The Way Opening by Anna J. Carlstedt

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 16, 1875

The Way Opening.

By Anna J. Carlstedt

It was the desire of my heart before I left Battle Creek last spring to have the truth in some way presented to the people of this island. A few numbers of the Voice of Truth and Advent Tidende have been sent to this place by the Michigan Tract Society. I think that they have done good in leading some to investigate present truth. I am thankful for what I have seen of the workings of the Spirit of God since I came here, although I do not know that any one has yet taken a stand for the truth; but hearts have been made tender by it, and as I have tried to use my influence in its behalf the blessing of the Lord has rested upon me and others.

God has opened the way before me, both in the public meetings and in the private circles, and freedom has been granted me to present the truth to the people. There are meetings conducted here in both the English and Danish languages. I have tried to use my influence in both as the way has been opened. I have also tried by the help of God to treat others with courtesy and respect, and have received the same in return. The people are very friendly to me, and I love to go out among them to tell them of our soon-coming Saviour, and how to prepare to meet him. But to do this is not always convenient; for this is comparatively a new country, and the best way to travel here is on foot.

There are some Danish individuals here who are very much in favor of the truth. The publications given out in that language have been well read; some of them have gone from house to house, until they are almost worn out. I understand that there are but few here that have not in some way heard the truth. My sister and myself are the only ones that have tried to spread it here. I have the hope that there will, not very far in the future, be a church raised up here that will glorify God in keeping all of his commandments.

I need some Danish tracts. I need but a few; and these I must have—not so much for the Danish people—but there is another nationality here that I shall try to reach by them—the Icelandic. There are people living not very far from here who are well educated both in the Icelandic and in the Danish. From them I shall try to get directions to people in Iceland who may read the Danish. I shall then send them some publications, and write them letters, telling why they have been sent. I am not yet acquainted with any of the Icelanders, but my heart has been burdened for them. I have taken it to the Lord in prayer, and he has given me the assurance by his Spirit that there are some among them that will love the truth more than tradition. I do believe that the time will soon come that the sober-minded people of old Iceland will have the present truth in their own language. May the Lord hasten the time is my prayer.

ANNA J. CARLSTEDT.

Door Co., Wis., Aug. 15, 1875.