p. 16 | The French Department by Ole Andres Olsen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 12, 1911

The French Department

By Ole Andres Olsen

Three Important Moves

We are glad to report progress in the French department of our work. At the South Lancaster Academy a French department has been opened, and now for the first time we can invite our young people from among the French in this country to a school where they can be instructed in their mother tongue, and obtain a preparation for some part in the Lord's work among their own people. Such an opportunity should have been provided long before this. Because of this lack we have lost much, and the work among the French in this country has suffered greatly. But now the way is open and opportunities are offered for the training of workers; and we sincerely hope that it may be fully appreciated and utilized.

In our visit among the French in Michigan, Wisconsin, and the East, as well as in Canada, we met with a large number of young people all the way from sixteen to twenty-five years of age that now should avail themselves of the opportunities afforded by our French school. Will our French-speaking people give this matter their most earnest consideration, and do all they can to encourage the young people to attend our French school? and will they give them such assistance as may be needed to help them to get started? Elders and other officers in our churches should take a special interest in this matter. Then, besides the young people, there may be those of more mature years that should attend. We are in sore need of earnest and faithful laborers for this great French field in America and elsewhere.

Another important move is the printing of a magazine in the French language, La Sentinelle (the Watchman), of thirty-two pages besides the cover. It is beautifully gotten up, and presents a very pleasing appearance. It is printed by the International Publishing Association, at College View, Neb. The issuing of this magazine in the French tongue should give a new impetus to the work among this people. Never before have our French-speaking brethren and sisters had such a beautiful paper filled with present truth to circulate in this country.

This affords an opportunity to revive the home missionary work; and as this magazine is offered on the same terms as the English, the way is open for self-supporting missionary work. We hope all our French-speaking people will take advantage of this opportunity with real earnestness. And not only our French-speaking people, but those who speak English, German, or one of the Scandinavian languages can take part in the circulation of this French magazine, and thus help on the good work.

We can also report another move of interest. At the biennial council of the General Conference Committee held at Friedensau, Germany, July 4-16, 1911, it was arranged for Elder John Vuilleumier to come to America to connect with the French work in this country. We now learn that he has arrived at Montreal, Canada. This is a valuable accession to our French work. Canada is an important French field, where we have a number of believers, who have proved themselves faithful; but as there has been no one to lead out in this tongue, the work has been somewhat at a standstill.

Elder Vuilleumier is a laborer of experience, and with his coming we believe we shall see a decided revival of the work among the French in Canada. With the French department at the South Lancaster Academy, the French magazine, and the reenforcement of laborers, we have reason to look for a decided forward movement among the French-speaking people in this country. May the special blessing of the Lord attend this effort is our earnest prayer.

O. A. OLSEN.