German Work and the Workers’ Meeting by G. F. HAFFNER

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 13, 1908

German Work and the Workers’ Meeting

By G. F. HAFFNER

I KNOW our American brethren are also interested in learning how we are getting along with the German work in America. We have no discouraging report to bring. Our workers’ meeting, which was held in Chicago, November 29 to December 9, was a success. At first some did not know the object of such a meeting, but before the meeting closed, they knew its object, and were convinced that it was a good thing. They were free to express themselves to this effect. The Lord came very near to us in this meeting of these German workers. There were about fifty in attendance. Every meeting was instructive, and a spirit of unity prevailed. Our German workers had never enjoyed such a privilege before, and it was an excellent thing to become acquainted with one another. We have reason to believe that greater harmony will characterize our work as a result of this meeting. Some good recommendations were passed, encouraging our people to press together and work more for the salvation of souls. We can assure the leaders in this message that we stand with them on the same platform of truth, and that we shall uphold the organization the Lord has given this people.

The workers all separated with new courage and hope, and with a full determination to press the battle to the gate.

Since our good workers’ meeting I have been with some churches in Kansas, and the Lord came very near at each place. From Kansas I went to Shattuck, Okla., where we have the largest German church in America, about one hundred sixty members. I began meetings on Christmas day, and continued them about two weeks. From the very beginning the Lord’s blessing rested upon us, but something seemed to hold back the work that the Lord wanted done. Finally our brethren began to confess their own sins. Then sinners were turned to God, hard hearts were melted, and backsliders reclaimed. The

outpouring of God’s Spirit was felt, and the whole congregation was moved; parents went to their children, and brethren and sisters pleaded with sinners to give their hearts to God. The result was that eleven were baptized, and twenty were added to the church. The good work is still going on, and a few others have since yielded. How good it would be if we could have such a revival in all our churches! Many of our people are sound asleep, and Satan works hard to keep them in that sleep. May God arouse them before it is forever too late.

We hear good news from all directions. The Lord is working for us, and our hearts are full of courage and hope.

G. F. HAFFNER.