p. 722 | LABORS IN EUROPE by Ole Andres Olsen

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 5, 1901

LABORS IN EUROPE.

By Ole Andres Olsen

Immediately at the close of the last General Conference I returned to Europe, expecting to attend the general meetings in the different Conferences, and then, according to arrangements, go to South Africa. Leaving Mrs. Olsen in England, I started for Denmark the first of June, and from there went to Norway. In company with Brother Conradi, I attended the Conferences in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, Germany, and Great Britain. They were all excellent meetings, the best, taken altogether, that I have known. The spirit that prevailed at the General Conference in Battle Creek was manifest in all these gatherings. Unity and harmony characterized the Conference deliberations. The suggestions and plans of work introduced at the General Conference were heartily approved, and seemed to bring light to many minds.

The organization of the European General Conference, which took place in connection with the camp-meeting and Conference at Friedensau, Germany, was an advance move of much significance. It can but be a source of rejoicing that we have reached a stage in the development of the work when such a measure is called for. May it be the signal for much more rapid growth in the future. The time has certainly come when the message should go with rapidity and power in this important field.

At the time of the European General Conference at Friedensau, I was informed of a further action of the Mission Board in my case; namely, that in view of the fact that I could not take Mrs. Olsen to Africa at this time on account of her feeble health, I should be released from the recommendation to go to that country, and should continue with the work in Europe.

At first it was difficult for me to reconcile my mind to this change of plans; for I felt a deep interest in, and burden for, the work in Africa. But it has always been my habit to show respect for the instruction of our responsible boards and committees, knowing that they have the best interests of the work at heart. Being, moreover, aware of the unsettled state of things in Africa, the thought came to me that perhaps the time had not yet come for me to go to that country; and if the Lord wished me to tarry awhile in Europe, or had other plans for me, I could leave it wholly in His hands, since my only desire was to do His will.

While attending the annual meeting in Great Britain, I received a cordial and urgent invitation to connect with the work in the British Conference, and as this seemed to be in the way of the Lord’s leading, I accepted the call, and am laboring here as the providence of God may indicate.

Our general meeting was quite well attended, and greatly blessed to the good of those present and to the Conference generally. Since its close I have spent some time in London, looking after the Conference work, and have also visited some of our churches and scattered brethren in other places.

Just now we are beginning to circulate the first edition of “Christ’s Object Lessons” in the interests of the educational work. We desire to sell the first five thousand before the holidays. There is great need of a training school for workers, and many are anxious to avail themselves of such an opportunity. We have therefore decided to begin something in this line early in January.

We have also started a monthly health journal, to be known as Good Health. The first number is just out, and is meeting with a hearty reception. We feel much encouraged by the interest taken by our own people and others in this enterprise, and earnestly desire that it may prove a real blessing to the work.

During the latter part of the summer tent-meetings were carried on at Forest Gate and Wanstead, in the suburbs of London, and also at Liverpool and Birkenhead. All have been productive of good. An excellent interest has been manifested at Forest Gate and Liverpool. At the former place twenty-five or more have taken their stand for the truth, and there has been a like number at Liverpool. The interest continues good in both places. Last Friday evening I had the privilege of witnessing the baptism of twenty dear souls at Liverpool, the rite being administered by Brother Armstrong. Still, others are preparing to go forward in about three weeks. At Birmingham we have just finished the building of a very neat chapel, which is to be dedicated the twenty-seventh of the present month.

We are thankful for every advance step in the work; but while we rejoice in this, we are nevertheless sad over the fact that what is being done is so little in comparison with what needs to be done. Urgent calls for help are coming from places where our ministers have never been, as well as from others where something has been done in the past. Truly the harvest is great, but the laborers are few. May the time soon come when many more of the open doors may be entered with the message for this time.

Just now I am making a tour in the northwestern part of the Conference, visiting Liverpool, Birkenhead, Manchester, and Leeds; shall also go on to Belfast, Ireland.

Arrangements are being made for Brother Harry Armstrong, who is now at Liverpool, to go to Scotland to open up the work there. We are glad that this is possible.

O. A. OLSEN.

October 17.