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

REPRESENTATIVES SENT TO AMERICA

In response to these appeals, the Swiss brethren who had been in communication with the General Conference through Bro. Albert Vuilleumier, were invited to send a representative to the General Conference to be held at Battle Creek in May, 1869. To this invitation they gladly responded, as they were very desirous to become more fully acquainted with the doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventists which they had espoused, and to connect themselves with the work of our people. The choice would naturally have fallen upon Bro. Albert Vuilleumier, as he was not only the elder of the little company, but was partially acquainted with the English language; but as he could not leave home for so long a stay, Bro., now Eld., James Erzenberger, a young German Swiss Sabbath-keeper, was chosen to represent the infant cause in Switzerland. HSFM 11.1

Wholly ignorant of the English, not knowing how he was to communicate with those to whom he was sent, but trusting in God for guidance, Bro. Erzenberger left Europe in the month of May, 1869, reaching Battle Creek the 18th of June, but too late for the General Conference. It was thought best by the American brethren that he should spend some time among them to become familiar with the truth and also the English language, as a means of extending his own knowledge of our doctrines that he might thus be prepared to assist others. He remained in America sixteen months, making such progress as to be able to speak in English at the various camp-meetings which he attended. During the summer of 1869 he attended the camp-meetings which were held in Ohio, Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, and in 1870 those held at Oneida, N. Y., South Lancaster, Mass., and Bordoville, Vt. He sailed from New York on his return voyage, Sept. 8, 1870, feeling that the period of his stay in America had been one of rich blessing to him. In the month of June, Bro. Adémar Vuilleumier was also sent to America by the Swiss Sabbath-keepers, and for the same objects; namely, to represent the work among them, and to obtain a preparation, by the study of the truth, the language, and the manner of working among the American brethren, for future usefulness in his native land. He remained over two years in America, working in the Office, giving lessons in French, and during the tent season acting as tent-master for Brn. E. B. Lane and D. H. Lamson during a course of lectures at Armeda, Mich. HSFM 11.2