hansen, C. B. Jensen, L. Halvorsen, Johanne Christensen. The treasurer’s report showed that during the past year the income of the conference had exceeded its expenses by kroner 713.07; and the book mission which operates the publishing house, had a gain of kroner 2,733.11 for the year. Considering the money stringency, this is a very encouraging showing. About seventy have accepted the truth during the year. Ministerial credentials were granted to O. A. Johnson, H. Hansen, N. P. Nelson, A. Sewaldsen, and O. J. Olsen. Missionary licenses were given to Z. Sherrig, E. Iversen, Lina Lind, Julia Lyche, and Johanne Bjorkelund. The conference officers for the year are as follows: President, O. A. Johnson; Secretary, C. B. Jensen; other members of the committee, N. P. Nelson, Z. Sherrig, H. Hansen, O. J. Olsen, A. Sewaldsen; conference Treasurer and Treasurer and Manager of Book Mission, A. C. Christensen; Canvassing Agent, Z. Sherrig; Sabbath-school and Missionary Secretary, Johanne Christensen. All certainly appreciated the help rendered by the visiting brethren—L. R. Conradi, A. G. Daniells, N. P. Nelson, C. W. Flaiz, H. W. Cottrell, Dr. Carl Ottosen, and H. Shultz. Their advice was timely, and their suggestions helpful. At the close of the meeting, the brethren and sisters all went home happy in the Lord, and of good courage to carry forward the work he has committed to his people in these days. THORO HARRIS
By Thoro Harris
SPEAK a word for Jesus,
Tell what he hath done.
Of this Man’s disciples,
Brother, are you one?
Christ is now on trial:
Have you found him true?
Is this Friend of sinners
All in all to you? Speak a word for Jesus,
Count it not a cross.
If you wait, the blessing
Surely will be lost.
He the cross has lifted,
Borne for thee the shame;
As a royal honor
Mention his dear name. Speak a word for Jesus:
’Tis a holy joy.
Every power he gives you
To his praise employ.
Grace your debt has canceled;
Grace has set you free:
Speak a word for Jesus,
Speak with liberty. Speak a word for Jesus,
Speak it loud and clear;
Brother, speak it boldly
So that all may hear.
From the fold of safety
Some have gone astray;
One small word may win them
Back to God to-day. Speak a word for Jesus:
Though your faith be weak,
Do not fear to utter
What he bids you speak.
You have found him precious,
You have proved him true:
Can you once deny him
Who has died for you? Speak a word for Jesus:
Time is passing by.
Of his love so boundless
Rise and testify.
’Twas your sins that nailed him
To the cruel tree;
Only say, I love him,
Him who first loved me. Speak a word for Jesus:
Faithful is the Lord,
Trusty is his promise,
Sure the rich reward.
If thou faithful own him
Here to mortal men,
In his Father’s kingdom
Christ will own thee then. Carolina Camp Meeting
By R. M. Kilgore
SALISBURY, where the meeting was held, is in the eastern part of North Carolina. It is a large city, at the junction of the Trunk lines of the Southern Railroad. It is a new field, the work of the canvassers this summer being all that it had heard of the message prior to this meeting. The camp was located on a vacant lot, surrounded with residences. With the work done in the city by the canvassers and the distribution of the Camp-Meeting Bulletin, the people became deeply interested, and filled the large tent every night and on Sundays, listening attentively to the word spoken. By actual count nearly five hundred men and women stood around the tent during the entire service, while many, finding no chance to hear, returned to their homes. In our social meetings many not of our people took part in praising the Lord for the light and truth they were receiving. Our people were greatly cheered and strengthened by the presence of the Spirit and power of God. The whole congregation was forward, consecrating themselves, with deep feeling and heart searching, and sinners were converted. The meetings are to be continued by Elders J. O. Johnston and W. L. McNeely, assisted by a good company of other laborers. The prospect is favorable for a church at Salisbury, for God has certainly much people in that city. He will bless his servants if they keep humble and trust him. The work in this conference is growing, their numbers are increasing, the calls for labor are more than they can fill; and although their tithes are increasing, the treasury has not sufficient to meet the demands upon it. More workers could be set to work if the conference had the funds. The officers are overwhelmed with the magnitude of the work which they have on their hands. Love and harmony prevail among all the believers. The meetings of the conference and its departments were made seasons of instruction, and were profitable occasions. But few changes were made in officials. A proposition from the Southern Missionary Society to transfer the Hildebran school to the conference was received, and it was planned to make it a preparatory school. We hope this may be brought about. Several church schools are contemplated. Some experienced teachers have been secured. The new corporation provided for by the Southern Union Conference Committee was formed, taking the name of “The Southern Educational Company.” (The statute requires the termination18“company” to all corporations.) The object of this organization is to open and operate schools in the rural districts and among the poor in the cities of the South, outside of, and apart from, our church organizations. The need of such a corporation will appear to all who understand the situation and the purpose of the committee in its inauguration. This was indeed a precious occasion, a meeting long to be remembered. The prospect is bright for the future of this conference. R. M. KILGORE. Humboldt County, California
By Augustin J. Bourdeau
The third angel’s message is making steady progress in Humboldt County. There are over two hundred believers, many of whom have been led to accept the faith through the efforts of Elder C. M. Gardner, Brother A. S. Marchus and those associated with him. A new impetus has been given to the work there by the Eureka camp meeting, which was held from August 7 to 17. The camp was located at H and Seventeenth Streets, a different location from that of last year. The number of campers was about one hundred and fifty. By invitation of the California Conference Committee, Brethren A. T. Jones, E. J. Hibbard, and A. J. Bourdeau were present to assist in the work. From the first, the interest was excellent on the part of both believers and unbelievers. Most helpful and practical talks were given by Elders Jones and Hibbard upon practical Christianity, Christian singing, true health reform, how to study the Word, the reception of the Holy Spirit for service, Christian education, temperance, personal self-government an essential in the reorganization of our conferences and of the General Conference, and many other topics pertaining to the message. “Christ’s Object Lessons”
Due time was also given by all to the consideration of the great blessing to be found in circulating “Christ’s Object Lessons.” A number arose and told of their experiences in the work; and all listened with evident pleasure to the reading of over twenty excellent recommendations of the book, written by the leading pastors of California. When we called for those to arise who are determined to stay by this grand work until it is completed, every one in the large pavilion arose. The brethren and sisters in Humboldt County have shouldered their entire quota, fourteen hundred and eighty-two books, and are doing their utmost to dispose of them as rapidly as possible. The tract and missionary work was also presented, it being shown that our publications are to-day doing a far greater work than even the living preacher. An interest was awakened in our plan to have each church in this State secure as complete a library of Seventh-day Adventist literature as possible, and to circulate these books, pamphlets, papers, and tracts among those not of our faith. The most cultured and intelligent people of Eureka—lawyers, ministers, editors, school-teachers, etc.—came regularly to the meetings, and manifested a deep interest. Sunday afternoon, August 10, Elder Jones delivered a stirring address on the subject of Rome and the United States, taking his text from the daily newspapers. He showed how Rome is slowly but surely gaining control of this nation, of its press, of its leaders, and pointed out the only way of escape,—by joining the forces of the Lamb, and sharing in his victory. The audience sat spellbound, and at the close of the sermon the speaker was interviewed by a number of Eureka’s leading men, and requested to deliver another sermon just like it the following Sunday, as they desired to bring with them a large number of friends. Their request was complied with, and such was the interest Sunday afternoon, August 17, that it became necessary to complete the subject in the evening service. A liberal amount was collected after each of these services. In view of the deep interest shown in this particular phase of the truth, we telegraphed to Oakland for a good supply of “The Two Republics” and “Ecclesiastical Empire,” quite a number of which were sold. It was evident that the brethren and sisters had come to the camp meeting with but one idea in mind—that of receiving more of God’s blessing and Spirit to make them more efficient workers for him. It was also apparent that they believed in a thorough knowledge of present truth; for over one hundred and sixty dollars’ worth of publications were sold to them—over one dollar’s worth to each one. Counting the money received on the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” on pledges, etc., nearly three hundred dollars was paid to the tract society secretary during the ten days spent there. This institution is located on the corner of I and Second Streets, only one block from the county courthouse. Dr. and Mrs. Dail, together with their assistants, are doing a good work in Eureka, and the institution is a financial success. A number of prominent citizens take regular treatment there, and are warm in their praises of the correct principles of treatment there followed. Among the needs mentioned at the camp meeting are a small branch sanitarium in Ferndale or some other suitable locality, a canning factory, and a food factory. The complete isolation of Humboldt County, there being no railroad communication with the southern portion of the State, really seems to demand the starting of such industries there. Sabbath, August 16, was a most blessed occasion indeed to all the campers. The Spirit of the Lord was there with power and healing and forgiveness for all present. The young gave their hearts to God, and many came forward for baptism, the ceremony taking place the following day. The tent rang with Spirit-filled, thankful testimonies from nearly all the campers. The meeting was a fitting climax to all the preceding excellent meetings. Following the camp meeting the large tent was removed to Ferndale about thirty-eight miles distant, and pitched on the main street of the town, near the Congregational church. Meetings began Friday evening, August 22, and are still in progress. The working force there consists of Elders C. M. Gardner and E. J. Hibbard, with Brother A. S. Marchus as tent master and assistant. After helping to pitch the tent in Ferndale, I met with the church at Arcata (Sabbath, August 23), and later on with some from the Dow’s Prairie church, and still later (August 27), with the Pepperwood church. The Lord was present at each place as we presented the blessedness connected with the old-time tract and missionary work. I believe that the third angel’s message is the greatest thing in the world, and I was never of better courage. AUGUSTIN J. BOURDEAU,
Secretary and Treasurer of California Tract Society. Canvassing in Central America
By Alvin N. Allen
SUNDAY morning, July 15, my wife and I landed in Belize, British Honduras, after a stormy trip of three days, from Puerto Cortez, Spanish Honduras. Copies of the Coronation number of The Signs of the Times reached us the same day, so I began work with them the next morning. This gave me a good opportunity to become acquainted with the people. The two hundred copies ordered were not sufficient to supply the demand. After these were all sold, I took “The Coming King.” This was a new book to me, but the first man to whom I showed it bought one, and a few minutes later sent for two more for his customers. Our supply of that book is now exhausted, and I am working with “The Desire of Ages” and “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation.” Some of those who bought “The Coming King” are now buying “Daniel and the Revelation.” We now have just two of these left. I have canvassed only the business portion of the town and a few of the best houses. I took a trip up Old River about fifty miles, and in three days sold $18.50 worth of books. God certainly is going before to prepare the hearts of the people to receive the books, as this is the hardest part of the year in which to canvass, there being very little money in circulation at present. When the winter months come, the logging men from up the rivers will return to spend the year’s earnings. This will make better times for all, and we are planning for a large sale. We have just ordered over eight hundred dollars’ worth of books for these months. Brother Braster is the only canvasser in the field besides myself. He is a native of this place, and is doing faithful work. As soon as a new supply of books reaches us, we intend to take a trip of several hundred miles together, canvassing the towns along the way. The first month here I sold seventy-five dollars’ worth of books, and I am still doing well. I find many interested souls, and I hope that the books will be the means of leading some to Christ. I like to canvass, and I believe that God has called me to this work. It cannot be done here, however, as it can in the States. Very few orders are good. The customer may intend to take the book when giving the order, but in a place where money is so scarce, it often occurs that the money has to be used to obtain food. When I take an order now, I obtain a small payment down if possible. This insures the delivery. This might be a good plan to follow in other places also. I am thankful for the privilege of having a part in giving the last message of mercy to a dying world, and hope that there will soon be others who will give themselves to the Master to be taught of him and used wherever he may lead. ALVIN N. ALLEN.