SCANDINAVIAN MEETING IN DISTRICT 6.
By S. A. Anderson
The meeting of the Scandinavian Seventh-day Adventist laborers on the Pacific Coast, was held at Monitor, Ore., March 29 to April 8, 1900. Present were L. Johnson, superintendent of the Scandinavian work in North America; Andrew Brorsen and L. P. Jacobsen, from the California Conference; C. Johnson, John Peterson, A. Williamson, J. A. Roos, and John Sidfeldt, from the North Pacific Conference; A. G. Christianson and S. A. Anderson, from the Upper Columbia Conference. S. A. Anderson was chosen Secretary of the meeting, with instructions to report to the papers most interested. Monitor is a country post office about two miles from McKee, a station on a branch of the Southern Pacific Railroad, and about forty miles from Portland, Ore. The largest church of Scandinavian Seventh-day Adventists on the Pacific Coast is situated here. The visiting brethren were met at the railroad station, and conducted to the homes of the brethren, where they were entertained as members of the family during their stay. We had a foretaste of the reunion of God's people in seeing joy shine through tears in greeting friends of old, and receiving a hearty welcome at our arrival, and tender care during our stay. The homes of our brethren generally gave testimony not only of their industry, but also of the presence and guidance of God's Spirit in all things. Meetings were held from 10 A. M. to 2 P. M. during the day, except Sabbath and Sunday, beginning with prayer and testimony, after which practical questions relating to the need of labor among the Scandinavians, and the best means for doing the same, were considered. A good spirit of unity and thankfulness to God for his goodness prevailed in all our deliberations. The evening meetings and one meeting each Sunday were conducted in the English language, and were listened to attentively by a comparatively large audience, and we pray for good fruit of the seed sown. Sabbath, April 7, the ordinances instituted by our Lord were celebrated. The Spirit of God came in, and hearts were made tender, so that while we remembered our Saviour and longed for his coming again, that peace and joy which passeth all understanding were our portion. The Secretary, together with Elders A. Brorson and C. Johnson, were appointed a committee to draft recommendations in harmony with principles and conditions considered. The committee reported the following, which were unanimously adopted:— Whereas, We firmly believe our organization to be of the Lord; and that a strict adherence to its principles is essential to Christian unity, therefore,— (1) Resolved, That we will respect the organization, and work in harmony with our respective Conferences; and that all recommendations made by us shall be subject to said Conferences in session, or the executive committees of same, as it shall appear that they are interested. Whereas, The Evangeliets Sendebud and Sions Väktare have been established in the order of the Lord to spread the truth among the Scandinavians; therefore,— (2) Resolved, That renewed efforts be made by all our laborers to extend the circulation of said papers. Whereas, There is great need of laborers among the Scandinavians in the North Pacific Conference; therefore we— (3) Recommend, That Elder A. G. Christianson be requested to spend a part of his time in labor among the Scandinavians of the North Pacific Conference. We also— (4) Recommend, That Elder A. G. Christianson attend the California State camp-meeting in the interest of the work among the Scandinavians at that meeting. Whereas, We believe that the Lord's work among the Scandinavians will be materially advanced if the laborers among this people can meet at suitable times and places, to seek God and counsel regarding the work for the future; therefore we— (5) Recommend, That a meeting similar to this, be held in 1902, at such place on the Pacific Coast, and at such time during the year, as shall be agreed upon; and that the Conferences within said territory be requested to send their Scandinavian laborers to said meeting. Having enjoyed many blessings from God at this our first general meeting of Scandinavian laborers on the Pacific Coast, for all of which we sincerely thank our Heavenly Father; and recognizing that it is by the liberal co-operation of the General Conference, together with the California, North Pacific, and Upper Columbia Conferences interested, that this meeting has been made a pleasing reality; we hereby express our hearty appreciation of the kindness manifested by the General Conference, together with the California, North Pacific, and Upper Columbia Conferences, in sending delegates to this meeting; and extend to the officers, fellow laborers, and brethren of said Conferences, our greeting of Christian love and fellowship.