The British Field by Ole Andres Olsen

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 24, 1903

The British Field

By Ole Andres Olsen

The good work is onward in the British field. Nov. 28, 1902. I left London for Belfast, where Dr. Bell and his associates in Ireland had rented a house which had been furnished and fitted up for a sanitarium. The institution is on Antrim Road, in one of the best suburbs of Belfast, from which a penny ride on the tram brings one to the very center of the city. The fittings, furnishings, and general arrangements are favorable in every way, reflecting great credit on Dr. Bell and his faithful assistants. One encouraging feature is that they have been able to do this from the money they have raised in the country, together with the assistance furnished by the Mission Board. The outlook for the medical missionary work in Ireland is bright. At the time I was there, the institution had hardly opened to receive patients, yet a number were coming for treatment, while others were arranging for a longer stay as soon as the place was ready to receive them. May the Lord's special care be over this enterprise, and make it a blessing to many sufferers, as well as an efficient means of illustrating the principles of the gospel of Christ.

From Belfast I went to Glasgow, Scotland, where I remained from December 18 to 29. This was a very interesting occasion. It is now a little more than ten months since Brother H. Armstrong went there with his family to begin aggressive work. For a number of years faithful canvassers have circulated much of our literature in the city, thus preparing the field for the living preacher. The literature and the influence of the colporteurs had also resulted in bringing some souls into the truth. But an effort was needed to develop the work. To this, Brother and Sister Armstrong applied themselves with earnestness, and the Lord has greatly blessed in their labors.

The work in Scotland has also been supplemented and strengthened by several experienced canvassers from America, who came here after the European General Conference in May, last year, and who have had excellent success in their work. As the result of these various efforts, there are now fifty-one adult Sabbath keepers in Glasgow, including Brother and Sister Armstrong, who have been called to

India, we are glad they can go, and they will be followed by our earnest prayers that God will make them a great blessing to the work there.

While we are made sorry by the leaving of Brother and Sister Armstrong, we have also been made glad by the coming of Brother W. A. Westworth and family from America. They have received a hearty welcome from all the friends, whose cheerful and hearty support will be given them in their labors in this needy and important field. Brother Westworth will labor in Edinburgh, where he has secured a pleasant and centrally located hall for Sunday evening meetings. He will be assisted by Brother Miller, lately from New York City.

We are all greatly pleased that the time has come when we can make an aggressive effort in that important and interesting center, and earnestly pray that great blessings may attend the work.

O. A. OLSEN.