General Conference Bulletin, vol. 4

THE NEEDS OF THE WORK

O. A. OLSEN

It is impossible in this brief report to mention in detail the conditions and circumstances favorable and unfavorable, as one would desire to do, or to properly present the present needs of this great and important field. We are not giving Europe the attention its importance deserves. GCB April 9, 1901, page 158.7

We are in the world for a definite purpose and work. Our calling is to give the last gospel message to the world. Therefore above every other people we ought to be a missionary people, and in view of this fact, the educational interests should receive most careful attention. The message has already begun its work; many people have embraced it and rejoice in it. Among these are a large number of young men and women who are bright, intelligent, and capable of becoming efficient and faithful laborers, and these should have the opportunity for instruction, to prepare them for such work as the Lord may have for them. Most of the enterprising Colonies in the different parts of the world are composed of people from Europe, and there is no country that would be so naturally fitted to supply laborers to the different Colonies, as the country from which the people came. GCB April 9, 1901, page 158.8

The German Conference, realizing the importance of this question and coupled with the urgent demands that our young people there have made, have started a school. But the enterprise should have assistance. It should not be expected that Germany alone would be prepared to meet the expenses connected with the establishment and proper equipment of the school as is required. The school is a purely missionary enterprise and one in which the whole denomination should be greatly interested. Germany is to-day the most promising field in Europe. The work is making rapid progress. The Conference is full of vigor and activity, and now is the time to step in and strengthen the work already begun. The territory is of tremendous vastness, covering an area of 532,000 square miles, with a population of 114,000,000, representing twelve different nationalities. Everyone must realize the importance of having a representative school established in the midst of this populous center, and it should not be left to the German Conference alone to bear the responsibility of the undertaking, for it is a missionary enterprise of the highest importance. GCB April 9, 1901, page 158.9

In this connection, let us again mention the British field. From the light God has given, we have not begun to wake up to its importance. This great field has been left altogether too much to itself. Thousands of dollars have been spent where but little has been accomplished, while this field has been largely left waste. There are difficulties here, but experience has proved that the British people readily respond to a message borne home to the heart by the Spirit and power of God. GCB April 9, 1901, page 158.10

The British Conference has had under advisement the starting of a mission school, and has recently decided to open open without further delay, but because of lack of necessary funds, the project will be greatly circumscribed. This enterprise should be taken hold of by the General Conference, for what has been said concerning the importance of a mission school in Germany applies with equal, yea, even with greater force to England. GCB April 9, 1901, page 158.11

The Drs. Kress, who went to England to unite with the workers already in the field, began some institutional work in a small way; but Dr. Kress’ failure in health and the return of the family to America brought this particular phase of the work to an end. A health institution established, and conducted upon the gospel basis, would be a valuable agency in the progress of the message, and it should not be left to the British Conference to supply the necessary funds. GCB April 9, 1901, page 158.12

An earnest effort has been made to develop the health work already well started. It should be the privilege of the General Conference to make a liberal appropriation in that direction. While events are making rapid pace around us, and when the general situation is so favorable, shall we who have great light be indifferent and spiritless? God forbid! But what is done, must be done quickly, or before we are aware of it, events will take a turn making it impossible to do what can now be done so easily. O for the Spirit and power of God to come upon his servants and his people, to arouse to earnest and effectual action! We urge this Conference to make commensurate provision for enlarging the work in the British field. GCB April 9, 1901, page 159.1

The work in France, Italy, and the Orient must receive immediate attention. France alone has a population of nearly 40,000,000, fully half the population of the United States. And, surprising as it may appear, until recently, only one ordained minister, with two or three Bible workers have been laboring there, and that only at intervals. During the past year a small mission has been started in Paris, but this beginning must be considered somewhat insignificant for a city of 3,000,000 souls. Therefore we suggest that a proper appropriation be made for this field, and that the workers be reinforced. GCB April 9, 1901, page 159.2

As for Italy, another large and important country, with a population of many millions, there is only one minister and one Bible worker. We have had urgent calls for assistance from Rome, and the situation there is favorable. Why should not measures be taken immediately to open a mission in that city? In Spain and Portugal not even a beginning has been made. The harvest is ripe. The fields are white, but where are the laborers? May God kindle anew the missionary spirit, and roll the burden of souls upon his people as never before. Believing that God will hear, and send us help, we close our brief appeal by repeating the Macedonian cry, “Come over, and help us.” GCB April 9, 1901, page 159.3

O. A. OLSEN, Supt.

“Beauty of utterance has a fadeless charm.” GCB April 9, 1901, page 159.4