A New Conference in Europe by L. R. Conradi

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 13, 1910

A New Conference in Europe

By L. R. Conradi

L. R. CONRADI

A NEW conference has been added to the twenty-four already existing in the European division—that of Finland. After a profitable workers' meeting, conducted by Elder J. C. Raft, the regular business session was held at Helsingfors, October 6-12. A large hall in the Finnish Christian Hospice building accommodated our conference sessions, our Bible studies, and the evening lectures conducted in the Swedish language, while the Finnish evening lectures were held in our own hall.

Of the one hundred sixty brethren in Finland, more than one hundred were in attendance, one fourth of whom were Finns. The conference organization, which went into effect Jan. 1, 1910, was duly effected Oct. 7, 1909, after the duties and privileges of such an organization had been clearly set before our people.

About twenty delegates responded to the roll-call. Two new churches were received. Last year's report, rendered by Elder Berger Andersen, showed that thirty-six had been added to our membership, and quite a number are preparing for baptism. During the past two years the field finances have nearly doubled. Elder J. C. Raft and S. F. Svensson and the writer assisted in the preaching, and Dr. Sucksdorf gave an interesting lecture on health.

The Sabbath proved a very good day to our people. Quite a number came forward for prayer; and as the Spirit of the Lord came in, several took their stand. After the Sabbath, Dr. F. W. Vasenius was married to one of our Helsingfors sisters, who has been a true member here for some years. She was one of the chief ticket agents employed by the railway in the city, having the Sabbath free; and as she had a large circle of friends, about three hundred were present at the ceremony, after which the writer addressed them. She knows a number of languages, and, having dedicated her life to the service of God, will be a strength to the work in the Abyssinian mission. On Sunday forenoon, when we presented to our people the necessity of supplying the doctor with more surgical instruments, one hundred forty dollars was subscribed toward this worthy object.

Although this conference is small, so far as the membership is concerned, yet there are many omens of a healthy growth. As five sixths of the population speak Finnish, we are pleased indeed to see some young people of promise developing in this tongue.

There are twenty canvassers engaged in scattering our literature, with good success. At the annual meeting of our small publishing house here, there was declared a gain of about five hundred dollars.

Elder Fred Andersen was unanimously chosen president of the Finnish Conference. May God prosper this newly organized conference.

Hamburg.