IOWA AND DAKOTA by John F. Hanson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 16, 1876

IOWA AND DAKOTA.

By John F. Hanson

My last report ended with Dec. 28. A few days were then spent with my family. Nov. 12, I arrived at Omaha, Nebraska, where I labored with some success for a little over two weeks. I sold and gave away several dollars’ worth of books, and obtained fifteen subscribers for our periodicals. Six have given their hearts to the Lord in that place, and have commenced to keep the Sabbath; but as I did not find as good an interest as I desired, and as it was very expensive to hold meetings in that place, I felt free to leave for the present.

At this time the subject of a Tract and Missionary Society attracted my mind so much that I felt it duty to visit all our Danish churches and encourage our brethren to engage in this important part of the work.

Dec. 10, I met with the brethren at Cedar Falls. Providentially, Bro. Nicola, of Iowa, met me at this place, and assisted me in starting the good work mentioned above.

Dec. 17–28, I labored with the young church at West Dayton, Iowa. The blessing of the Lord was manifested in all our meetings. Four were baptized and added to the church. A Sabbath-school and Tract Society were organized. These friends have shown a willingness to take hold and live out the present truth better than many of our Scandinavian brethren. Spiritual Gifts is read and accepted with great delight among them. I feel that the time must soon come when all our Danish churches should know all about the teachings and labors of Bro. and Sr. White.

Jan. 1 and 2, 1876, I had the privilege of being with the church at Crescent City, Iowa. The day appointed for fasting by the General Conference Committee was spent accordingly. Testimonies were given which bore witness that we had the best meeting we ever enjoyed with that church. On Sunday, Jan. 2, three were baptized and added to this church, which now numbers twenty-nine. This church has steadily increased in numbers ever since it was raised up two years ago. May the Lord help them to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

After a short time with this and the Elkhorn church, I came to Swan Lake, Dakota, where I have labored since Feb. 3, under the blessing of God, to the encouragement of many souls. A little over a year ago I visited this place for the first time. Only one family were then keeping the Sabbath of the Lord. As a result of reading the TIDENDE and other works in Danish on present truth, there are to-day in that neighborhood between forty and fifty that are rejoicing in the Lord and earnestly trying to keep all his commandments and the faith of Jesus.

Our meetings have all been attended with heavenly power. Sinners, young and old, have been moved to confess their sins before God and man. Never, since I began to speak in public, which is now about sixteen years, have I felt the power and goodness of God to attend my feeble labors as at this place. Oh! may I come still nearer to my Lord.

Feb. 18 was also a good day with the friends here. Eleven willing souls were baptized in Swan Lake, a beautiful place, and the holy ceremony was performed in the presence of over two hundred. God was present by his Spirit, and we felt that it was good to obey the Lord.

Twenty-one have united in church fellowship. With the blessing of God, and the faithful watchcare of our beloved Bro. Frederikson, their elder, others will soon join their number. Systematic Benevolence was adopted by the friends here for the support of the ministry with a heart that beats in union with our people. $100.-00 were promised for the coming Conference year. Besides this, the brethren here paid to me $25.00. This means work, considering their circumstances.

Dakota Territory is a promising field, especially among the Scandinavian population. It has never as yet been visited by any American missionaries from the S. D. Adventists; but we think the way is fully open to labor among that class also. Especially in or near Swan Lake our Danish brethren have begun to scatter books and pamphlets in English, and are praying for some fruit to appear. They earnestly ask our dear Bro. White, President of the General Conference,

to remember Dakota, and send some one to sound the last message of mercy to their American neighbors.

When will all our people as one man engage in the work with more earnestness? Souls are perishing for true light, both here and in my own country. Oh! for a little more zeal mingled with wisdom from Heaven, to fulfill our mission here below, and soon we shall hear the voice of our dear Redeemer say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” JOHN F. HANSON.

Feb. 28, 1876.