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The Hungarian Conference

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 7, 1909

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 86, No. 1.

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The Hungarian Conference

By Guy Dail

WHEN Elder J. F. Huenergardt began labor in this field ten years ago, there were eight German and four Hungarian members in it. To-day there are over five hundred Seventh-day Adventists in Hungary. The Hungarian, Rumanian, German, Servian, and Slovakian nationalities were represented at the first annual session of the Hungarian Conference, held in Arad, November 4-8.
It would do the readers good to meet these simple-hearted and faithful brethren, who live together in peace. Strangers are astonished to see these persons of naturally hostile nationalities and factions so quietly assembled to hear the Word of God. Through an interpreter they told me of the love they had for the American and German brethren, who had so liberally given of their means to forward the truth in Hungary, and they wished that I should tell their unknown friends of the gratitude they felt for the third angel’s message. It would be a great pleasure to me if I could so faithfully picture these gatherings that one could get a glimpse of the beauty connected with the arduous task of winning these souls for the kingdom. This afternoon four were baptized—one German, one Rumanian, one Servian, and one Hungarian. During the last nine months, ninety-one have been received into the conference, and the net gain was eighty-five—a very good record, indeed, so far as the percentage of gain is concerned.
We have entered only one third of the country thus far, as our efforts have been confined to Lower Hungary and Transylvania. In the entire kingdom there are about twenty-one million people. There are many thousands of square miles and many millions of the inhabitants yet untouched by our efforts; and still the land of the ancient Huns is gradually feeling the influence of the living preacher. We have a nice corps of energetic and promising young workers in this field. About twelve were formerly students at the Friedensau (Germany) School. One of these, Brother F. Kessel, was ordained to the ministry Sabbath forenoon. It was an occasion of great blessing to those present. Brethren H. F. Schuberth, J. Erzberger, and Huenergardt officiated; they were assisted by Brethren J. Wolfgarten and O. Schwenecke.
As this is a young field, it is but natural that the delegates should take a deep interest in the business proceedings. We are glad six new groups could be received into the conference. There were one hundred forty of our people present. It did not take much to convince them that we need more workers for Hungary. To assist in securing these, nearly three hundred kronen was pledged, and two hundred kronen given in cash toward the Hungarian Educational fund. There was also a great desire manifested to do personal missionary work. Heretofore we have been unable to get permission for the colporteur, but now four regular canvassers are in the field, and five will give a part of their time to this branch of the work. We have a great task before us in preparing suitable literature for these various nationalities. A good beginning has been made. The Hamburg House issues a Rumanian and a Hungarian monthly paper for missionary purposes, besides the Hungarian Worker, and a few pamphlets and tracts. We would remind our American friends of the existence of this literature, and hope they will circulate it among their Hungarian, Rumanian, Servian, and Slovakian neighbors. Such literature can be secured through our New York Branch of the Review and Herald Publishing Association.
The public lectures were well visited. Health and temperance talks were held, as well as studies on the other subjects connected with the third angel’s message. From sixty to one hundred fifty strangers were at the evening and Sunday meetings. The interest awakened by this conference is to be followed up. In Hungary, as in other parts of the field we have visited this fall, there are more calls for labor than we are able to supply. Brother Huenergardt, who was re-elected president, is assisted by two ordained ministers, one licentiate, and eight Bible workers, two of whom are also able to do medical missionary work. They go forward filled with courage and good cheer, and thankful for the manifest blessing of God at this conference. They desire a part in your prayers. GUY DAIL.