Messages from the Missions

Messages from the Missions

An Eye-opener to Many People Elder James Gunn McKay, President of the London Conference, writ- ing to the Era, Sept. 2, says: "The elders here appreciate very much the July number of the Improvement Era, and we have circulated the copies that reached us here to very good advantage. It has been an eye-opener to many of the people who knew nothing about the Latter-day Saints. Some of the men in high places who have read these articles, have said that if the 'Mormons' continue in this kind of an educational program, they will be a power to lead and influence the world. In fact, one man said that the 'Mormon' people through the integrity of their leaders, are now greatly influencing the thought and policies of men throughout the whole world. So, you may see by this that the truth is beginning to dawn upon thinking men. There are twenty-six elders in the mission from Zion and yesterday we received word that two more would arrive on Sunday. This good news gives heart and life to the whole mission. The caliber of the men coming, with their faith and energy, mean more to this mission than can now be estimated."

Dr. James E. Talmage in Iowa

Elder James H. Anderson, president of the west Iowa conference, reports that the work of the Lord is progressing there and that many Books of Mormon and other books and tracts are being distributed. Friends are coming to the elders, many being taught the principles of the gospel. On August 14-15, Dr. James E. Talmage visited the conference, also President Winslow F. Smith, who were the principal speakers. Since

82 IMPROVEMENT ERA I In ii we have had the privilege of explaining our message to many people as a result of the powerful discourses which they gave to the public.

While we are few in numbers at this conference at present we are having a rich meed of success. Of the fourteen missionaries now labor- ing here, there are five from Idaho as given in the picture. Back row, left to right: L. D. Walentine, Lanark; President James H. Anderson. Rigby; H. L. Muir, Gray's Lake; Ethel Hale, Oakley; G. J. McBride^ Shelley.

We enjoy the Era, so do many of our investigators who look forward to its coming and its many instructions and wholesome reading articles. We send the best wishes to all our fellow-laborers throughout the world.

Flowers Before Rather than After

The work in the European mission is slowly progressing despite the great handicap caused by the war. With the arrival of new missionaries from Zion, and the valiant work of local people in the branches and con- ferences, the future looks much brighter than formerly. The work of President George Albert Smith is appreciated by the Saints in Great Britain, who number about 8,500. He is not only greatly beloved, but has won the respect of many of the leading officials of the nation. His wife, Sister Lucy E. W. Smith, is also doing a wonderful work in helping to keep alive the Relief Society organizations in the European mission. The record of the war work will ever live, as the

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Church by this means, gained a standing in community and governmental circles.

As the writer believes in giving the flowers before rather than after, he cannot help but mention the faithful labors of President James Gunn McKay of the London conference, who has labored for nearly five years. His war experiences would fill a volume, and make interesting reading. There are now twenty-six missionaries in Great Britain, with prospects of more coming. A feature of the mission is the commencement of a special prepara- tory missionary school, held at "Deseret" in London, where the elders are trained for a month prior to their assignment into the field. The course, initiated and given under the direction of President McKay, consists of scripture memorizing, five minute morning talks, subject to criticism, and general discussion. The class is accomplishing wonders and is worthy of paterning after. Harold H. Jenson.

Two Elders for Six Conferences Elder James K. Harris, writing from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia under date of July 16 says: "At present there are two elders laboring in the six different conferences in Australia. The signs of the times indicate that the time is far spent and the need of missionaries is very great in or- der that every nation, kindred, tongue and people may have the oppor- tunity of hearing the message of truth before the great judgment day of the Lord cometh. The people are generally looking forward for condi- tions to reach a climax of some kind, but religion, to the general public, is an unpopular principle. Nevertheless, the work of the Lord is slowly progressing in this district."

Joseph R. Hunsaker, Honeyville, Utah; Arnold D. Miller, Mission President, St. Anthony, Idaho; James K. Harris, Lovell, Wyoming, confer- ence president.

Missionary Work in the Boise Stake

Superintendent J. Orval Ellsworth writing from Boise, October 3, describes the system adopted in that stake for missionary work prior to the opening of the M. I. A. for the season. A regular program was pre- pared which called for a three-day missionary campaign. The results of the campaign cannot be measured at this time, but we are told that the effort was doubly worth while, if the effect on the missionaries participat- ing was the only basis of judgment. All expressed a deep appreciation of the inspiration gained and the opportunity of service. Superintendent Ellsworth acted as one of the missionaries, and declares that never before has he enjoyed so much of the Spirit of the Lord. The campaign was held September 24-26 in four of the five wards in which mutuals are organized. We quote the plan as follows, thinking it might be of value to the other stakes contemplating a missionary campaign: "The plan suggested that each ward supply two missionaries, one man and one woman, to accompany two members of the stake boards, one man and one woman, to another ward, and the four have charge of the work. Ward bishops were asked to assist the mutual officers in the selection of competent people, and to set them apart for the work. The ward of- ficers were also asked to list all families in their ward, make a chart locating all residences, and supply two autos and j.uides for the work. "The four missionaries (in each ward) reported at the church each day. There they met a member of the bishopric, a member of the presi- dency of each of the associations, with the autos and guides. The work was planned in detail, and the missionaries made familiar with the geog- raphy of the ward. "Each pair of missionaries visited half of the families in their dis- trict on Friday, and the remainder on Saturday, holding cottage meetings each evening. On Sunday they attended chuich and functioned as speak- ers in sacrament meeting and in two cases at mutual in the evening. "Our stake population is about 2,250 and about 1,500 of the number are of mutual age. Our sixteen missionaries spent three days each in the four wards, traveled a total of 859 miles, spent 174 hours in gospel con- versation, visiting 261 families (two missionaries to each family), person- ally interviewing 425 males and 423 females, or a total of 848 people of mutual age. The remainder of the 1,500 were either not at home, or live in the one ward not visited, or the three branches in which we have no