THE SWEDISH CONFERENCE by O. A. Olsen; L. R. Conrad

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Michigan · Jul 23, 1901

THE SWEDISH CONFERENCE

By O. A. Olsen; L. R. Conrad

We left Christiania the evening of June 16, for Orebro, Sweden, where the annual meeting of that Conference was to be held, June 20-27. As there was sufficient time to allow it, we visited our school farm at Nyhyttan, Sweden, June 17. Four years ago this industrial school was purchased for about six thousand dollars. The property contains over six hundred acres, seventy-five of which are under cultivation. The remainder of the land is wooded, and for three years we have realized quite a little money from the sale of charcoal burnt on it. The farm is in much better condition now than when it was bought, owing to improvements we have made, and live stock we have purchased and raised. Our manner of conducting the work gives to the surrounding region an object-lesson of what thrift and perseverance will do. The school is in the midst of a large mining country, so there is a good home market for whatever we may offer for sale; and yet the place is so retired and quiet that it seems admirably adapted to our needs. The teachers are struggling with very meager facilities, however; and when we went into the schoolrooms and saw how few things they have, we could but contrast the situation here with that existing in some of our other institutions. As a sort of apology, one of the brethren said to us, “We believe in keeping our expenses within our income.” During the winter twenty-one students were in attendance, but there are only ten students taking the summer course, and they are largely earning their own way. One of these is a Laplander, who has manifested extraordinary eagerness to obtain an education. During the year five of the students have been converted. We believe the future of the school will be useful to the cause of God in Sweden.

Returning to Orebro, we met with the auditing committee, which got its work all out of the way before the beginning of the Conference proper. The tithes for the year amounted to $3,535.81; and after paying the laborers, there was a small sum to apply on the Conference indebtedness. The canvassing work has done well. The annual sales of the Book Mission were $25,110, and, after deducting the loss on the Swedish papers, there was a net gain of about $1,600.

The business of the Conference passed off pleasantly and harmoniously. Although some perplexing questions came up for consideration, yet we believe they were disposed of in a satisfactory manner. Elder O. A. Johnson, of Norway, and Elder John Hoffman, of Finland, rendered help that was appreciated by all.

The meeting proved a spiritual blessing to those who were present, and opened their hearts to the reception of the Holy Spirit. Sabbath, June 22, was an exceptionally good day. At an early morning hour we repaired to the riverside, where eight were buried with their Lord in baptism, and rose again to walk in newness of life. Later on, two more were baptized. An interesting Sabbath-school, which was attended by one hundred and sixty-eight persons, was followed by the preaching service. After the sermon, opportunity was given for the unconverted, the backslidden, or any who desired a closer walk with God, to arise; about one third of the congregation arose. In the season of prayer which followed, God came sensibly near, and the work of grace was deepened in many hearts. According to the custom of our Swedish brethren, the ordinances of the Lord’s house are celebrated at every annual meeting; and Sabbath afternoon we participated in this service, to the upbuilding of all.

But the closing day was the best of all. During the meeting in the evening, while the report of the committee on ordination and credentials was under consideration, it became evident that Brother A. J. Settergren should be set apart to the gospel ministry. After a few introductory remarks on the importance and sacredness of the work of the ambassador of Christ, the ordination took place, and the occasion was solemnized by the marked presence of God. Following this was a spirited social meeting, to close the Conference.

The outlook for the future in Sweden is encouraging. They begin the coming year under the presidency of Elder O. A. Johnson, with fourteen ministerial workers and about forty canvassers. We believe an abundant success may be theirs so long as they continue to seek God.

O. A. Olsen, L. R. Conrad.