Reports From the Field: Texas

[THE FOLLOWING IS AN EXTRACT FROM A PRIVATE LETTER DATED FEB. 3. L. M. H.] Since coming to Denison, Texas, our time has been occupied mostly in writing, yet we have held some meetings. By invitation we held a meeting in the Shilo school house about four miles from where we live. Some individuals attending this meeting urged us to give an appointment for Cherry Mound, a place about five miles from Shilo. We gave an appointment, and one week ago last Sunday we spoke to a house full and nearly as many more who could not find room in the house. We had freedom in speaking to our intelligent and interested audience. Here we were urged to leave an appointment for the next Sunday and also to give an appointment for Hebron, three miles from Cherry Mound, which requests we complied with. After this meeting closed we rode five miles to fill our appointment at Shilo. My husband spoke to a good audience upon the words of Paul to Timothy, «Preach the word,» contrasting the pure Bible teachings with fables taught from the pulpit in this time.

Last Sunday we rode over bad roads to Cherry Mound, to fill our appointment there at 11 o’clock. When we arrived, found the people waiting, and ready to hear the words of truth. The house was literally packed. I had barely standing room. Many were standing by the door and windows. Hymns were sung from Song Anchor, which interested the audience. I had freedom in speaking. After the close of this meeting we partook of our lunch, then rode on to Hebron to fill our appointment at 3 P. M. The people here had had preaching in the forenoon and we did not expect many would be out to hear us. Yet they came, gentlemen and ladies, on horseback, and whole families in lumber wagons, and the house was well filled. As we looked over the sparsely settled country on our way to the place we queried where the people would come from to make a congregation. But about one hundred and sixty came together. My husband addressed them while they listened with eager attention. I spoke about thirty minutes with great freedom; many were in tears. As soon as the meeting closed persons from different points came to us and urged us to hold meetings with them. We distributed tracts and papers to eager hands; and left appointments for Cherry Mound and Hebron.

Here in the State of Texas is a large field for missionary labor. The most of these to whom we have spoken in these country towns have never heard of a Seventh-day Adventist. At Cherry Mound they had no meeting for months, and meetings are but seldom held in any of these places. We feel our hearts melt with pity as we see the ignorance prevailing in regard to Bible truth and a religious life. The people pay but little attention to the prosy sermons to which they listen occasionally.

Laborers are needed in this field; God-fearing, self-denying laborers. Souls are starving for the word of life. Some who have once enjoyed the love of God, who have been members of different churches in the North, but have long been without a shepherd, are anxious to learn the way of salvation more perfectly. And others who have made no profession of religion, listen just as eagerly.

Strong tea and coffee and swine’s flesh are used in great quantities here, and as the result sickness prevails. I believe many would make determined efforts to change their habits of life if they had the light upon health reform. Where are the patient missionaries for God, who will let their light shine forth to this people? «The common people heard him gladly.» Thus we find it. We mean to do all we can here in Texas. Sow beside all waters. The seed may spring up and bear fruit to the glory of God. E. G. White. —