p. 17 | The Norwegian Annual Meeting by N. C. Bergersen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 12, 1912

The Norwegian Annual Meeting

By N. C. Bergersen

The thirty-sixth annual Norwegian meeting was held in Bergen, May 7-13. Several workers' meetings were held before the conference opened. In the morning the writer conducted a prayer-meeting. The Spirit of God rested upon us, and many hearty testimonies were borne. To the glory of God it can be said that this gathering was, in the full meaning of the word, a festival.

We found the place hallowed by the Lord's presence. Church-members and workers alike had prayed beforehand that the meeting might be successful, and daily we experienced the consciousness that the Lord was hearing the prayers of his children. Peace and unity prevailed in all the business transactions, as also in the lectures and testimony services. All the delegates were present at the beginning.

Although several important matters were to be acted upon this year, the work went on quickly. From the annual report we learned that ninety persons had embraced the truth during the year. Two churches had been organized, and were received into the conference. The treatment-rooms in Christiania showed a net gain of $878.57. Through the canvassers the publishing house sold during the year 1911 $19,755.36 worth of books. The tithe for the same year was $8,337.52. Tithe and gifts sent to the union conference amounted to $3,659.58, about twice as much as we sent in 1907. Since then the tithe alone has increased $1,890, and we have experienced a corresponding gain in the Week of Prayer Offerings and Sabbath-school gifts.

The plan was considered of dividing the Norway Conference, making a west and an east conference. This was unanimously carried, the division to be dated from Jan. 1, 1912. The writer was elected president of the East Norwegian Conference, and Elder O. J. Olsen of the West.

Those present from outside the conference were Brethren J. C. Raft, J. T. Boettcher, Guy Dail, C. C. Jensen, E. Arnesen, and A. C. Christensen. All these workers labored earnestly to make the meeting a success. Brother L. R. Conradi, on account of sickness, was not present for the first time in thirteen years.

The Sabbath was an especially blessed day. In the morning from six-thirty o'clock to eight o'clock, we had a successful young people's meeting. The Sabbath-school offering amounted to $41.39, or $24.30 more than last year. Brother Boettcher preached at eleven o'clock. At the close, opportunity was given for those who desired to yield to God, to stand, and a number arose;

afterward nearly all renewed their covenant with Heaven. In the afternoon, after a short talk by Brother Dail, we had a most solemn ordination service. Brother A. O. Narem was set apart for the ministry. At five-thirty we celebrated the ordinances; and in the evening Brother Raft delivered a good lecture on health. This Sabbath will surely be long remembered.

Monday morning, after seeing some of our brethren and sisters off, we went once more to the meeting-hall to have a season of prayer. It lasted for two and one-half hours. Surely none of those who were present will forget this meeting, which bound us together anew. From the testimonies borne we learned that every one realized the nearness of the great day, and that every one must consecrate himself wholly to the work of God, and by his help fight the battle to the finish.

Five were baptized at the conference, and a week later Elder O. J. Olsen baptized fifteen others.

As we now are scattered throughout the country, we want to show forth that we have been with Christ and learned of him. Having filled our lamps and vessels with oil, let us shine as bright lights in this dark world. As was emphasized during the conference, we shall endeavor to lead at least one soul to Christ the coming year, and more, if possible. N. C. BERGERSEN.