p. 347 | North Dakota by George C. Tenney

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 4, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 22.

North Dakota.

By George C. Tenney

FROM what we have seen it is evident that the time has fully come for the work of the Third Angel's Message to be established in this northern field, though there are some obstacles to be met here, as in every place. The principal ones seem to be the sparseness of inhabitants in the country—the farms are large and much of the country is unimproved, and the peculiarities of climate make the favorable time for holding meetings quite brief.

Brother M. M. Olsen and I began labor here last September. He remained most of the winter, while I was absent in another field. We found on coming here about forty Sabbath-keepers, very widely scattered. There were no organizations, and no meetings held at any point. There are now nearly one hundred Sabbath-keepers. During the latter part of the winter, meetings have been regularly held at five different places, and the prospects for the organization of three or four churches in the near future, are very good. We are encouraged by a readiness manifested on the part of the people to hear and read, and, especially, by the blessing of God which attends our efforts. Without this we could not reasonably expect any success in such an unpopular work, involving so much sacrifice of self and the world.

This field seems favorable for the canvassing work. Brother R. H. Peters canvassed Fargo and Moorehead and obtained about 130 subscriptions, mostly for the Signs, notwithstanding the very stringent times. I have just made a trip along the Northern Pacific Railroad to New Salem, twenty-five miles west of Bismarck. At six different places, I called and found Sabbath-keepers, some of whom had never seen a minister of our faith. Sabbath, May 9, we had an encouraging meeting with a few at Jamestown. There are many places where small congregations of interested hearers may be gathered, and we trust, by the help of God, that a good work may shortly be done for the truth. While we would acknowledge the goodness of God in the past, we earnestly crave a greater measure for future time and labor, that our work may be wrought in him.

G. C. TENNEY.