Russia by J. T. BOETTCHER

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 3, 1908

Russia

By J. T. BOETTCHER

RIGA.—As I go from place to place, and tell our people that our American brethren have voted to give five thousand dollars toward a school in Russia, they shed tears of joy and gratitude. They know the influence this truth has had upon their hearts, and are very anxious that it shall shine to others. They are willing to give their children to this cause. Many of these children are bright and intelligent. We have no place to send them except Friedensau, and this is at a great expense to us, on account of the passport fee, which is thirty rubles a year. Then they must learn German, which is of no great worth to them in the Russian work. We hope and pray

that the day may soon come when we shall have a school in this great field, with its teeming millions.

We are selling the German “Ministry of Healing” wherever opportunity offers. On my last trip I sold about seventy copies. But this is a slow way of getting the necessary amount together. However, we shall keep on, selling what we can.

We are glad our American people take an interest in the work of Russia. Could some of them come over, and see how the Lord opens the way for his truth, they would gladly donate freely to this work.

Our work is extending into central Asia. Brother H. H. Löbsack, who is at present visiting that field, writes that we must send two Bible workers as soon as possible; for the people are ready for the third angel’s message. Brother Reifschneider writes that he arrived in Omsk, but finds everything very high-priced. Our laborers are willing to go even to the hardest places, when they see how our brethren are willing to give of their means to advance this gospel. Our efforts are not in vain, as this quarter’s report shows. Even with the few workers, we have nearly four hundred new converts, among whom are Russians, Armenians, Poles, Germans, Letts, Esthonians, etc. One of our laborers has even been up to Mt. Ararat. We are glad to see the work go.

Our little depository is doing quite well. We are getting new canvassers out into the field as fast as we can. As yet we have no book in the Russian language, only pamphlets. We must get out some book on the prophecies, and then we shall see the truth spreading more rapidly. Our canvassers are having many difficulties to meet. Sometimes they are put into prison, and their books are confiscated. Yet they press onward, amid trials, knowing that God is at the helm.

In a few weeks I shall make a trip to the middle Russian field.

Our little daughter lies at present in the city hospital, where, this morning, she had to undergo an operation on her neck. Our hearts have been very heavy; but at noon we received a telephone message that she was doing well. Aside from this, we are all well.

J. T. BOETTCHER.