DAKOTA by Richard Conrad

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 21, 1882

DAKOTA

By Richard Conrad

Milltown, Hutchinson Co.—Arrived here among the Russian brethren Feb. 13. Found them sadly divided; still many rejoiced to see me. There are now about forty left here and at Immanuel's Creek, forty miles south, where the leading brethren are. The trouble commenced here a year ago, the leaders, with some of the members, taking the responsibility of disfellowshipping members forever, to which others objected. Upon inquiry, I also found that their leaders have been working against us for nearly two years. Since New Year's about fourteen have withdrawn from the others, among whom I commenced my meetings. The bitterness of the other party is so great that if any of their members visit my meetings they are excluded. The 16th I went with four brethren to Immanuel's

Creek to visit the other brethren and to talk with their leaders. We had good meetings at the house of one of this party, and our hearts became knitted together. Sunday, with Bro. Conrey, I went to visit their leaders, but it was of no avail. I found that many here had given up the Sabbath on account of the trouble. In consequence of the cold winds, and being up nights, my eyes had become inflamed, and I went with Bro. Conrey to Springfield to rest a few days and to visit the American brethren. On Sabbath and Sunday I held five meetings with good outside interest. On returning, as well as going, I spoke at Scotland to a large audience, the last time, by request, on the Sabbath.

Arriving again at Milltown, I commenced a regular course of lectures and the plain truths of the message have melted away the peculiarities which existed here. Sabbath we had our first German Sabbath-school. Over forty were in attendance. We did the best we could without lesson sheets. Sunday night we again met for the purpose of talking over the subject of their uniting with us. I explained this message, and twelve at once expressed themselves ready to join. Others will undoubtedly join soon. Some were prevented from attending the meetings by distance or bad weather. I also organized a tract society. Already twelve have joined. At first the ordinance of humility, the judicial oath, the covering of the heads of the sisters, also the fact that our brethren had guns in their houses, were great obstacles, and have been for years. The use of fermented wine was an especial hindrance to our work among them. But, thank God, all this vanished as I showed them the true position from the word of God. Only a few linger. Our company already number over twenty, as several have joined us since I commenced my meetings. I hope and pray that others will decide for the truth. Still they will have much to do to retrace their steps and humble themselves. Two already desire baptism. From this company light has been going out and as the result, some in Kansas, Nebraska, and even Southern Russia, are keeping the Sabbath, also a few forty miles west of here. I learn also by postal that near Parker about fifteen families are desiring to hear me again.

Some here are leaving off the use of pork, and several are ready to sign the teetotal pledge. The tithing system is also regarded with favor by several. I have spoken twenty-eight times thus far. I feel truly thankful for the strength given from above. The work here looked discouraging at first. I also feel thankful that my health is so good, notwithstanding the loss of sleep. My prayer is that the Lord may soon send some one to labor with me, that I may have more time for study and meditation. May the Lord open the hearts of many of the German nation, that the work begun may go with power. RICHARD CONRAD.