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The British Field

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 2, 1902

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 79, No. 48.

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The British Field

By Ole A. Olsen

Some time has passed since I furnished anything from this field; not that I have lacked interest, but my health has been such that I could not attempt more than was absolutely necessary. I have just returned from a few weeks’ stay at the Skodsborg Sanatorium, where I received much benefit healthwise; and now I hope, by the blessing of God, to re-enter the field, where there is so much to be done.
We are glad to report some progress. The labors of our few ministers during the last conference year met with encouraging success. A hundred and ninety souls were baptized during that time. Ministerial work was begun in Scotland, Brother Harry Armstrong going there the last of January. His labor has been greatly blessed, and the work has made a good beginning. The work in Wales has also been taken up, a movable tabernacle being provided.
The European General Conference, which convened in London last May, was looked forward to with high expectations. The meeting was well attended by representatives from a large part of the world. The large delegation from America was especially appreciated. This was the first time that so large a representative gathering had been held in Europe, but it will surely not be the last. The meeting afforded an excellent opportunity to become better acquainted with the greatness of the European field, and the work that must be done. It was not only interesting, but soul-stirring, to listen to the thrilling experiences which many of our brethren are having in their efforts to bring the message of salvation to those who grope in superstition and error; but the testimony of all was, “Thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ.”
The interest shown by our brethren in America in sending such a large delegation of leading laborers from different parts of the States, and the good words they spoke, formed a special source of encouragement to us here. While we are glad and thankful to God for what he has already wrought in Europe, still the immensity of the work yet to be done is such that one stands appalled over the outlook; but the work is the Lord’s, and his purpose will be accomplished. When we see the increasing interest of our brethren in America, and their readiness to send men and means to aid in the work here, this becomes a source of joy and encouragement to our souls. I hope that we on this side of the water may fully appreciate and reciprocate these efforts. And in behalf of the British Union Conference I would express our hearty appreciation of, and grateful thanks for, the help that is being rendered this needy field.
Those who came last May have taken hold with the best of courage, and are being greatly blessed in their work. Those who came more recently have nearly all entered the school. They are in the best of spirits, and are doing excellent work. In no better way can we show our appreciation of the assistance rendered us than by unitedly coming forward and putting our own shoulders to the work, and thus heartily co-operating with the efforts made by our brethren in America. I am glad to say that there is a most earnest desire to do this.
The importance of this field cannot be overestimated. The circulation of our books and papers has resulted in creating an interest to hear the living messenger, and calls for labor are coming from all parts of the land. We rejoice in the prospect that some of these calls may soon be responded to. The Lord certainly has many people in this country.
Our annual camp meeting and conference held at Leeds was a meeting of special interest. We were greatly favored in having the presence and labors of Brethren A. G. Daniells, L. R. Conradi, and E. R. Palmer. The attendance was not so large as at some former meetings of the kind, owing to the fact that Leeds lies considerably to the north of our Sabbath-keeping population, and also because many had attended the European General Conference held at London in May. But the meeting was probably the most important ever held in the conference. Plans for the more rapid advancement of the work were set before us by Brethren Daniells and Conradi, and heartily approved by all the congregation. Thus the territory was divided into five parts, creating two conferences and three mission fields. The organization of these different divisions was completed during the conference; with the hearty indorsement of all concerned. Since the close of the meeting the work has been taken up in the several fields with much earnestness, and already we see good results from this arrangement.
The labors of Brethren Daniells and Conradi were greatly appreciated, and our home laborers took hold heartily and earnestly in the work. The public interest increased till the close. Seven were baptized during the meetings. After the close of the conference, work was continued by Brethren Ballenger and Altman, and more than twenty have accepted the truth, though as yet the work is only fairly begun.
The help rendered by Brother E. R. Palmer was also much appreciated, and has given a new impetus to the book work in the British field. The outlook for this important department is encouraging, and we hope to see a general revival of the real missionary spirit among all our people in the conference.
The second term of our school opened September 6. This year it is being held in Holloway Hall. The attendance is now over sixty, and more are coming. The general spirit of the school is most excellent, and the blessing of the Lord is present in a marked manner; but we are greatly in need of suitable class rooms. On entering our school you would be amused to see four teachers with their classes in different parts of one small room. The scene resembles a camp-meeting Sabbath school more than a regular day school. While all are happy and cheerful, and greatly appreciate the privileges they enjoy, still this condition of things is very unfavorable both to teachers and to pupils; but, for all this, a great and good work is being done, and we hope that the way will open, at least by another year, for the school to be provided with better facilities.
O. A. OLSEN.