Ellen G. White: The Australian Years: 1891-1900 (vol. 4)

Financial Agony Pervaded the Avondale Community

In the meantime, the workers at the Avondale school writhed in agony. In March, Ellen White wrote, “Laborers working on the school building need their money, but they cannot have it, for there is no means in the treasury. But they have borne this bravely.”—Letter 47, 1899. Workmen were pressing for long-overdue wages. Suppliers were pressing for the payment of accounts. School opened February 1, and the till was empty, so empty, in fact, that as the students came in A. G. Daniells, the acting principal, asked each one if he had some money that could be lent to the school—a pound or two or three? (as told to the author by AGD). 4BIO 412.1

Ellen White described the situation as of April 2, 1899: 4BIO 412.2

We could not obtain money to pay the workmen on the school buildings, and a large debt has accumulated at Newcastle for provisions, and at Sydney for lumber. But all we can do is to wait and hope and believe, and keep working in faith.

I have not paid my workers for a large share of last year, and nothing as yet for this year. But we hope that the next mail may relieve the situation.... The Lord understands every rope in the ship, and I am not at all confused or confounded. He has the means to help us, and help will certainly come. It is no use to get tired and impatient over delays.—Letter 61, 1899. 4BIO 412.3