The West Russian Mission Field
By W. J. Fitzgerald
Following the meeting of the Little Russian Mission held in Kief, March 2-6, Elder J. T. Boettcher, Brother Paul Brandt, and the writer proceeded to Warsaw, the capital of Poland, for the meeting of the West Russian Mission, March 9-13. Twenty-two hours were required to make the journey. For over half the distance it was evident, from the appearance of the towns and villages, that we were in real Russia, and, from the appearance of the churches on every hand, that Greek Catholicism holds well-nigh absolute sway. As we entered Poland, it appeared that the soil was not naturally so productive as much of the country through which we had traveled in Russia proper. There were, however, on every hand evidences of greater thrift, and that the influences of Western Europe had long been producing their results in the lives and affairs of the people. There were better10villages and towns. Everything looked far in advance of real Russia. Though politically a part of the colossal Russian empire, Poland possesses a more modern and progressive civilization. We entered the fine city of Warsaw in the night. As we passed through its streets, we experienced a very distinct impression that we were again on the border between Eastern and Western Europe. We felt almost as if we were outside the western border of Russia, but certain things reminded us of the constant watchcare of the czar’s government over all subjects and alien travelers in this country. Groups of soldiers could be seen marching through the streets; their uniforms were Russian. On every hand were the vigilant police; they were Russian, as well as their uniforms. The usual demand for our passports was made. This is the ever-present and forceful reminder that one is in Russia. It is said that “in Russia, a man possesses three parts: body, soul, and a passport.” One can not safely pass from one town to another without a passport. Before he is allowed to stop overnight in a hotel, he is required to deliver up his passport, that full information may be entered in the records at police headquarters. Neither the attendance of our own members nor of the people from the city, was as large in Warsaw as in Kief. Yet we were again impressed with the fact that God is just as ready to bless a small meeting of his people as a large one. In all the services from first to last, we enjoyed the presence of the Holy Spirit in the annual meeting of West Russia. At the opening service, the special officer from the ministry of religion at St. Petersburg, who was with us at Moscow, graciously presented himself to us again. While he was very alert in his attitude in Moscow, he manifested a keener interest in all the services in Warsaw. He took elaborate notes of all sermons and Bible studies. We are praying that he may be convinced of the truthfulness of the message he has noted so carefully. Not only was this officer from St. Petersburg present in Warsaw, but also the missionary of the Russian Church, mentioned in a former report, was present at the beginning of the session. As all the meetings were conducted in the German language, and as that gentleman could not understand the German, he did not deem it advisable to attend all the services as he had done in Kief. A special police officer from the Warsaw government attended all the services, to prevent anything being done which is not permitted in the laws and edicts of toleration. It should be understood that our people are only tolerated in Russia; they do not have a full measure of liberty. (The special officer from St. Petersburg has just approached me, as I am writing at a table in our meeting hall in Mitau, to inquire what I am writing. I have satisfied him by saying that I am writing a letter to our people in Great Britain and America. This incident will help to illustrate how closely all our conduct is observed by these official spies. They desire to know all about everything.) Thus far the work in Poland has been confined mostly to the German population. Only a few Poles have been won. A great lack has been felt, for there have been no Polish workers. Earnest efforts are now being put forth to develop some strong young workers in the field. Everywhere it is apparent that the permanent success of the work depends upon the development of strong native workers. Encouraging progress is being made in this in all parts of Russia. Every year adds a considerable number of young persons who have attended the Russian department of our school at Friedensau, Germany. It will be a great advance move when a school can be established right here in Russia. Great care and patience must be exercised in the selection of a location for the school, and in making all necessary arrangements with the government. The West Russian field has five provinces besides Poland, with a total population of over twenty million. About five million, or nearly half the Jews in the world, live in Poland. One third of the population of the country is Jewish, and it seems to a stranger that the proportion is more than one third. The present membership of the mission is 311. Brother H. J. Loebsack, who attended the General Conference last year, is superintendent of the field. Brother H. Schmitz was recommended for ordination to the gospel ministry at the union conference session to be held immediately at Mitau. Seven workers are engaged in the field. May their united efforts win many souls during the present year.