J. T. BOETTCHER by J. T. Boettcher

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 26, 1909

J. T. BOETTCHER

By J. T. Boettcher

Russia

J. T. BOETTCHER

LETTERS from the Baltic Conference, Russia, tell of the work in that field. Brother J. Sprohge, the Lithuanian ordained minister, writes that he recently baptized twelve persons, and took in two on profession of faith, in the city of Mittau. Even though suffering physically, our brother has been able, through the help of the Lord, to prepare the candidates for baptism, and to administer this sacred rite. The accompanying illustration shows him with one of the candidates in the Aa River, and the others standing by looking on.

A year ago we had no church at this place, but at present there are over forty members. Where we had to administer this rite secretly in former years, you may be sure that we are very grateful to our Lord that we can now conduct such a service openly, and accompany it with singing and prayer. This is a Lithuanian church, and they are in full harmony with the work of God for this time. German meetings are also conducted in this city, and in the near future a number of German believers will be baptized here. A police officer in the employ of the government, has the Sabbath free in Mittau.

Brother T. Schneider writes from Libau: “The Lord has been merciful to us, and helped us more than we could have asked. After four-months’ work, there are twenty-five ready for baptism, ten to be received on profession of faith, and five by letter. These will increase our church-membership to sixty-four. Among the thirty-five converts are ten men. Others hope so to arrange their business affairs that they may be with us at the next baptism, which we hope to have the thirtieth of May. Our meeting-hall will be much too small; but we believe that God, who has never forsaken us thus far, will help us in this also.”

Four months ago the police came while our brethren were holding meetings one Sabbath, and told them that they had no right to assemble, and wrote out a document for them to sign, stating that they would not meet again. Our brethren feared that the work of God would be hindered. On learning of the situation, I sent a worker to that place. We petitioned the governor and secured permission to open another meeting-place within two weeks after we had received notice to close. We have been holding meetings every evening in the week, and sometimes several times during the day. The people have crowded in until there was not standing room for another person. Corridors and adjoining rooms were all occupied. The Lord is certainly working mightily.