Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists

REVIEW OF THE WORK

As we look over the history of the work during the years since the establishment of this mission, and review what has been done in this field to the present time, we feel thankful for what has already been accomplished in preparing the way for the final and extended proclamation of the message in these great countries of Central Europe. There is abundant reason why the friends of the cause should rejoice at what God has already wrought, and should take courage for the future. The Providence that overruled in the planting of the work here, and that has guided thus far in the preparation of the agencies by which the great conflict in behalf of the present truth shall be carried forward, will continue to lead on until the message shall triumph in the successful accomplishment of its work, and a people who shall be prepared for the return of their Master shall be called out from among these nations. HSFM 53.3

Although the progress of the cause has been slow,-at times almost imperceptible,-progress has nevertheless been made, and a good foundation has been laid for future advancement. If the reader will refer to the accompanying map, he will see on the broad extent of the countries embraced within the limits of this mission special dots and crosses placed here and there. These mark the location where there are little churches and companies of believers whose hearts are true to the great doctrines of the message. They have accepted the truth under great difficulties, oftentimes greater than those encountered in other countries, and hence they know from experience what obedience to the truth costs. They are desirous that the precious light they have received shall be imparted to others. They are anxious to witness the prosperity of the truth, and are willing to sacrifice for its advancement. Thus a light has been kindled in these countries which will not cease to burn till it shall have resulted in the illumination of many souls. HSFM 53.4

A score or more of laborers are working in the different branches of the cause and in various parts of the field. Although all that measure of success which might be desired has not attended their efforts thus far, yet they have not been without encouraging results. Periodicals and publications have been scattered here and there, and as the result there are some to-day rejoicing in the light of the truth who could not have received it had it not been for those who have taken an interest to prepare it in their own tongue and send it to them. These in turn are preparing to become missionaries to carry the light to those around them. HSFM 54.1

In order to the proper dissemination of the present truth among the various nationalities who do not speak the English tongue, the office of publication has been established at Basle. This office is already well equipped for its work, and has a capacity for doing tenfold what has been done up to the present. Already some of our standard works are being issued and scattered in the principal languages of Central Europe. The progress in the work of publishing has been especially slow; but the experience which has been gained will be of value in the future, while what has actually been accomplished will enable us at once to put before the world in these foreign languages thousands of copies of some of our most important doctrinal works. HSFM 54.2

Such are some of the things already accomplished in the progress of the work in the Central European Mission, -things for which we as a people have reason to be thankful and take courage. On the other hand, it is well to remember that the work is but fairly begun. The foundation, it is true, has been laid, but the structure has yet to be built upon it. HSFM 54.3

The reader who has carefully noted the facts brought out in this imperfect sketch will readily acknowledge that there are in the conditions and customs of the people many serious obstacles to be encountered in the work here which are not met with in some other fields. These have naturally made the work slow and laborious. Although something has been accomplished, there remains much more yet to be done. Those who will take the pains to examine the map, will notice in how few localities the truth has as yet found lodgment, how many hundreds of cities there are, with their teeming thousands, where the message has not as yet been proclaimed, how many millions there are still who have not heard that there is such a thing as the third angel’s message! Indeed, he will find whole countries, with their immense population, where there are not, so far as we know, any representatives of the truth. There are within the limits of this mission whole nationalities in whose tongue there has not as yet been published a single tract or periodical on the present truth. How vast then is the field still before us! HSFM 54.4

And even in those fields which have been entered how much yet remains to be done! The faithful brethren and sisters who have already enlisted in the good work need to be educated, trained to become light-bearers to their friends and neighbors, and to act their part in the extension of the message. In no portion of the wide harvest field is individual effort in the missionary work more necessary than in this mission, which comprises such a variety of languages, and so many millions of people. The actual extent of the field is not easily computed, but some comparative estimate may be formed from the fact that it comprises a population more than five times that of any other mission established by our people, and more than four times that of the United States. How are these millions to be warned? The difficulty of reaching the people by public labor is much greater here than in any other field yet entered, while the opportunities of access to them through our publications is more nearly the same as in other fields. Both these considerations,-the vast numbers to be reached, and the practicability of using our publications as a means to this end,-present the strongest reasons why the rank and file of the believers in these countries should be most thoroughly educated to become efficient helpers in the great work to be done. Is a thorough missionary organization necessary for the prosperity of the work in America? Then in a much more urgent sense is it the demand of the European field. HSFM 54.5