France by H. H. Dexter

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · May 4, 1905

France

By H. H. Dexter

I AM certain that the brethren in the United States who are anxious for the extension of the message in France will be interested in the little map that accompanies this report. Here is marked every place in France where there are Sabbath-keepers. In all there are one hundred and twenty believers in the third angel’s message in this country of thirty-seven million people, making one member for every 308,116.

Though born in California, of English parents, in the Lord’s providence I was taken when a child to Tahiti, where for nine years I attended the French schools.

For the past twenty years, however, I have been in the United States, where I have had no association with the French, and hence have not used the language, and so much of it has gone from me. It has been over three months since we settled in southern France to engage in evangelistic work. It is with much pleasure and satisfaction that I resume the study of French; for my sole object is to help give to this nation, for whom Jesus died, the last message of mercy. We praise the Lord for the privilege of working in France. There are many honest souls here who are waiting to accept the truth, and my earnest prayer is that the Spirit of God may quickly fit me for earnest and acceptable service.

Through the labors of Brother Paul Badant, several dear souls have accepted the message here at Mazamet, five of whom I had the privilege of baptizing a few weeks ago. A family of five adults have lately accepted the truth at Pierre-Segade through the earnest labors of the little church at that place. Several are ready for baptism at Lasalle, where Brother Jean Badant is laboring. I hope soon to visit these places for the purpose of administering to these precious souls the solemn ordinance of baptism.

The Lord is blessing me in again learning the language. I am giving four or five Bible studies each week to small assemblies of French people. By summer I hope to begin regular public work. But France has no tent for me and my fellow laborer, Brother Arthur Jaques.

Will not my friends in California, in Maine, and in Louisiana help us make up a fund for a tent, which will cost about two hundred dollars? France has one tent, and laborers to man three. Send any gifts to Treasurer General Conference, Takoma Park, Washington, D. C., stating object. H. H. DEXTER.

Rue du Pin 3 Mazamet, Tarn, France.