Labor Among Danish Families in Iowa
By John F. Hanson
February 12, left home for a new field of labor. Came to Council Bluffs, where I was very kindly received by a Danish family whom I had providentially visited when I first came to this State. The man and his wife were both spiritualists at that time. We talked much about the Bible and religion. These friends tell me now that they were half convinced at that time that their religion was not genuine. I left this dear family with prayer to God for their salvation. It was about three months from the time this happened till I met these friends again. I remembered the words of the prophet at this time, “Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters.” So I introduced the Tidsende, which the man readily subscribed for as soon as he knew that there was such a paper. I happened at that time to have one old copy of “Liv og Död” with me which I lent this family until I should meet them again. After they had read our publications, and heard a course of lectures, they, with others, fully decided that we have the Bible for our guide. I have labored here and at Crescent City and vicinity for about eight weeks. The Lord has blessed my labor, for which I feel very thankful. I am encouraged to labor on in this good cause. Twenty-five have been led to believe the present truth and are now keeping the Lord’s holy Sabbath. These friends have come out from five different denominations and are all Danish except one Swedish family. I have baptized six. Sold about $20 worth of our publications. Have obtained subscribers for the Tidsende, Svensk Harold, the REVIEW, and Reformer. The door seems to be open anywhere for the third angel’s message to go with a loud voice to the different nations. I have just received a letter from an old friend in Denmark. The writer says, “My wife and I have now commenced to keep Saturday for the Sabbath, and how glad we would be if some one could come here and bring this truth before the people.” May God speed on his glorious truth. JOHN F. HANSON. Elkhorn, Shelby Co., Iowa, April 13, 1874.