The French Work in North America by G. G. Roth

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 1, 1915

The French Work in North America

By G. G. Roth

THE French work has been progressing rather slowly during the past year. The inability of our conferences last fall to support additional workers obliged us to modify some of our plans; consequently we had to work at a disadvantage for lack of means and workers. However, our workers did their best under the circumstances, and the Lord blessed the efforts put forth.

In Canada, Elder J. Vuilleumier has had to face great difficulties. It is no small proposition to work in Catholic Montreal. A few members, coming out of Catholicism, have been added to the church. The work in Canada is assuming a new phase. Brother Vuilleumier has now a fine company of young canvassers who are selling our French magazine La Sentinelle. More than 10,000 copies of the War number were sold in Montreal and its vicinity during the last two months of 1914. Brother Taylor is also having good success in selling this magazine in the city of Quebec. We believe that a splendid work is being done in circulating the printed page, and we are confident that in God's own time the fruits will appear.

In New England, Elder E. P. Auger is at work in New Bedford, Mass. This city has about 30,000 French Canadians. Brother Auger was hindered in his work for the French last year by the fact that more than half his time was spent in the English work. But, thanks to a decision of the conference committee, he will now be able to devote all his time to the work among the French, and we expect to hear encouraging news from New Bedford this year, for it is a promising field. Nearly every house in that city was visited with our papers during the past year. Near New Bedford is the city of Fall River, where we have about 50,000 French Canadians; we are hoping that a French tent effort may be held there in the near future.

The Lord has given us some success in Worcester, Mass., where there are 30,000 Canadians, and we hope that he will so strengthen those who have accepted the truth and those who are in the valley of decision, that a French church will soon be organized in that place.

Brother Hannon is working among the French of Michigan and Wisconsin. Last summer we had a tent effort in Menominee, Mich. On account of lack of funds we were not able to secure the needed help, and our campaign was cut short because our tents were needed for the camp meeting. An interest was created, and Brother Hannon writes that the truth is making its way into many hearts. We hope that the way will open for a tent campaign in Wisconsin this coming summer.

We also received encouraging news from Brother E. A. Curdy, who has charge of the French work in Haiti during the absence of Brother Prieger. Our work there is somewhat hindered by the revolution, but Brother Curdy is sowing the seed, and his meetings are well attended.

For some time we have been planning to do something for the large French

population of New York City. We have been trying to secure the help of Elder Passebois for that place. This brother is of French nationality, but is at present working among the English-speaking people. The Lord has blessed his work, and we trust that the way will soon open so that he can work for those who speak his own tongue.

About four years ago a French department was established in South Lancaster Academy. The experiences we have gone through during these years show us that a change must take place; consequently it has been decided to move our department to Oshawa, Ontario. This will be a more central place for students desiring to attend from Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Canada; our academy located at Oshawa offers us many advantages. Elder M. N. Campbell, president of the Eastern Canadian Union Conference, and his associates are giving us their hearty cooperation, and with the Lord's help we hope that a strong French department may be established in Buena Vista Academy. We have in prospect some promising young people, but the majority of them need to be helped through school. In educating French workers we are planning to give them a training that will enable them to give the message to those who speak the French, and, if the occasion presents itself, to those who speak the English. We are more and more convinced that our workers will be more efficient if they are not limited to the use of one language, for in many French settlements the parents speak the French and the children the English.

We thank our people who have responded to our request in sending us the addresses of interested French persons. Tracts and papers have been sent to these persons, and we shall continue the work. Again we repeat the request that all those who have French-speaking relatives or friends who are interested in the truth will send us the addresses of these persons. Let us also circulate the French magazine La Sentinelle. It is a quarterly, and its price for one year is 25 cents. We are also publishing a church paper, Le Visiteur, copies of which will be sent to all those who desire to receive it.

We trust that our brethren will remember to pray for our workers among the French. Few of us realize what it means to work among the Catholics. If ever God's messengers need a special supply of wisdom, and grace, and courage, it is certainly when at work for the poor souls kept in ignorance and slavery by Catholicism. One often has to sow a long, long time before any fruits can be seen; but when they appear, we believe that they are all the more precious in the eyes of our Heavenly Father.

G. G. ROTH.