The Work in Iceland by Guy Dail

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · May 26, 1904

The Work in Iceland

By Guy Dail

GUY DAIL

BROTHER D. OSTLUND has recently moved to Reykjavik, the capital of the island. When he was in this city before, the interest to hear God's Word was not so great, as many who have read reports of the work there may remember. Then he lived in Seydisfjord for about two years. All this time the circulation of the Icelandic paper bearing the message of truth has been increasing, until now the paper is read almost everywhere in the whole island. This paper seems to have made openings for the truth, and now, in the capital itself, there is a desire to hear. Brother Ostlund writes:—

“I have for some time been thinking of the necessity of securing a house for half our work here in Iceland, and I feel sure that had we a good hall, we could hasten the work much more. We can find no hall in the city, as often as we would like to use it; the only one we have the use of at all, is a dancing-hall, and often this is occupied just when we would like to have our meetings. The prospects for securing a permanent place are rather hopeful. Some friends here would give toward the enterprise, and I hope that the brethren in the lands which I may visit this summer will also assist us some. We really need a center here, and I think Reykjavik will be the best place for that center.”

“The interest to hear the word since I arrived in this city has been specially good. From three to four hundred men have been attending the meetings. There seems to be an awakening just now. Souls are hungry for the word. Previously, it has been very hard to reach their hearts, as they did not believe in the Word of God, and had no understanding of regeneration and conversion, thinking that this took place through infant baptism. I am so glad that this is now changing. The Lord is drawing near the people, and when men are converted to God, his truth will be received into their hearts. Our paper is now read nearly everywhere, and we have a splendid opportunity to publish the gospel through its pages.”

It is expected that Brother Ostlund will visit Europe the coming summer, and attend the meeting of the European General Conference, as well as some of the local meetings in various countries. For years he has been working hard in Iceland, and we certainly hope that God may soon crown his efforts with an abundant harvest. He is having a good experience in connection with work for the children in the city of Reykjavik, where he has opened a Sunday-school. The fact that there is now a desire to hear is in itself a hopeful sign; for formerly the people were quite indifferent and unbelieving. May God be with the work in this far-away land, and give success to the message for this time.

Rev. Hamburg, Germany.