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The British Field

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Feb 2, 1905

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 82, No. 5.

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The British Field

By O. A. Olsen

SOME time has passed since our last communication to the REVIEW, and during this time we have had much to encourage us. The blessing of the Lord has been manifest in many ways.
We were all made very glad by the coming of Brother and Sister E. W. Farnsworth. We had been looking for them for a long time. They came to us with good courage, and were glad for the privilege of taking part in the work in this important field. They have connected with the work in the South England Conference, and for the time are located at Portsmouth.
We are glad also to acknowledge the coming of Brother and Sister W. D. MacLay, who have connected with the work in Scotland. We are sincerely grateful to the General Conference, and also to the different State conferences in America, for the valuable and timely assistance rendered to the British field, by sending us tried and faithful laborers, and also funds with which to support them. While we are grateful for all this, we shall be even more glad when, instead of receiving help from the General Conference in the way of workers and funds, we can assist by contributing to the many needy fields that are calling so loudly for help. We are working earnestly to that end.
While for the time being we are receiving help, I am glad to report that the assistance rendered the British field is not in vain. On the contrary, the effort is bearing good fruit in the extension of the message and the ingathering of souls. The year 1904 will show an encouraging growth in the field; during the year four churches have been added in the North England Conference, two in Scotland, two in Wales, and four in the South England Conference, while in Ireland a good company has been developed, and is now waiting for organization. The outlook for the present indicates an equal if not a larger growth for the year 1905.
It is quite impossible for me to properly present the situation and conditions of this most important field. No nation has done so much for the spread of the gospel by the distribution of the Holy Scriptures. The Bible has been translated into hundreds of different languages and dialects. It has taken a leading place in sending forth missionaries to all parts of the world, even to its most benighted regions. The day of final reckoning alone will reveal what has been accomplished. Thus England has been a mighty agent in the providence of God in preparing the way and speeding on the great gospel message preparatory to its final consummation. Surely this people and nation will also bear an important part in the very last and closing work of the gospel. It must be so.
I am pleased to be able to give a good report of the different lines of work. Our training college is being much blessed; and in this connection I wish to mention the coming of Professor Lacey and his family to connect with our school and conference work. Our school has made a steady progress since its beginning four years ago. It has grown in numbers and efficiency. Professor Lacey has taken hold with all his soulin connection with Professor and Mrs. Salisbury, whom the Lord has so signally blessed in leading out in the educational work in this field. And while we have not all the conveniences and facilities of some of our institutions, still we are having an excellent school, and both teachers and pupils are deeply in earnest in their work. The blessing and presence of the Spirit of God has been very manifest. I recently had the privilege of baptizing fourteen souls, thirteen of whom were from the school.
Space will not permit me to report in detail the different lines of work, such as the health work, the publishing work, and general missionary efforts. I can say, however, that while we have reason for gratitude for the blessings received and the progress made, we are desirous of having a part in the decided forward movement that is going forth. To this end we are putting forth most determined and earnest efforts. Some of our churches are showing commendable zeal in missionary efforts and in the circulation of our smaller literature. They are being much blessed in the experience.
Yet while we are grateful for the blessings and favors received, both from the Lord directly and from the General Conference and the State conferences, and while we are also putting forth every effort possible, it is still so little, so very little, compared with the great needs and the urgent calls for help. For a long time earnest efforts have been made in the circulation of our literature. This is awakening interests in many places for the living preacher. This is what we have been expecting, and we now rejoice to see it.
These openings call for increased efforts and more means. The South England Conference is in need of more tents. The Lord is raising up men, and they are preparing for a part in the work. At the present time there are ten young men in our training college who are preparing for the ministry, and who will soon finish their course. While attending school and taking full work, they are wholly supporting themselves by canvassing for books and papers. At the same time they are conducting meetings in various places every Sabbath and Sunday. Thus while they are in the school, they are also doing practical missionary work, both in circulating literature and in holding meetings.
More tents are needed for our work, but we are not able to buy them; we would therefore be most grateful if some of our brethren would feel it a privilege to contribute one or more tents to the South England Conference. I shall be glad to give any one interested in this any further particulars that may be desired.
We are now in the midst of our week of prayer, which has opened very encouragingly. Our meetings are good, and much of God's blessing is with us. We are entering the new year with courage and confidence. The Lord has gone out before us, and with his presence and the power of the Holy Spirit we expect success. The final consummation can not be far away. God help us to act our part in this closing time, which is to witness the completion of the work in this generation.
O. A. OLSEN.