p. 812 | NORTH DAKOTA by G. C. Tenney

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Tuesday, December 23, 1884

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 61, No. 51

NORTH DAKOTA.

By G. C. Tenney

I HAVE now been in this field a little over three months, and it is not without some feelings of reluctance that I leave it for a few weeks to labor in other places. It is generally considered impracticable to hold religious meetings here during the winter; but I see no reason why our work cannot be prosecuted successfully even in that inclement season. I had expected to spend the most of the present winter in Ellendale, whence we have received urgent invitations. But I believe the hand of God is guiding his people, and I wish to walk in that counsel.

So far we have no reason to be discouraged at the prospects of the work here, though financially the times are very hard, on account of the unprecedented low price of wheat, the sole dependence of the country. Money has heretofore been very plenty. Careless investments and debts are the result, and now a change in the times brings distress and utter loss to many. But it is to be hoped that there will be a spiritual blessing in this financial calamity, that the spirit of worldliness will receive such a check as will permit people to consider the claims of God upon them. There are about seventy-five Sabbath-keepers in this mission, nearly one-third of whom have embraced the truth in the last few weeks. Others are in the “valley of decision,” and in many places there is an interest to hear and read the truth. Some means is coming into the treasury, and we already anticipate a time when the cause will be self-sustaining.

Especially favorable are the indications for labor in the Scandinavian language. Bro. M. M. Olsen has entered this branch of the work. He has his hands full, and so far has labored with encouraging success. Those who have sent papers and tracts into this field have been doing a good work; let it go on.

Our first general meeting was held at our house in Fargo Dec. 6-8. Eld. O. A. Olsen was present and took charge. It was an excellent meeting, though the attendance was small. God’s blessing was with us throughout. Steps were taken for the permanent establishment of the work here. A church was organized for the benefit of the scattered brethren. A resolution was adopted inviting all S. D. Adventists in Northern Dakota in good standing with our people, to unite with this church by sending letters of commendation to the clerk, Mrs. M. C. Wise, Fargo, D. T. Seventeen persons united with the church at this time, and tithes were paid to the amount of about $70. The organization of a tract and missionary society was perfected, and twenty persons became members by the payment of the fee, one dollar. There is opportunity for as many others to enter this society as feel an interest to connect themselves with the cause of God by labor. We urge all our friends to identify themselves with this work. A good stock of publications is kept at the depository, and we are prepared to do all the business pertaining to the society. The secretary is Mrs. Elsie L. Tenney, Fargo, to whom orders and correspondence should be addressed. Local societies have been formed at Watson and Larimore.

Three or four canvassers are at work with good prospects of success. I believe the time has come when the work of God should be permanently established in this northern section of country. A vast field is open before us extending over five hundred miles along the fertile Red River Valley, and to Montana on the west. There are serious obstacles to meet in this latitude, but the work is God’s, and in him we would humbly trust.

G. C. TENNEY.