Among the French in Wisconsin by D. T. Bourdeau; O. A. Olsen

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 23, 1875

Among the French in Wisconsin.

By D. T. Bourdeau; O. A. Olsen

CAME to this State last week; and after stopping one day at Bro. Olsen’s, proceeded by private conveyance to the Bay settlement—a distance of sixteen miles—where our Belgian brethren reside. We were glad to find all the brethren holding on to the leading features of our faith, though they had had no preaching since we left them twenty months before. We were made sad, however, by seeing them divided in consequence of their leader’s having pressed them beyond their experience on matters which, though important in their season and when properly applied, should not be held as the leading message for the times. But at our third meeting perfect union was restored, and all was accomplished that I had desired. Such a season of humble and heartfelt confession I have seldom witnessed. I could not help exclaiming, How much has been lost to the cause by this state of things! Souls might have been gathered in that are now outside the ark of safety. We hope that the brethren have learned a lesson which will not soon be forgotten, and that they will now endeavor to redeem the time.

We have now pitched our tent in the city of Green Bay, which has eleven thousand inhabitants, to accommodate both the French and the Americans. We could find no other means to present the truth to the people. We know our tent season must necessarily be short, but we felt that something must be done to get up an interest, and to fairly introduce the message in this section. We have pitched our tent mainly with reference to the French. We wish to be prompt and thorough in following the openings of Providence, and in following up the interest which we earnestly desire may be created at other points by this meeting. The French Protestants are scattered at different points. Pray that we may have wisdom and help from on high.

D. T. BOURDEAU, O. A. OLSEN.

Green Bay, Wis., Sept. 9, 1875.

Under date of Sept. 12, Bro. B. adds the following:—

We came to this place with trembling, knowing it to be a large place, and an important point for the work for different nationalities. We have now spoken five times in English and once in French, and the prospects are that a church will be raised up here that will be composed of French, Americans, and a few Norwegians. God helps in preaching. We were encouraged greatly in speaking to at least one hundred candid French listeners this afternoon, one-half of whom were Roman Catholics. Four different kinds of French tracts were taken quite freely. Pray for us.

D. T. B.