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Work for the Russians

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Nov 26, 1914

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 91, No. 50.

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Work for the Russians

By J. W. Hirlinger

There is a Russian, Polish, and Lettish colony of about forty families in the vicinity of Yale, Va. Last fall Brethren Gitch and Olurick and their families moved from North Dakota to this place. They began to scatter literature like the leaves of autumn, and these seeds of truth were watered with their prayers and tears. As a result of the interest thus created, a Russian Seventh-day Adventist Church of seven members was organized last May.
This interest has continued to grow, and the Virginia Conference recently requested Elder O. A. Olsen, of the Foreign Department of the North American Division Conference, to send a Russian minister to conduct a series of meetings. Arrangements were made with Elder S. G. Burley, from the Russian department of the Sheyenne River Academy in North Dakota, to answer the call. Accordingly he began meetings in this community on August 15.
Many were interested, yet there was much prejudice and opposition. About fifty united with our church. This included the pastor of the Mennonite Church, with his family, and a number of his people. Arrangements have been completed for the erecting of a new church building.
It was a great inspiration to me to be associated with Elder Burley a part of the time during our labors for the Russians. The zeal and faithfulness of these people are most commendable.
The effort among the Russians closed October 11, and immediately afterward my wife and I began meetings for the Americans in Yale. There was a great deal of prejudice, but through much prayer and personal work some of this feeling has been overcome, and a number have decided to keep the Sabbath. One of these is a railroad man of talent and education. He was converted at the first service that he attended. The wife of a prominent lumberman has also accepted the truth, and we hope soon to see her husband and others take their stand. The message in this place has been attended with power. Two persons have been healed in answer to prayer, and others have been especially blessed. We are rejoicing over what God has wrought. Pray for the work here.
J. W. HIRLINGER.