The Lutheran Pioneer St. Louis — 1912, Page 13

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The Lutheran Pioneer. 13

Follow Jesus!
“They forsook all, and followed Him,” LuKe 5, 11.

Thou, O Christ, art all to me,
All I leave to follow Thee.

[ will journey by Thy side,
Thou my only Stay and Guide.
In this changing world below,
Where Thou leadest, I will go.

Dearest Savior, God of Love,
Send Thy blessing from above!
May it ever rest on me;

Let me live alone for Thee.
All my care to Thee I bring,
My Redeemer and my -King.

I leave all to follow Thee,
Who hast done so much for me.
Thou dost all my sorrows know,
All my griefs and all my woe.
When the storm of life is past,
Lead me to my home at last.
Ester PETERSON.

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The Circulation of the ‘‘Lutheran Pioneer.’’

The many encouraging responses to my circular
concerning the circulation of the Aissionstaube and
the Lurneran Pioneer show that strenuous efforts
are being made to introduce these missionary month-
lies into every home belonging to the Synodical Con-
ference. This fills my heart with joy, and it ought
to be glad news to all who are interested in our
mission work. My correspondents approve of the
plan, promise to cooperate, and wish the undertakin,
God’s blessing. .

While some undoubtedly have put the plan out-
lined in the circular into operation without thinking
it necessary to report, many, on the other hand,
failed to do so because of the preparations for the
Christmas festivities. Z'hese brethren are kindly
asked to energetically take up the work in the new
year and report to me, in order that this important
work of our mission, too, may ‘be systematically car-
ried on.

We are laboring for a great cause; “for the
cause and glory, dearest Lord, are Thine, not ours.”
We are, in some measure, helping to “preach the
Gospel to every creature” and build up His king-
dom through these monthly messengers. “Let us
therefore not be weary in well-doing, for in due
season we shall reap if we faint not.” Sample
copies will be mailed upon application to Concordia
Publishing House, St. Louis, Mo. 1

For the many cordial greetings, well-wishes, and
encouragements I herewith tender sincere thanks.
May, in this new year, “the beauty of the Lord,
our God, be upon us, and establish Thou the work
of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands
establish Thou it!” N. J. BAKKE.

Items from Bethlehem Chapel, New
Orleans, La.

It has been some time since the PIONEER last
brought news to its readers from our Bethlehem
Station, and, as a consequence, Bethlehem might be
forgotten by our friends. But though the outside
world has not heard much of us, we have been all
the more active within, having quietly carried on
the Lord’s work. Nor has the Lord’s blessing passed
us by, as a short survey of the past year will show.

January 4, Bethlehem held its annual meeting,
and, as is customary, a detailed report of every
church activity of the past year was rendered with
the necessary comment. And it was with thankful
hearts that we listened to the details of the report,
for in almost every department and every activity a
decided increase was noted. All the services of the
year were well attended.. At some special services
our chapel’ was filled to its utmost capacity. To
the praise of God let it be said that our congregation
has a good report among those that are without, that
it is esteemed by its neighbors, and that its services
are almost regularly attended by a goodly number of
strangers.

The financial standing of Bethlehem has also
decidedly improved in the past year, the total re-
ceipts being $745.56, as against $504.04 for 1910,
which means an increase of $241.52 for 1911.

During the course of the year our old fence, often
repaired already and still broken at many a place,
was replaced by an iron one at the cost of $90.00.
Of this sum, $73.53 has so far been covered by
special contributions, and we hope that the deficit
still remaining will not accompany us far into the
new’ year. ‘The sum expended for improvements
which we were compelled to make on our cemetery
lots, if we would not lose them to the city authori-
ties, amounting to $96.50, has been paid with the
exception of $20.05. This money was also raised by
special collections; and our regular collections and
contributions have not suffered thereby, which may
be seen from the fact that from $25.00 a month sent
to the Mission Treasury we have crept up to $40.00.