The Moravian-Silesian Mission by GUY DAIL

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 26, 1912

The Moravian-Silesian Mission

By GUY DAIL

EVERY evidence of progress in the Lord's work cheers our hearts; therefore we were made glad by the meeting just closed here in Teschen, where the Moravian-Silesian Mission held its first annual session, September 11-15. Eight and one-half months have passed since the duchy of Moravia and the province of Austrian Silesia were cut off from the territory of the Austrian Mission, and began a separate organized existence under the superintendency of Brother J. Muth. This field contains about ten thousand five hundred square miles. Its inhabitants are Bohemians, Moravians, Slovaks, Germans, Croats, Serbians, and Jews, chiefly. The people in general are Roman Catholics, but there are quite a number of Protestants. If one had time to read the history of this territory, he would find it interesting in the extreme, especially since the Reformation, because of the struggles between conflicting religious systems, and the strife engendered by antagonizing nationalities.

At the meeting about two hundred of our people were present. By far the majority of them are Poles, many of whom understand only the Polish tongue, while quite a number are also able to speak German. Second in importance, so far as numbers are concerned, are our German brethren here, while we have been able to reach a few Bohemians. This seems one of the most promising fields of the entire European Division for our work. Indeed, because of the personal missionary activity of our brethren, the message is spreading so rapidly among the Polish-speaking people that our evangelical force is inadequate to care promptly for those awaiting baptism, or properly to instruct those who have been already received into church-membership. The harvest seems ripe, ready for the reaper; but there is a great lack of laborers. One whole new company is ready for organization, but thus far it has been impossible to organize them. The first duty of the laborer will be to visit this place, and receive those who are waiting to be taken into fellowship.

When the question of soliciting for the Ten-cent-a-week Fund for the work in the regions beyond arose, Elder Muth thought it would be almost in vain to present a resolution on that matter, as the brethren are so poor. However, the committee on recommendations brought the subject before the congregation, and about four hundred dollars in cash and pledges was soon raised for foreign missions, and that, too, without any urging on the part of the visiting brethren (J. G. Oblaender, O. E. Reinke, J. Wolfgarten, and H. Boex). The willing spirit of these true-hearted believers at once assured us that our dear friends here are one in heart and soul with the great body of the remnant church throughout the world.

One cause for gratitude was the possibility of ordaining three local elders on Sabbath afternoon. The occasion was one of solemnity and much blessing. Some of our own people are unable to read, which is not an uncommon thing here, and so there is special need of good local leadership in the churches and companies raised up, that the very best training may be imparted in the church, in the Sabbath-school, and in the missionary department.

Four companies have been organized in this part of Austria since Jan. 1, 1912, and the field membership increased from one hundred sixty-four at the beginning of the first quarter, to two hundred sixteen at the close of the second quarter of the year. The average tithe for the first six months was $10.31 a member—a very fair record indeed, if we take everything into account. One minister, one licentiate, four Bible workers, and ten canvassers are now at work in this mission field, with its four millions of people. This is an increase of two Bible

workers and four canvassers, as compared with the close of the second quarter. When we look at the field, at its promising harvest, at its few workers, at the earnestness of its members, at its large number of developing youth, we feel constrained to wish for Brother Muth, the newly chosen superintendent, and for all his workers, some of whom are young and inexperienced, a hearty interest in the prayers of the children of God in all parts of the world, that the work begun so encouragingly in spite of many difficulties which it would be useless to mention, may move forward to a glorious triumph. GUY DAIL.