Ninth Annual Meeting in Holland by Guy Dail

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 24, 1907

Ninth Annual Meeting in Holland

By Guy Dail

GUY DAIL

THE eyes of the whole world are turned toward this delightful Dutch capital, for here are convened the much-talked-of Peace Congress, and the Zionist leaders; yet we believe that all heaven is interested in the doings of that small company met here to lay more effectual plans for the spread of the glad tidings of the great Prince of Peace, who is gathering out the true children of Abraham to inherit that everlasting kingdom of David. How precious to us the promise: “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” In view of our insignificance, even in the midst of this small nation of the Netherlanders, we are compelled to say: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.”

Preceding the conference proper, which was held August 15-18, there was a ten days’ canvassers’ convention, attended by the eighteen colporteurs in the field. Theoretical and practical instruction necessary to success in the distribution of our publications was given. There has been an encouraging growth in this department of the cause: the sales for 1905 were $794; 1906, $2,012; and for the twelve months ending July 1, 1907, $3,200. We believe the future will see still better progress.

About one hundred of our people were in attendance at the mission conference. On Sabbath forty or more came forward for prayer, and ten have been baptized to-day. Brother J. Wintzen was ordained to the ministry.

We are pleased to see so many strangers attending the public lectures. However, there is strong prejudice against our work, and in places there has been bitter persecution. Nevertheless, during the year, sixty-four were received into membership by baptism and by vote, bringing our present enrolment up to one hundred and seventy-five, scattered among thirteen churches and companies, all of which had representatives at the conference. Cause for special joy is to be found in the newly organized company in Brussels—the second we now have in Flemish Belgium (the first being organized in Antwerp). We also have believers in Amsterdam, The Hague, Groningen, Helder, Haarlem, Hilversum, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Winschoten, Wagen-Zwolle, and Zutphen. The tithe last year was $1,050.49, or $335.95 more than for 1905.

Elder R. G. Klingbeil was again chosen unanimously as mission superintendent. In all the business doings, there was present a spirit of candor and co-operation. The brethren felt very thankful to God for his blessings in the past; they were grateful to the American brethren for the tent that had been so recently given them, and to the German brethren for the assistance the German Union has rendered, and for the presence and help of Brethren Conradi and Pieper.

We bespeak for our Dutch work and for the circulation of our Holland paper and literature, the interest of our friends in all parts of the world. Wherever our readers know of Dutch-speaking neighbors and acquaintances, let them be diligent in placing the truth before this nationality, for “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”

The Hague.