Labor Among the Scandinavians
By Lewis Johnson
Sheffield, Bureau Co., June 17. I CAME to Illinois about a month ago to proclaim present truth to the Scandinavians there. I labored a little over three weeks at Eight-mile Grove, about eight miles south of Prophetstown in Whiteside county, and I thank God that I can say to the honor of his great name that good has been accomplished. Six have commenced keeping the Sabbath; and others are seeking the Lord. We organized a Bible-class and arranged for Sabbath-meetings. Some of those converted came from the same place in Denmark where I was born. I was glad to see them give their hearts to God. A brother fifty-four years of age said in our meeting, “I thank God that I have come to America and have found my Saviour. I didn’t know anything of these truths in Denmark.” And his countenance showed that the Spirit of the Lord was in his heart. June 10, I came to a settlement about seven miles from Sheffield. The Methodists (Americans) have a very nice meeting-house here, and they kindly said that I could have it free of charge. I preached in it yesterday at 10 o’clock, and expect to have it again next Sunday. After meeting, a person came to me and gave me a little over $3.00 that he had collected for me. Our people here are all Lutherans. Will the people of God pray for me and my country people in Illinois? We need help from God. There are some Danes in the town (Sheffield), but not so many as here in the country. I think I shall go there next week. I trust in God; I know that he is able and willing to help his humble servants.
LEWIS JOHNSON.