The British Field by Ole Andres Olsen

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 28, 1903

The British Field

By Ole Andres Olsen

We have many evidences of the Lord’s presence and blessing in the work here. Since our last report some advance steps have been taken in the work. The sanitarium at Caterham was formally opened May 28. There was a large gathering of interested people on the occasion. The day was a perfect one. The exercises were held on the lawn at the rear of the building. The magistrate of Caterham presided, and gave us a most cordial welcome in behalf of the citizens, and expressed his interest and confidence in the principles which this institution was to represent. Dr. Paulson followed with a very stirring and interesting address, which was well received by all present.

The work throughout the conference is also making some headway. In April we organized a church at Pontypridd, Wales, of nineteen persons, the result of the labors of Brother Meredith and those who have assisted him from time to time. This was a pleasant and profitable occasion. The Spirit of the Lord was manifested in a marked manner. A goodly number of our brethren and sisters from Cardiff were present, and these, too, received much encouragement, and a revival of the work started at Cardiff, so that Brother Ballenger found it desirable to arrange for a special series of meetings at that place, which brought a number of good souls into the truth. About three weeks ago I had the privilege of being present, and

seeing four brethren and one sister follow the Lord in the ordinance of baptism. A church of twenty-six was organized, and the work is much strengthened, and a good interest prevails in the community.

Since then a tent has been pitched at Newport, and meetings have begun with good prospects.

During May I visited Plymouth, and found the work there prospering. Here also we organized a church of twenty-six, and the Lord is blessing the work, and new ones are becoming interested continually.

The first meeting of the British Union and South England Conferences was held at Southsea, May 29 to June 7. We were favored with excellent weather. Southsea is an interesting and pleasant place. The attendance was good, considering the meeting was held in the extreme south of England. We were much favored with the presence and faithful labors of Elders Conradi and Irwin and Dr. Paulson, besides the laborers from the British field. Many questions received careful attention. Steps were taken for the organization of the Good Health Association, to have charge of our sanitarium property, and such other interests as will be connected with that branch of the work. The attendance from the community of Southsea was good. The meeting was held in a large hall, which was very conveniently located. The last Sabbath of the meeting was an occasion long to be remembered. The Lord blessed in a special manner the preaching of the message, and the Spirit of the Lord moved upon many hearts. A goodly number came forward to seek the Lord for a deeper consecration, and a complete yielding of themselves to God and to his service. The testimony meeting which followed a discourse by Brother Conradi in the afternoon was an occasion long to be remembered by those who participated in it. Our brethren and sisters returned to their homes full of courage and with renewed strength, to push forward the battle for truth and righteousness, unto the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

This season we shall have eight tents in operation in the British field. Last year we had but two. There will also be two movable tabernacles. The tents will be distributed as follows: two in the South England Conference; three in the North England Conference; one in Scotland; one tent and a tabernacle in Ireland; one tent and a tabernacle in Wales. It is a source of much encouragement to see so many different efforts being put forth at one time. We are hearing good reports, and are rejoicing in the prospect of a goodly ingathering of souls for the kingdom of God through these efforts. May the Lord’s special blessing be with his laborers in this work, and may we all act our part faithfully, and thus hasten the coming and kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

O. A. OLSEN.