General Conference Bulletin, vol. 4

THE WOMAN’S GOSPEL WORK

The work known as the “Woman’s Gospel Work” was started by our beloved Sister Henry in 1897. As she wished to come into correspondence with the sisters, she made out what is known as the Seekers’ and Workers’ cards, and sent them to all the sisters in the denomination. These cards were replied to quite freely. She also sent out several circular letters, telling the sisters of the work that the Lord had committed to her care. As we all remember, Sister Henry was a great Woman’s Christian Temperance Union worker, and spent a large portion of her time in the W. C. T. U. work; and she had so hoped that there might be a similar work started among us as sisters to further on the work of the gospel. Before her hopes were fully realized, she was laid away to rest. GCB April 4, 1901, page 55.8

The work was carried on for a time by Sister Mace. When the Council met last spring, they decided, after examining the work, that it had better be continued, and appointed a committee of five sisters to look after it until the next General Conference session. GCB April 4, 1901, page 55.9

I will say in regard to the work, that we have no discouraging report to bring. For a while the work seemed to progress slowly, but it has increased very materially in the last four months. For the nine months ending Dec. 31, 1900, we had received 1,066 letters, and written 1,226. For the past three months, we have received 713 letters, and written 741. GCB April 4, 1901, page 55.10

We have endeavored in our correspondence to lead our sisters to think less about their bodily ailments, and to get out and work for others. In many instances the second or third letter from a sister, instead of telling about her aches and pains, speaks of what she is doing for the Lord, and how he has blessed her in ministering to others. This is a great encouragement to us, and is a verification of the promises of Isaiah 58. We have also exhorted the sisters, both by correspondence and through the Review, to be good, faithful, devoted, and obedient wives, and never to deceive their husbands under any circumstances. The carrying out of these duties has resulted, in several instances, in the husband’s soon commencing to keep the Sabbath with his wife. GCB April 4, 1901, page 55.11

To attempt to enumerate the many interesting and needy cases which have come to our notice would certainly not be advisable in this connection. Some who have been drunkards have been reclaimed. In several cases where the husband had opposed the wife, they are now united in keeping the Sabbath. Those wanting homes, and those wishing to share their homes with others, have been brought together. The unfortunate ones have not been forgotten. The wants of the poor have been relieved to the extent of our ability. GCB April 4, 1901, page 55.12

Our page in the Review and Herald has given a fair representation of our work each week. Many letters have spoken of the comfort and benefit received from this department in the Review. We have endeavored to encourage the sisters to fulfill their mission in the home; to be systematic, cleanly, plain, and neat in their appearance and household adornment, and to practice economy in all things, so that each family might be free from debt, as this would in time tend to free us as a denomination from this great encumbrance. We have also urged the sisters to visit the sick where it was possible, giving them simple treatments. By assisting the poor and the afflicted, and thus relieving their pain and temporal wants, we can gain access to their hearts, and interest them in the truth. Our sisters have been asked to distribute our reading-matter wherever opportunity offered. A number of new reading-racks have been placed in depots and other public places, which we have been helping to fill. One sister is working among the lepers in a lazarette in Canada, where we have furnished large quantities of foreign and English literature, which is eagerly read by these lepers. GCB April 4, 1901, page 55.13

The requests for prayers in behalf of unconverted relatives and friends, and from those passing through some peculiar trial, are becoming more and more numerous. A number of remarkable instances of answers to prayer have been reported. One case I wish especially to speak of—a sister’s drunken husband. We corresponded with her, and sent him literature, and now his wife writes us, and he also writes, that he has not tasted a drop for months, and is not only taking a deep interest in the temperance work, but is becoming interested in present truth. He is now requesting us to pray for a cousin of his, that he may be reclaimed also. Some have been healed of physical infirmities; several have been converted; others have gained victory in regard to appetite. We are sure that this bond of warm interest in each other’s experiences is a source of strength and encouragement. It sends us frequently to the throne of grace, where, in asking for others, we ourselves are renewed with love and thankfulness to our Heavenly Father. GCB April 4, 1901, page 55.14

We have found some of our sisters in extreme poverty, and some young women in the most unfortunate circumstances. In dealing with such cases, it has been our first aim to correspond with the president of the Conference in which they were, to find out what he could do for them. We are glad to say that in every case we have received most kind replies, and also material aid for these people, and we wish to express our thanks to all presidents of Conferences for the interest that they have taken in the Woman’s Gospel Work, and for their hearty co operation. In a few instances we have sent out clothing and provision. As these cases came to us, we felt the need of an emergency fund, whereby we could help the destitute by the loan of a little money, when absolutely necessary. We have also tried to make our work self-supporting in a measure. The needs of the work were mentioned in a quiet way through our department in the Review, and by correspondence, and so far over one hundred dollars has been received from sale of tracts and donations. GCB April 4, 1901, page 56.1

I wish to add a few words in reference to the temperance work. In harmony with the instruction from the Spirit of prophecy in the Review of May 22, 1900, that we should come shoulder to shoulder with temperance workers, and should call for signers for the temperance pledge, we have tried to arouse a deeper interest in this work. We have moved slowly, as we desired to work in harmony, and felt sure that some action would be taken at this Conference with reference to the temperance work. Through the kindness of the Review and Herald and Good Health publishing companies, we secured a supply of pledges free of charge. A great many requests for prayer for sons, husbands, brothers, and friends who are using liquor and tobacco, come in from our sisters; and we find that there is great need of temperance work in our ranks, to say nothing of the needs outside. GCB April 4, 1901, page 56.2

Sisters Beerman and Hansen have been faithful workers, the former for the Germans, and the latter for the Scandinavians. The correspondence which they have had has been very interesting and encouraging, although the work has moved slowly. They are anxious to get every new plan which we have for work, and pass it on to their sisters. Sister Hansen has recently gone to Scandinavia, and intends to carry on the work there for the sisters in that country, and also to correspond with the Scandinavians in this country. GCB April 4, 1901, page 56.3

We believe that the life of the Christian is made up of prayer and work, and our aim is to encourage every one of our sisters to do her part faithfully, so that when the Master comes, he can say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” MRS. GEO. A. IRWIN. GCB April 4, 1901, page 56.4