VISIT TO GERMANY AND THE BRITISH CONFERENCE
By O. A. Olsen
After learning of the postponement of the General Conference, I decided to take a little more time before sailing for America. Just as I was about to leave Denmark, I received an urgent request from Elder Conradi to attend a council and meeting of their Conference Committee at Friedensau, Germany, which I decided to do, leaving Copenhagen, January 14. I found Brother Conradi just recovering from a severe attack of influenza. As a consequence of his continuous labors and long journeys, being many times much exposed, he was taken ill, and laid up at Basle for several days. But he was now better, and able to preside at the council. The work at Friedensau has made considerable progress since I was there last summer during the camp-meeting. The new sanitarium building is inclosed, and makes a good appearance. The school is also in progress, with about thirty students. Quite a large number of those who requested admittance could not be accommodated; indeed, the accommodations are not adequate for the number already in attendance, but the students are so anxious to receive the benefit of the instruction that they are willing to put up with many inconveniences. I fear that the importance of these missionary schools in these large and important fields is not fully appreciated. If it were, it seems to me that more would be done to place the schools in a position where they could more fully meet the great demand. This is a matter that will need most careful consideration. The German Conference has done nobly in raising funds and starting the work as they have, and there is a large number of noble young persons who ought to be given the opportunity they so much desire in order that they may be fitted for such work as the Lord may have in store for them. From Friedensau I went to London, England, arriving there January 19. I was much pleased to meet my sons there, and also the families of Professor Prescott and Dr. Waggoner, with many others. Heretofore I had not had an opportunity to spend any time in this Conference; and as the time of the General Conference had been postponed, and being urged much by the brethren, I decided to remain a while and visit a number of places. After holding one meeting with the North London church, I visited Leytonstone, where Professor Prescott was conducting an institute, giving instruction to a number of brethren and sisters who were preparing to engage in the work. With the assistance of Elder Champness and others, he also conducted a series of evening meetings in a new tabernacle, which they have lately erected. Quite a church has been raised up at this place, and others are accepting the truth from time to time. I also visited Balham, where Elders Washburn and Meredith are conducting a series of meetings. Here, too, I found an interesting company, and had a pleasant visit with the brethren. A goodly number was present at the meeting, and we were glad to learn that some souls have lately decided to follow the Lord. In company with Elder Prescott, I visited Birmingham, where Elders Andross and Haughey have been engaged in work since last June. The annual Conference was also held at this place. Since the beginning of the work in June, about forty persons have accepted the truth of the Lord, and the interest is still good. I was much pleased with the appearance of the company, and greatly enjoyed our meeting with them on Sabbath and Sunday. I found Brother Haughey and Brother Andross and his family in good health, and enjoying much of the blessing of God in their work. It will also be remembered that the food factory established at Salford Mills was destroyed by fire, which was a severe blow to this new enterprise. For a time it was feared that it would have to be abandoned. But through the energy and earnest efforts put forth by the brethren in charge, and the blessing of the Lord attending them, they have now settled at Birmingham, and begun anew the manufacture of health foods. Success has crowned their efforts, and the prospects for the future are good. Brother H. G. Butler is now manager, and he, with his co-workers, is sparing no pains to make the enterprise a success. At Birmingham I parted with Brother Prescott, he returning to London, while I went on to Liverpool, where Elders M. A. Altman and Harry Armstrong are conducting meetings. I spent three days at this place, visiting among the friends, and meeting with them in the evenings. Although the attendance was not large, we enjoyed some very precious seasons. I also spent a day here just before sailing for America, and during this time three persons were baptized, and others have begun the observance of the Sabbath. Although the work is not moving rapidly, still there is a steady advancement and a growing interest. I then went to Belfast, Ireland, arriving there Thursday morning, January 31. There I met Brother William Hutchinson and his family, who for some time, with the assistance of other workers, have been laboring in this city. They have a portable tabernacle, which they move from place to place as circumstances indicate. I spent four days at this place, and during the time made a short visit to Banbridge, a short distance out. On week-day evenings our meetings were attended by forty or more, and on Sunday by a much larger number. On the Sabbath our attendance was nearly sixty, and all but five of these had fully connected themselves with the truth. They were an intelligent class of people, and seemed to have their whole hearts in the work. It has taken time to get a foothold in this place, and the effort has met with many difficulties; but the present outlook for the work is encouraging, and we earnestly pray that the blessing of the Lord may attend it, and that a large church may be raised up there to glorify the Lord. February 5 I returned to Liverpool, and on the 6th, in company with others, embarked for America. The Lord gave us a favorable passage, and we were thankful to land safely in New York, February 14. I have no discouraging word to bring from the work in Europe. While we meet with difficulties and obstacles, still it is the Lord’s work, and by the power of His grace it is bound to triumph. Special discouragements have met us during the last year in Scandinavia, but even these things will prove a blessing, and will result in the advancement of the cause of truth and the glory of God’s name. To Him be all the praise. O. A. OLSEN.