Russia by J. T. BOETTCHER

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 18, 1909

_Russia_

By J. T. BOETTCHER

DURING 1908 the Middle Russian Mission took into church-membership eight hundred sixty-six persons. Our membership has now passed the three-thousand mark by more than fifty. There was an increase of about two thousand dollars in the tithe. The other offerings to the mission have also increased. We are very thankful to the Lord for this blessing. We are in a poor country, and our people have not much of this world's goods, and yet they give to this cause with a glad heart. The prospects are very good everywhere. If we could conduct public meetings as they are conducted in the States, a wonderful work would be accomplished. In the Baltic provinces we have meeting-places of our own. The halls are so very crowded that in one place it was thought best to hold the same meeting two successive evenings; but still the house was full to overflowing. Then we concluded to hold three meetings a day. When we say “overflowing,” we do not mean as many persons as can be seated, but every inch of the floor is occupied by people standing. The people are patient, and stand as long as we can preach.

At the above-mentioned place our meeting-house is next door to that of the Baptist's. As they were there first, they thought we were intruding on their ground, so they sent a complaint to the governor. But after an investigation, it was thought that our rights were as good as theirs, and we were allowed to continue our work. There is so much false preaching going on that many of the people do not know where the truth is. But God finds the honest in heart everywhere. J. T. BOETTCHER.