General Conference Bulletin, vol. 1

RELIEF REPORT

ELIZA BURLEIGH

(Read before the S. D. A. Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association, February 26.)

ALTHOUGH for several years individuals who are now connected with the Benevolent Association have done much in the way of relief work, it was not until January, 1893, that the work was undertaken in a more extensive and systematic manner. At this time a portion of Good Health and the Medical Missionary was designated as the Relief Department. GCB February 27, 1895, page 375.19

The relief work is undertaken in the interest of orphan children, homeless aged persons, and the worthy sick poor. Not only do we look after the orphans, but many cases of half orphans and deserted children have been reported to us that we found were in great need and demanded our attention. GCB February 27, 1895, page 375.20

The work accomplished in supplying the needs of these different classes has not all been accomplished by persons having charge of the work, but our agents who are located in most of our churches have kindly assisted us. GCB February 27, 1895, page 375.21

There is one class of needy ones that has called upon us many times for assistance. These are aged persons who have come to the closing years of their life, and on account of misfortune or sickness, are thrust upon the world, and we ask ourselves the question, Who will give them a home? We can see how a person can take a little child into his home, with the thought that it will be a pleasant addition to the family circle, and in time will be an honor to the family; but the person who takes an aged person into his home has none of these encouragements. Yet for all this we have found homes for them. Some persons having the love of Christ in their hearts, seek not for present nor prospective pleasures, but for an opportunity to do good to the needy. Forty-six cases of aged people have been reported, five of whom have been placed in private families. GCB February 27, 1895, page 375.22

The kind words of appreciation which have been received from the aged we have assisted show us that some sad hearts have been made happy, and it encourages us to work for others. GCB February 27, 1895, page 375.23

About a year ago a very sad case of a young woman that needed a home and Christian influences was reported to us. In a few weeks after our attention was called to the matter, we succeeded in placing her in a good home in an adjoining State. She was not a Christian, although she had been reared by Christian parents. Months passed by, we hearing occasionally of her seemingly increasing interest in sacred things. Only a short time ago we heard the glad news that she is now a devoted Christian. The kind people who took her into their home have expressed themselves as never regretting that they had received her. GCB February 27, 1895, page 375.24

I might stop with this case, and say truly, Our work is not in vain. If but one soul is saved, it will more than compensate for every effort we have made or shall make in this work. GCB February 27, 1895, page 376.1

To give you some idea as to how we carry on the work of placing children in homes, I will give an example that will illustrate the matter more fully. A person living in Illinois writes to us about an orphan child that needs a home. We send a blank application to the party, requesting a complete description of the case. Upon receipt of such information, we notice that the child is too old to be received into the Haskell Home. Even though he cannot be received here, we recognize that our obligation is not at an end. The child needs a home, and it is somebody’s duty to care for it. We then look over our list of agents, and see who lives near the child, and write to him soliciting his interest in the case, with the request that some temporary arrangements be made for him, and we also write to some person that has offered a home for a child of the same age and put him in communication with the person having charge of this orphan. The arrangements necessary are made between the parties concerned in the case, and we are kept informed as to the progress made, and also the final decision. After the child goes to a new home, we do not feel that our work is done, but write occasionally to learn of the child’s progress, or have one of our agents visit the home, and report accordingly. Every case that has enlisted our sympathy is not forgotten; but when we notice the names on our list, we wonder if this little girl has kind care, or if that boy is surrounded with good influences. GCB February 27, 1895, page 376.2

One hundred and sixty-five children have been reported to us as being in need of homes. Fifty of this number have been placed in homes. We have received word from most of the homes where these children have gone, stating that they are satisfied with them. Some have written that they love them as their own children. We would not carry the impression that the children we place in these homes are better than other children, or that they do not require as much care; but instead, in all these cases it requires much wisdom and persevering effort to train the child aright. GCB February 27, 1895, page 376.3

Two hundred and thirty-eight homes have been offered for children. Some will probably ask why we need to call for more homes when we already have more homes offered than we have children to fill them. The trouble is not that there are not enough homes, but it is many times difficult for us to find a child that corresponds to the application. When people write that they want a little girl whose parents were respectable, want her to be winning and without any settled bad habits, also that she must have blue eyes and light hair, you can probably see that it might not be very easy to find a child that would meet this description. GCB February 27, 1895, page 376.4

In order that you may know the blessings that come to those who have taken children into their homes, I quote a few extracts from letters we have received. A kind mother living in Minnesota writes about a little boy taken into her home:— GCB February 27, 1895, page 376.5

We love him dearly, and praise God for sending us a precious little jewel. We know there is missionary work in training this little one for the Master. GCB February 27, 1895, page 376.6

Another person writes:— GCB February 27, 1895, page 376.7

Replying to your inquiries concerning the boy, I will say that we feel a blessing has come to our house in the reception of this little child. GCB February 27, 1895, page 376.8

A motherly woman, living in South Dakota, who took two children into her home, says:— GCB February 27, 1895, page 376.9

I have never been sorry that I took the little ones. If our crops were not an entire failure this year, I would take another, but under the circumstances I cannot see the way clear just now to take any more. I find the task much easier than I anticipated; and I believe if we work for the Lord and his children, the work will not seem hard. GCB February 27, 1895, page 376.10

These are but a few examples of many others that might be given to show what has already been accomplished through the medium of the relief work, and we look for greater results the coming year, knowing that it is the work our Lord would have us do. GCB February 27, 1895, page 376.11