p. 12 | Back in Australia Again by O. A. OLSEN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 24, 1908

Back in Australia Again

By O. A. OLSEN

O. A. OLSEN

My long journey is at last brought to a termination. I was remarkably prospered all the way. There was no mishap on the journey, and I trust that I have profited by what I have seen and learned. I enjoyed my visit in the States very much, and am only sorry that I was so hurried at every point. A little more time would have enabled me to gather up a little more of interest than was possible under the circumstances. My visit to our Eastern Polynesian mission field was very interesting as well as profitable.

I left San Francisco, May 20, and landed on Tahiti Island the first day of June, a beautiful bright morning. I remained on Tahiti and Raiatea twenty days with Brother B. J. Cady. This gave me good opportunity to become acquainted with the work and the conditions in these places. We have three churches on the island of Tahiti. I visited them all, and held meetings in each place, and also visited many of the families at their homes. I was much pleased with the conditions there, and the nature and character of our island believers. The Lord has done much for them, for which we praise his name.

Our general meeting convened at Raiatea. We did not have as much time there as we desired, but we improved what we did have to the fullest extent, and we had an excellent meeting. We made definite arrangements for a missionary training-school to be conducted on Raiatea

at the place where Brother Cady is located. Sixteen persons gave in their names at once, and no doubt more will be added to this number. This was made possible by the coming of Brother and Sister Stirling to aid in the work. I trust that this training-school will be very successful, and prepare native laborers to go into the field. If the prospect is carried out, we shall soon have a number of natives who can take part in the circulation of the truth among their fellow countrymen.

On my arrival here I was glad to meet Elder R. C. Porter, who had reached Australia a few days before my return. They are well and seem to be enjoying themselves. I am especially pleased with the knowledge that they will remain with us for our union conference. This help will be greatly appreciated by our brethren. I learned that Miss Winifred Trunk has also arrived safely, and is at Cooranbong. I go there to-morrow to remain over Sabbath. Next week I go to Melbourne, Victoria, to attend our missionary convention. Elder Porter will accompany us to that meeting.

Burwood, N. S. W., Australia.