Wisconsin Mission Report: Poy Sippi, Neenah, Ashwaubanon
By O. A. Olson
My last report closed with Sept. 11, at Poy Sippi. It was a very unfavorable time for meetings in this place, as the people were all gone cranberrying; yet our meetings, though small, were interesting, and I trust profitable. The church here, united with the Missionary and Tract Society. The 17th, started for Neenah. The company of Sabbath-keepers here is small; but they are striving to be faithful. There are some that stand very near to us, who we hope will soon take hold of the truth in earnest. Our meetings were not very large; but we realized the blessing of God among us. The church here also united with the Missionary Society. May God help us to realize the importance of this work, and be wholly awake to this time. The 25th, we came to Fort Howard, and in the evening met with the brethren at Ashwaubanon. This little company embraced the truth last spring, and we were happy to find them firm, and growing in the love of it. We continued with them until Oct. 8. Had sixteen meetings. Oct. 4, we were joined by Bro. J. C. Nielson. Three more commenced to keep the Sabbath, and three were baptized. They were also partially organized. The company numbers eight. Systematic Benevolence, $12.55 per quarter. We are glad to realize their willingness to overcome their evil habits, so that tobacco, which was freely used, has been laid aside by most of them. A Tract and Missionary Society was also formed, and the friends seem to be earnest in this work. Oct. 8, in company with Bro. J. C. Neilson, came to New Denmark. Had seven meetings. Two more started in the service of the Lord, and were baptized. The brethren here thought it best, as they were but few, to unite with the church formed at Ashwaubanon, as there were but few in this place also, and their union, it was thought, would be a source of encouragement and strength to them both. They now number sixteen. They also united in S. B., which raised their pledge to $18.61 per quarter, $74.44 per year. Oct. 16 and 17, we visited what is called the Bay Settlement, twelve miles from Green Bay, settled by people from Belgium, speaking French and Belgian. Here we found many that are interested in the truth, but we only found one man that we could talk with, as they cannot understand English. They have lived in this country, some of them, upwards of twenty years, but the settlement is so large that they hardly ever come in contact with the American people. They are mostly Catholics. There is a Presbyterian church that have come out from the Catholics. This has of late become divided, and it was said that there are some twenty families that are interested to hear. If there was a French Missionary to go among them with the truth, there would be many that would obey. But where are the men? May the Lord raise them up and send them forth. The one that could understand English has been reading our books, and is a firm believer in the truths of the third message. He went forward in the ordinance of baptism, and is now interested to labor for his countrymen, and we were glad to learn that they all have confidence in him. Oct. 19 and 20, were with the brethren at Ashwaubanon. They felt strong to move forward in the work of the Lord. The 21st, arrived home. The 24th to 28th, met with the church at Raymond. Was glad to find the brethren more united, and striving to come up to the work of the Lord. The Lord met with us in these meetings, and we all felt encouraged to press forward. As I look back upon this last tour, I can but feel thankful for what the Lord has done and is doing for us as a people. May God help us to appreciate his mercies, and become more zealous and devoted. May God help me to move in accordance with his will, become more imbued with the meek and lowly Spirit of the Master, and labor to the end, that God can bless, and his cause be advanced. O. A. OLSON. Busseyville, Wis., Oct. 31, 1872.