WITH Dec. 31, 1901, the first half-year of the German Union Conference since its reorganization in July, came to an end; and as we look back over the results, we are thankful for the Lord’s prospering hand. Before and at the time of our Friedensau meeting last summer, three Conferences and five mission fields were organized. Since that time two of the mission fields have been formed into Conferences, and one new union mission field has been added. Local conferences and general meetings have been held in seven of these fields, and all these gatherings were seasons of refreshment to those who attended. Ten years ago the general meeting for the whole mission field was not larger than the smallest of the seven meetings held this year.
The West German Conference
Of these fields, the strongest in membership is the West German Conference, which held its midwinter session, January 23–26, at Hannover, a city of about two hundred and sixty thousand inhabitants. Our work in this city began about a year and a half ago, under the labors of Elder G. Schubert. We now have a prosperous church of seventy-six members, and several others are awaiting baptism. In the territory of this Conference is included the most thrifty portion of Germany, the industrial part, Hamburg being the largest city, and the center of this field, the population of which is about twenty-three millions. About two hundred of our people from all parts of the Conference came together for this meeting. The regular business sessions were held in the church hall, and in the evening public services were conducted in large halls, from two to five hundred being in attendance.
During the last six months one hundred and fifteen members have been added to this Conference, which now has a membership of nine hundred and eighty-one. Elder H. F. Schuberth was again unanimously chosen president. As this field has within its borders our two union institutions, the Hamburg Publishing House and the Friedensau property, its tithe is naturally greater than that of any other of the German Union fields. In view of this, the West German Conference not only voted to pay a second tithe to the Union Conference, but it also appropriated five hundred dollars toward starting the work among the Abyssinians. Two ministers were ordained at this meeting. This Conference has about twenty-two ministers and Bible workers, besides seventy canvassers, and the prospects are bright for the future.
The East German Conference
The East German field held its annual meeting at Posen, a city of one hundred and seventeen thousand inhabitants, located in the midst of the three million Poles in Germany. Here about one hundred and twenty of our people had assembled, and a good spirit prevailed in the meetings. On the closing day ten persons were baptized. This Conference was able to pay all its workers, and still have a small surplus in the treasury. During the last half-year they added seventy-nine to their numbers, thereby increasing their membership to nine hundred and thirteen, in the midst of a population of twenty-one millions.
Returning from Posen, we had a pleasant meeting with the church at Berlin, where the membership is now over two hundred. When we consider that this city with its suburbs contains two and one-half millions of people, and that we have only small halls for the accommodation of our audiences, we can easily see that our work is not properly represented in this great center.
In the East German Conference we have two ministers holding Russian citizenship, who have recently been threatened with expulsion from the country if they continue to preach the message, and the teaching of one has been entirely forbidden.
We are now carrying forward a work among the Germans, the Poles, and the Livonians in this field. Elder J. Pieper was heartily re-elected to the presidency of this Conference.
The South German Mission
At Stuttgart, whose inhabitants number one hundred and seventy-six thousand, about ninety of our people from various parts of Southern Germany assembled for their conference, January 2–5. At the public meetings, from two to three hundred were present. The business was transacted very harmoniously. Seven persons were baptized.
The work in this part of the country has not made as rapid progress as in the north but the prospects for the future are better than hitherto. Although there are about fourteen millions of people in this field, yet up to date we have only thirteen workers and two hundred and two members. During the last six months eighteen have been added to our numbers. This field had a deficit of a little more than eight hundred dollars, which had to be supplied from the German Union treasury. Elder Weber’s work has been much appreciated by the brethren. Elder Frauchiger was again chosen leader of this field.
German-Swiss Conference
December 27–30 the German-Swiss Conference delegates met in Basel, where about eighty of our people were in attendance. All enjoyed having the meetings conducted in only one tongue, without the difficulties of translating. Brethren Boettcher and Voth have been holding meetings in this city with a good interest, nine persons having recently been baptized. One of the greatest needs is more experienced help. This Conference has a population of two and one-half millions. Elder J. T. Boettcher was again chosen president.
The Holland Field
Leaving Switzerland, we next attended the first annual meeting of the Holland Conference, which was held in Amsterdam. This is the largest city in that field, and contains over five hundred thousand inhabitants. We have a church here of forty members, and as many more came from different portions of the country. Although our present membership in Holland is only one hundred and seventy-three, yet the brethren there desired the organization of a Conference. Their finances had run behind about two hundred dollars during the last six months, but as they expressed a willingness to bear their financial responsibility for the future, we gladly granted their request. Elder O. A. Olsen was present, and assisted in the meetings. Elder Klingbeil was elected president. During the last six months twelve were added to the church membership in Holland. A canvassers’ institute preceded the general meeting, and we are glad that this part of the work is prospering.
Plans were laid for the proper persons to qualify themselves to open up a small depository in the Holland Conference. We have every reason to believe that the Third Angel’s Message will make more rapid progress here in the future.
Southern Russian Conference
This Conference was organized during our general meeting in Southern Russia, October 9–13. That meeting was the largest we ever held in that part of the field. Thus far the work in the Southern Russian Conference embraces only the one and a half millions of German colonists who have settled in that part of Russia. We now have a membership of seven hundred and fifty-five, seventy-five having been added during the last six months, the majority of whom were baptized and received into membership at the time of our general meeting. One minister was ordained, so they now have three ministers and Bible workers. Elder H. J. Loebsack was elected president. At the time of the meeting his health was so poor that he could take but little part in the services. We are glad to learn that he is improving.
Northern Russian Mission
The annual meeting of this field was held at Riga, all the churches and companies being represented. It was fully organized at that time, and its future prospects seemed very bright. Its149territory embraces the German population in the Baltic provinces and in Poland, and the work among the Esthonians and Lettonians—about six millions of people in all. Brother D. P. Gaede was re-elected director. Of late, Brother Gaede and another laborer have had excellent success in the western part of the field. The enemy could not see this interest increasing without an effort to stop the work, and the brethren were accused, and kept under bail by the authorities for more than four weeks; but a recent letter states that favorable action was taken in their cases, and Brother Gaede has been allowed to return home. During the last six months thirty-three persons have been added to their church membership. They need considerable financial help, as they have such large cities as St. Petersburg, Warsaw, Riga, etc., in their territory.
The Central Russian Mission
In addition to the two fields previously mentioned, we organized a third in Russia, including the native Russian population, etc., and it has been taken as an organized mission field under the direct care of the German Union Conference. A minister who was ordained for the native work is doing well, and thus far a membership of two hundred has been reported. Twenty-eight were baptized during the last six months. Generally, meetings must be held during the night. In one place six families have begun to obey, and in another place twelve families have accepted the message. To be sure, difficulties are not lacking. To escape trouble, one of our workers in this field had to travel twenty-five miles by night, in an unknown country, and as the roads were very poor, he was obliged to walk. When he reached his destination, his feet were much swollen. We should remember in our prayers those who are obliged to labor under such trying circumstances.
Hungarian Mission
The last field we will mention, but not the least one, is the Hungarian Mission, of which Brother J. F. Huenergardt is director. The work there is in its infancy, yet it is prospering; and during the last six months twenty-one have been added to their membership. In Hungary and the Balkan States, with a population of about thirty-five millions, we now have one hundred and eighty-eight members. Most of these are in Hungary, about sixty-five are in Rumania, and ten in Bulgaria. Although there are five missionary workers in this field, yet there is but one ordained minister. More laborers are much needed. As the people are poor, their tithe amounts to only three hundred dollars, and we must help them considerably from the Union Conference treasury. I expect to visit Hungary, Rumania, and Bulgaria in the early part of March, to attend their annual meetings.
Thus far the Austrian field has been united with this mission. We did not have a worker in Austria, with its twenty-six millions of people, until last September, when Elder Lorenz moved to Prague, where we had a company of six. Here he has found a good interest. Vienna, with one million seven hundred thousand inhabitants, has not been entered, and there are many provinces which have never been visited by any of our ministers. This seems indeed sad when we take into consideration the fact that it is impossible to secure permission for the carrying forward of the canvassing work. Surely, this is a country for true missionary work.
Summing up the results of our work since the reorganization of the German Union field in July, we find that three hundred and twenty-four persons have been received by baptism, and sixty by vote, bringing our membership up to three thousand eight hundred and eighteen. Our tithe for the last six months was about twelve thousand eight hundred dollars. We are indeed grateful for these results. There are about two hundred canvassers in this field, and about seventy-five Bible workers and ministers. Our publishing house in Hamburg never before had such prosperity as it now enjoys. We have had to increase our working force. Lately we have been accused of Sunday work by an apostate worker, and though months have gone by, and since the accusation was made we have had a hearing, yet no trial has been called, and we believe that, as the Lord has taken care of us in the past, He will protect the interests of His cause in the future.
At Friedensau the sanitarium, the school, and the food factory are just finishing their annual statement, and we are pleased that we can see the prospering hand of the Lord there. Although the sanitarium did not begin its work until the season was almost over, yet it has managed to get started, and has met its running expenses. The Union Conference paid the salaries of the physician and the manager, and the tuition paid the teacher’s salary. The food factory had about five hundred dollars’ gain. We are just completing a good building with four apartments and some single rooms, for our Friedensau workers, and we hope to enter the house by the first of April. Nearly all the lodgings are already advantageously rented.
In the school itself there are about forty students, from different parts of the German Union field, and they are a far better class of young people than we have had hitherto. During the winter our lady students roomed in the sanitarium, but it is not probable that they can remain there much longer, as there is every prospect that the sanitarium will be full by spring. We have plans under consideration for the building of a dormitory in which about forty students may be accommodated. We believe that the Lord will help us to obtain the means needed for the erection of this building from the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” The plates for the German edition were not received in time to get the book out before Christmas, but our brethren are engaging in the work, and thus far one thousand copies have been sold.
God has been good to us in the past; but as we consider that within the territory of our organized Conferences there are about fifty-five millions of people, while two hundred millions are in mission field territory, which must be supported from the Union Conference treasury, we can see what an enormous field still needs help, both financially and otherwise. May the Lord grant His blessing to the workers in this great harvest field, and put it into the hearts of our brethren everywhere to assist in every way they can.
L. R. CONRADL.
Finland
By John Hoffman
SINCE October, 1901, we have printed twelve thousand tracts and pamphlets in Swedish, and twenty-eight thousand in the Finnish language. We are now placing this reading-matter, together with larger books, in the hands of the people.
Brother Fred Anderson came to this country from America in November, 1901, and settled in the city of Björneborg. He now has a large room, and is well started in a course of meetings, which I hope will bring the truth to many.
We have had good meetings at Borga, and several have recently begun to observe the Sabbath. During the week of prayer forty dollars was donated toward the mission.
In Helsingfors a young lady and also a mate on a steamship have fully identified themselves with us. Both will engage in canvassing.
We invited the canvassers to an institute to begin January 13 at Borga. Fourteen came, and we had a glorious meeting. The Spirit of God was present in a marked manner, and a quiet, teachable spirit was manifested by all present. Many said that it was the best meeting of the kind they ever attended.
The subjects studied were as follows: (1) Our relation to God and His work, and how we may have His power and protection in carrying the truth to this people as soon as possible; (2) the Church of God and the gifts in His Church, especially the Spirit of Prophecy. Lessons on the care of the body as the temple of God were also given. Sermons based on the prophecies of Daniel were delivered in the evening. These services were well attended.
Brother Anderson assisted me during the last part of the institute. The laborers are of good courage, and appreciate the sacredness of the canvassing work.
Dear brethren and sisters in America, what you have done for the people of Finland will be rewarded in the great day just ahead. Your prayers and your means have not been expended in vain. But when we think of the many thousands in this land who have not heard of the glad day that will bring salvation to all who wait for Christ, we feel like saying, Send us more men and means, and pray that the Lord may be with them.
JOHN HOFFMAN.
Borga, Jan. 28, 1902.
India
By J. L. Shaw
WE are in the midst of interesting meetings here in Calcutta. We wish that our people who have shown so much interest in the work in India might see the little company of laborers assembled here from different parts for the purpose of studying God's word and the best way to work for Him in this land of heathenism.
The company of workers from America arrived just in time to join in the institute, and their help has been a great blessing to the meetings. Brother Robinson, who has been traveling from city to city in the north and west of India, selling our books and taking orders for the Oriental Watchman, is here, and reports good cheer from many places. Both he and Sister Robinson have found many persons who are interested in present truth, and we hope to see many brought into the full light of the truth for this time, as the result of the literature they have been circulating. During their trips they had some interesting experiences. One missionary who had been in India thirty years, and had established a large school, took “Great Controversy” and “Patriarchs and Prophets” to use in his school.
Brother Meyers brings us good news from Burma, where Judson first lifted the banner of truth. He has been selling our health books chiefly. In one day he disposed of thirty-three copies of “Man, the Masterpiece” and “Ladies’ Guide,” and took orders for thirty-five. At one place he canvassed a Burmese missionary for “Patriarchs and Prophets,” and the missionary became so interested in the book that he called in seven of his teachers, each of whom took a copy. There are several teachers supplied with this book. Where we might think nothing could be done, God goes before and touches the hearts of the people.
Burma is especially ready now for our books and papers. A railway, starting from Rangoon, goes through Burma to within fifty miles of the Chinese frontier, so the means of travel render it possible to send our books through Burma as well as through India. It is said that a famine was never known there. Times are prosperous, and people sociable. Any Burmese home is said to entertain a stranger, no matter what his religion or nationality.
So far we have had only one canvasser in all Burma, but we are glad the Lord is raising up another brother and sister to go to that field, and our hearts rejoice as we see some of our people in this country engaging in the canvassing work.
Brother and Sister Quantock have been in Southern India, and they feel burdened for the150work there, and in Colombo, which is the chief city of Ceylon.
We hope now to push the native work with greater energy than before. Sister Burrus and Sister Whiteis will give their time to zenana work.
Brother Barlow has opened up a native mission among the Santals. As he is able to speak the language, the Lord can use him as he goes from village to village telling the message of salvation.
During the institute our workers have all been stopping at the sanitarium. This has given them a better understanding of our health principles. Regular instruction has been given in healthful living and the care of the body. The Lord is teaching us that our sanitarium and health work will succeed only as we advocate the great principles of health reform, and consistently live them out in our lives.
Last Sabbath was a day long to be remembered by us all. Sister Burrus told us about her trip to America, and gave some interesting accounts of how our brethren at home had sacrificed to forward the work in India. A desire to give themselves to the Lord took hold of the congregation, and several gave their hearts anew to God. Some one called for the collection plate to be passed, and all gave freely. In counting the money and pledges, we found that seven hundred and sixteen rupees, a pice, and a ring had been given. This amounts to about two hundred and thirty dollars. So the spirit of sacrifice by our brethren in America stirs the hearts of our people in other lands, and the same spirit of sacrifice that went with their offerings, impressed hearts many thousands of miles away.
We are glad to know that so many are interested in the message in India. May the Lord lead many to give their lives and property to the work of God in this needy field.
J. L. SHAW.
New Zealand
The Third Angel's Message has begun to be proclaimed among the natives of New Zealand, the Maoris. In the Union Conference Record (Australia) Brother E. H. Gates makes this report of the beginning of the work:—
“As our readers are all aware, a plan is on foot to establish a mission among the Maoris of New Zealand. At the last Union Conference it was voted to donate the Sabbath-school contributions for the last quarter of 1901 to the work in that field. With the object of finding a suitable location for such a mission, Dr. Caldwell and myself took a trip of several hundred miles through different parts of New Zealand. This trip included a part of the King country.
“After carefully looking over the ground, we decided that Kawhia, on the west coast about ninety miles south of Auckland, was a suitable place for our mission.
“Kawhia is within the borders of the King country, has a good harbor, and is a growing community. Around the Kawhia harbor live several hundred Maoris, and there is no missionary among them. We had hoped that Dr. Caldwell would move with his family to this place several months ago, but for different reasons he was prevented from doing so. As some of our brethren in the north part of the island felt that the mission could be profitably started among the Maoris in that section, a few weeks ago Pastor Baker and Dr. Caldwell took a horseback trip through the country round about Kaeo, Bay of Islands, etc.
“A week or two ago they extended their travels to the King country, visiting on the way the secretary of the native king, who gave them valuable information concerning the settlement of the country round Kawhia.
“At the village the brethren were kindly and hospitably entertained by a gentleman who had become interested in health reform at our sanitarium in South Africa. On Sunday night a religious service was held with a fair-sized congregation. Pastor Baker, who had not previously visited this place, was much pleased with Kawhia and the surrounding country, and advised that Dr. Caldwell at once settle in Kawhia, at least temporarily, and permanently if Providence so indicates.
“The native king expects soon to build a large house near Kawhia, which, if done, will probably attract a large number of natives to that region. All the indications seem to favor the establishment of a mission at that place.
Maori Literature
“Several thousand copies of a thirty-two-page Maori tract on the second advent have just been shipped to the New Zealand Tract Society, from which place they will be distributed to the different Maori settlements by the brethren attending the coming camp-meeting.
“About two thirds of the Maori ‘Christ Our Saviour’ has been printed, most of the remainder has been set up in type, and part of the proofs are in the hands of a competent Maori scholar for correction. Every step we have taken to get this book translated and printed has been contested by the enemy; but we believe it will soon be finished and ready for the market. The enemy will not always be permitted to hold back this work.”
Jamaica
By F. I. Richardson
Another year has passed into eternity. How rapidly the years come and go when one is busy! We halt a moment to glance backward, and review our many blessings. Certainly we as a people have reason to rejoice, for advancement has been made in every direction. The last General Conference, so properly called the Missionary Conference, gave a new impetus to the great message, by arousing a missionary spirit in the hearts of many of our people. A genuine missionary spirit is the spirit of Christ, and when it actuates the individual or the people, blessings will surely follow.
In Jamaica we, too, can count our many blessings. None of the laborers have been claimed by the pale messenger during the year. A few of the lay members have been called to rest, but of such we read, “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” Many who were in darkness a year ago are now rejoicing in the light of the Third Angel’s Message. One hundred and ninety-five have been baptized. There are now eighteen organized churches, seven having been added during the past year, with an increase of membership of one hundred and fifty over all losses. There are thirteen companies, with a baptized membership of one hundred and ninety-eight, and one hundred and twelve awaiting baptism.
Eleven churches are building; although we cannot report one finished during the year, several are nearing completion. Building a church here is a laborious task. The lumber has to be sawed out of the log with a whipsaw, shingles made, and lime burned. This work is nearly always done in the mountains, which are inaccessible for a cart, so all the materials have to be carried on the head or on donkeys to the place of building. Patient perseverance will accomplish the work; then comes the blessing. Three new Sabbath-schools have been organized, with a membership of forty-two. The canvassing work, which had entirely collapsed, is picking up again. There are now six canvassers at work.
The tithe for the year was $2,170.75, the First-day offerings were $455.28, and the annual offerings $69.75, making a total of $2,395.78. This is an increase of $1,370.88 over the year 1900.
During the year, there has been quite an exodus of laborers from this island. Elder D. E. Wellman and his wife were called to the island of Antigua, Brother S. A. Wellman and his wife to St. Kitt’s, Brother G. F. Enoch and his wife to Trinidad, and Brother E. V. Orrell and his wife returned to the States. Nearly all of these report that they are very busy, and that the Lord is blessing their efforts. So while their going may be a loss to Jamaica, we hope, yes, believe, that it will be a blessing to those in the fields to which they have gone, and that means a blessing to all lovers of Christ. As a partial recompense for the loss of so many laborers, Elder J. B. Beckner and his wife have come here.
Thus we might go on counting our many blessings; but the blessing that we long for is the “Well done.” F. I. RICHARDSON.
The Week of Prayer in Bocas Del Toro
By F. J. Hutchins
WE enjoyed much of the Lord’s blessing in our meetings. We held a preaching service each evening, after the regular reading for the occasion. Dr. Eccles was sick in the hospital at that time, so we could not hold as many meetings as we otherwise would have done. Eleven have recently accepted the truth. In all, there are seventeen Sabbath-keepers in this place, and we have a good time seeking the Lord together. Four received baptism at the close of the week of prayer. The last Sabbath of the old year was a beautiful day, and at the close of the morning services we went to the seaside. There was a large gathering, and everything was perfection in nature. The Lord was with us, and it was a solemn occasion. One sister who had thought some of being baptized, said, in her testimony in the afternoon, that when she saw the candidates go forward, she felt that she ought to have been with them, and that she intended to be baptized as soon as possible. Her husband has been one of our number for some time. It does our hearts good to see families united in the truth at this time.
At the close of the meeting the offering was taken up. It amounted to $87.20, United States currency. We think this was exceptionally good for such a small company.
After the week of prayer closed, Dr. Eccles’s case became much more serious, and until his death we spent most of our time assisting in the care for him. He suffered much, but closed his record with bright hope of a part in the first resurrection. His faith was strong, and his experience seemed deep and genuine as long as reason was granted him.
We are now ready to transfer our meetings to another part of the town, where we shall soon open a mission. Pray for the work here as you read of our needs. We need help, both medical and evangelical, to join in the battle in this great field. F. J. HUTCHINS.
Perseverance in Character Building
ONE of Spurgeon’s students said to him, “I am afraid I have mistaken my calling, and that the ministry really isn’t my proper work.” “Why,” said Spurgeon, “what is the reason you have come to that conclusion?” “Well, I have been working in such a place for such and such a time, and I do not seem to have accomplished much.” “Why, man alive! You did not expect that every time you preached a sermon, somebody would be converted, did you?” “No, of course I didn’t expect that.” “Well, you don’t get it, then.” Many people never get far in bettering their characters because they say, “Of course, I should like to be less selfish, more energetic, more prompt, but it is so hard to change one’s habits, and I really think I have become set in my ways. I’ll try, though.” They might just as well not try. Their belief kills all success in character-forming.
