Recent Meetings in Wisconsin by O. A. Olsen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 26, 1914

Recent Meetings in Wisconsin

By O. A. Olsen

JAN. 28, 1914, I left Chicago for Milton Junction, Wis., to join Elder W. H. Thurston in a general meeting at that place. A very full program had been arranged for the four following days. A canvassers' institute had been in progress for a week, and it was thought desirable to consider some of the practical lines of church work, as the Sabbath school, the young people's, and the church missionary work, the duties of church officers, tithes and offerings, and the health work. The time was too limited for any thorough study of these several subjects, but each received some helpful consideration.

The greatest stress, however, was laid on the importance of seeking God for an advanced and deeper experience in our Christian life. The evening and Sabbath services were well attended, and the Spirit of God accompanied the truth presented. Sabbath was a good day, for the Spirit of God came in with convicting power. Many sought the Lord for a deeper experience, and humble confessions were made of wrongs committed, and of neglect of duty in various ways. Some who had given way to discouragement gave their hearts anew to God, and a goodly number took their stand for the first time to obey the Lord. All were much encouraged.

At the close of the last meeting, Sunday evening, our attention was called to a young man and his wife who seemed to be deeply moved, and who did not rise to leave with the others. I turned and spoke to them, and found them under deep conviction. This was the only meeting they had attended at this place, as they live five miles away. We had a little study with them right there, and they decided to obey the truth. We had prayer together, and they both surrendered to the Lord, and rejoiced in the decision they had made. Thus closed this good meeting. The church seemed to be much encouraged.

The next appointment was at Green Bay, February 4-8. The plan for this meeting was much the same as for the meeting at Milton Junction. On account of illness in the family, Elder Thurston was prevented from coming till Friday evening. On Friday quite a number came in from other near-by churches, so that on Sabbath we had a very full attendance. We are glad to say that the Lord met with us in these meetings also. Sabbath was a good day. Nearly all took part in the testimony meeting, fifteen for the first time taking a definite stand to obey the Lord. For this we praise God.

In every place where we have a church, we find numbers who know and believe the truth in a general way, but have not taken a definite stand to obey it and to dedicate their lives to the Lord's service. In many places the membership of our churches might be greatly increased, possibly doubled, if such could be gathered into the fold. And why should they not be gathered in? We believe that if the members of our churches would rise to their spiritual privilege, large numbers of these would be thoroughly converted and would unite with us. It should be so.

On this tour I also made a short call at Oakland, and spent a day each at Bethel and Grand Rapids, attending board and committee meetings, in company with Elder Thurston, and meetings with the church at each place in the evening. I much enjoyed my association with Elder Thurston, and visiting places and meeting those with whom I have labored in years past.

I am deeply impressed with the thought that the time has fully come for a decided forward move. It cannot be denied that in many places there has been a decline in the spiritual growth and experience of many among our people. This is very serious in such a time as this. But from the blessed meetings in different places more recently, may we not believe that a reformatory movement has begun? That it may be both general and thorough is my earnest prayer.

O. A. OLSEN.