General Conference Bulletin, vol. 4

THE EUROPEAN GENERAL CONFERENCE

H. E. OSBORNE

As this number goes to press, a company of our workers is crossing the Atlantic, en route to London, England, where the European General Conference will hold its first session May 15 to 25. GCB January 1, 1902, page 594.1

The European General Conference was organized July 23, 1901, and it embraces two Union Conferences—the German and Scandinavian Unions—together with the British and Central European Conferences, and the Oriental Mission Field. Each of the Union Conferences includes three duly organized local conferences, besides unorganized mission territory. GCB January 1, 1902, page 594.2

The importance of this great field is apparent at a glance. It embraces a population of more than four hundred and seventy million people, or nearly seven times the number dwelling within the borders of the United States. Yet, in striking contrast to the strength of our work in this country, the combined constituency of the conferences and mission fields composing the European General Conference is scarcely 7,500 Sabbath-keepers. At last reports, sixty ministers, and about one hundred other workers were employed in this territory, from which a tithe of nearly $50,000 a year is received. GCB January 1, 1902, page 594.3

In judging the importance of this field, it should be remembered that these great nations have an important strategic value in the great missionary campaign; for many of them are inhabited by people of superior mental endowment and unexcelled educational and social advantages. Why have we been so slow to give the advent message to these peoples? GCB January 1, 1902, page 594.4

Let us bear upon our hearts the needs of these lands. By praying, by giving, and by going, let the believers in this country where the truth has so long been heralded, assist in the glad work of declaring the good news of our Lord’s speedy return. Who can fail to be stirred as he thinks of Spain and Portugal, with more than twenty-two million unwarned souls, and not a single representative of precious truth among them? GCB January 1, 1902, page 594.5

Elders A. G. Daniells, H. W. Conttrell, C. W. Flaiz. N. P. Nelson, H. Shultz, and Brother E. R. Palmer will join our European workers in their approaching councils. It is believed that this delegation from America will tend to bring to the nations of Europe speedier and better help than can be procured by sending so many representatives from that field to our General Conference in this country. Moreover, by thus obviating the necessity for so large a delegation from Europe, economy in traveling expense will ultimately result. GCB January 1, 1902, page 594.6