1913—REPORTS FROM FOREIGN MISSIONS—1913
Enclosed is a summarized report of the work of the British Branch for the year ending October 31, 1913. We are very glad to be able to report continued increase in almost every branch of the work—in the output of SCRIPTURE STUDIES and in the Volunteer matter, but specially in the distribution of literature to advertise public meetings in connection with Class Extension and other special work. The total output of STUDIES from London is 138,717 volumes, the local (British) sales being 111,630 volumes, an increase for the year of 27,418 volumes. The Volunteer matter has been well distributed during the whole of the year, and the demand still continues.
Altogether during the year we have dispatched 11,627,000 copies of the BIBLE STUDENTS' MONTHLY and EVERYBODY'S PAPER, a circulation approaching a million copies per month. This shows an increase over last year's figures of 4,250,000 copies. The Colporteurs have on the whole done better, and all have done very well. With improved methods of canvassing better results are gained; indeed, some of the latest additions to the Colporteur force are doing best of all. Two young brothers recently sold in one of the towns in the north of Scotland 330 books in one week. Certainly the work is easier in some places than in others, and Scotland has always been easier than England; but the growing interest aroused by the sermons, by the special meetings and the general unrest of our times has created a demand which makes the work of colporteuring less difficult. Even the opposition lends a hand to some extent; it helps to advertise the work.
Book-loaning has made considerable increase during the year; good work is reported both from the larger and the smaller centres. The visits of the Pilgrim brethren are still greatly appreciated by the classes, and opportunity for public witness is usually taken advantage of. Class Extension work has greatly extended during the past year and the results are very encouraging indeed.
In this small country, so thickly populated comparatively, it has been found advantageous to link the classes within prescribed areas, for the furtherance of the Harvest Work. Results so far are satisfactory and prospects good. Considerable encouragement has attended Evangelical work in certain centres where the population is particularly dense. Nearly three hundred meetings have been held, and quite a few study classes have been formed. In the scattered parts of Wales the Truth has been witnessed to, sometimes in the open air, in accordance with the custom of the country. There is no difficulty in securing a good audience amongst the Welsh people, but it seems that there are but few of the "wheat" class amongst them.
The loyalty of the brethren has been demonstrated, and their strength greatly taxed by the distribution of no less than 6,000,000 tracts to advertise public meetings during the year. The difference of late in the attitude of the masses in this country towards the Truth was clearly shown at the successful meetings held lately by yourself and Brother Rutherford. Naturally our enemies feel disturbed and, being impotent, wreak their spleen upon the Lord's messengers, especially yourself. However, no weapon formed against us has been allowed to prosper, and we are encouraged by the many evidences of the appreciation of the Message. We are looking forward to a strenuous campaign until the work given into our hands is finished, when we hope to share with our Lord, yourself, and all the saints in the privileged work of healing the nations. With much love in the Lord,
We are your servants in Him, BRITISH BRANCH.
SUMMARY OF OUTPUT OF SCRIPTURE STUDIES—YEAR ENDING
OCTOBER 31, 1913:
1913 1912 Increase
STUDIES, all kinds.......... 138,717 106,097 32,620
(To Australia, out of above 27,087 21,885)
——-————-
Total British local sales 111,630 84,212 27,418
Total increase................................
32,620
Local " ................................
27,418
OUTPUT BIBLE STUDENTS' MONTHLY AND OTHER TRACTS:
B.S.M......... 5,661,020
E.P........... 5,618,900
Tracts........
297,000
Hz............
50,295
—————
11,627,215, or tract pages...185,365,600
Books (Manual, Manna, Poems, etc.).............
3,248
Booklets (h, s, t, p, etc.).................... 19,817
Letters—out................................... 18,601
Letters—in.................................... 19,508
It is once more my highly appreciated privilege to send you the usual Annual Report of this Branch of the wonderful Harvest work, and I hope that you, as the Great Chief Reaper's special representative, will be pleased with the results it shows—the results of our humble efforts to uphold the banner of our Redeemer and King—the results of our efforts to proclaim that joyful Message, now "meat in due season" for the "household of faith," and to "lay down our lives for the brethren," even as He laid down His life for us. Our constant prayer has been, and continually is, that we, by the Lord's grace, may be enabled to please Him in all our doings, so that at the end of our race-course (which we now believe to be very near), we may hear His blessed "Well done."
Although we most heartily wish (in order to prove our love to the Lord and our appreciation of the Truth given us) that we were in a position to report ten times as much work accomplished, and that all of that work had been much more perfectly executed, yet we cannot but give praise to God for the rich blessings granted us in so many ways.
Since Present Truth (as a result of your faithfulness and zeal) reached our shores, between fifteen and twenty years ago, the true Spiritual Israelites in this country have not experienced a more interesting and successful year than the one just closed. This is surely due in great measure to the fact that the Lord's people here have been appreciating more than ever the "fat things" spread upon His table by receiving the Swedish WATCH TOWER twice every month, the two encouraging and helpful sermons published in different Swedish newspapers every week, and the regular Swedish PEOPLE'S PULPIT, to say nothing of the six volumes of the STUDIES, the different pamphlets, etc. Notwithstanding the fact that during this year we have experienced some severe testings and trials in the work, in that some of our co-laborers seem to have grown faint and weary, it has in many respects considerably exceeded other years, as the appended figures show.
The spiritual condition of the Swedish brethren in general, as far as we are able to judge, is better than ever. The development of the fruits of the Spirit amongst the brethren everywhere in this land is very gratifying. We have had the pleasure of seeing the Harvest Message accepted with great joy by many humble and truth-hungry souls, some of whom are already engaged in the various branches of the work.
Forty dear brethren and sisters are giving either all or part of their time to the Colporteur work, and the prospects are encouraging for an increase in numbers.
The number of books sold is about equal to that of the preceding year. The free distribution of Volunteer matter has also been comparatively good. Of the nearly 700,000 "Eko fran talarstolen" (PEOPLE'S PULPIT) the largest part have been used in connection with the advertising of public meetings held in practically all parts of the country.
The list of subscribers to the Swedish WATCH TOWER has grown from 1,881 to 2,174, who have paid kronor 5,244 (one kronor equals about 27c) in subscriptions against kronor 2,995 the foregoing year. Yearly subscriptions to the Swedish newspapers which publish your sermons have been received through this office to the number of 1,919, and half-yearly subscriptions to the number of over 1,500.
The regular Pilgrim service, in which five Swedish brethren have taken part during the year, has been extended greatly. The friends appreciate these visits very much, and write us frequently to this effect. Besides this, more than 100 extra public meetings were held all over the land, many in places where we had never held meetings before.
About 3,500 copies of STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES were sold at these meetings, which had a total attendance of nearly 50,000 very attentive listeners. We also had two good General Conventions (the first in Orebro and the second in Stockholm), and a large number of well-attended and spiritually profitable local Conventions in different parts of Sweden.
The voluntary donations to the Tract Fund have increased by several thousand kronor. Seeing that all of the many donors have little of earthly possessions, this [R5398 : page 42] sum (kronor 32,887) represents a great deal of self-denial and sacrifice for the Truth's sake. As the different branches of the work have grown from year to year, the office-work has increased correspondingly. Twelve noble brethren and sisters in Christ have given very faithful and unselfish service in the office during the year (and several of these for many years). I am often tempted to feel proud of their record.
The prospects for the New Year are brighter than ever in different lines, and we are firmly resolved to use every opportunity as faithfully and wisely as possible, realizing that the great Storm of Trouble is near at hand. Louder and louder peals the thunder, and darker grow the clouds.
As the harvesters in the fields of the land often find it necessary to withdraw, as the clouds become threatening and the winds blow, so the reapers in the Lord's Harvest field may by and by be compelled to cease active service. But as every tiller of the soil knows that just before a storm is an excellent time to sow certain kinds of seed, so those engaged in the service of the Truth are determined, by the Lord's grace, to use every opportunity to sow the precious grains of Truth during the remaining months, realizing that the crop of the future will be of enormous proportions.
Please find enclosed herewith a list containing thirty-one new names of those who have taken the Vow. We daily remember you, our beloved Pastor and brother, and "all saints," in our petitions to the Heavenly Throne, and are glad to know that you continue to remember us.
With much Christian love from the Bible House family of Orebro, and, indeed, from all the Swedish brethren, I am
Your co-laborer in the Harvest, AUG. LUNDBORG.
Copies of STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES circulated
at cost......................................
25,357
Vol. I., Magazine edition, sold at cost.......
15,104
———
Total.........................................
40,461
Various other books and booklets—MANNA,
TABERNACLE SHADOWS, etc......................
18,465
———
Total.........................................
58,926
Eko fran talarstolen (PEOPLE'S PULPIT),
issued free..................................
696,895
Other free tracts and copies of the Swedish
WATCH TOWER..................................
86,704
———-
Total.........................................
783,599
Amounting in tract pages to...................
14,591,320
Number of subscribers to the Swedish
WATCH TOWER..................................
2,174
Number of sermons in newspapers...............
312,500
Bibles sold...................................
124
Number of meetings held under the auspices
of the Society...............................
1,576
Number of miles traveled in preaching tours...
102,903
Letters and cards sent out....................
6,470
Letters and cards received....................
5,485
Total shipments by mail and by railroad.......
59,637
Pilgrims, Conventions and
other meetings.................... kr.20,965.37 = $5,666.32
Translations, printing, binding,
paper, etc........................
" 30,283.78 = 8,184.81
Freight and postage................
" 3,712.56 = 1,003.39
Special services...................
" 6,094.86 = 1,647.26
Office expenses, rent, light,
heat, etc.........................
" 6,839.69 = 1,848.56
———-—————-
Total.............................. kr.67,896.26 =$18,350.34
Voluntary donations to the
Tract Fund, 1,928................. kr.32,887.01 = $8,888.38
Swedish TOWER subscriptions........
" 5,244.92 = 1,417.54
Receipts from publications.........
" 28,383.43 = 7,671.20
———-—————-
Total.............................. kr.66,515.36 =$17,977.12
Deficit received from
Brooklyn..........................
" 1,380.90 = 373.22
———-—————-
kr.67,896.26 =$18,350.34
I have the pleasure to submit to you a report of some of the work done in connection with our efforts to spread the Harvest Message in Denmark. Ours is a small country, the laborers are not many, and the prejudice is great, yet the testimony has somewhat influenced quite a number, and a few honest souls, more awake to the signs of the times than the majority, have been reached, and are being garnered. We believe that the friends are growing in grace and knowledge, and we find that the public is now more willing to attend the public meetings.
Public lectures have been delivered in 45 different places—in some of these places several lectures, in a few regular lectures every month. The cards sent in, and the books sold at the meetings, show that some, at least, became somewhat interested through the lectures. Some of the work in connection with the public lectures has been done by brethren sent out by the Copenhagen class. Class meetings have been held by brethren doing Pilgrim work in all the places where the friends meet to study Present Truth. Now we have several brethren with good qualifications for Pilgrim work, and we hope to accomplish more during the remainder of the time before the Night comes.
More free literature has been distributed than formerly. We count it a great privilege to know the precious [R5398 : page 43] Message, and to be able to do our little part in proclaiming it.
Your brother and fellow-servant in Christ,
Output of STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES..........
3,122
Output of various booklets...................
3,343
——-
Total........................................
6,465
Tracts free..................................
365,000
Letters and cards received...................
1,250
Letters, cards and parcels sent out..........
2,148
Copies of the Danish WATCH TOWER sent out
monthly.....................................
909
It is with great thankfulness to the Lord of the Harvest that we present herewith the annual report of Harvest work done in these lands. The report is far beyond what we had dared to hope for. If you will compare the figures with those of last year, you will see that they speak of a great increase of zeal and willingness to sacrifice both self and substance in the interest of bringing others to the same joy and peace and consolation which have come to our hearts. The friends have co-operated splendidly in the work and those who could not engage in much activity have helped some, and thus made it easier for others to do so.
There are about twenty-one Colporteurs in the field, and others are doing a little as they are able. All the ground has been gone over. Indeed, it seems to be getting near the time when the "man with the ink-horn" can report, "It is done." Yet the volumes have gone out this year as never before in Australia, notwithstanding the virulent opposition. It has seemed that just as soon as a spark of interest was aroused, the great Adversary had his messengers here ready to oppose and slander. Nevertheless, the number of interested ones keeps increasing. We have about 980 WATCH TOWER subscribers and, comparing the population of Australia and New Zealand with that of America, it is possible that the proportion of subscribers is not much, if any, below that of the United States.
For the first time in the history of this Branch we have gone through the year without increasing our indebtedness to Brooklyn, and we are sure that in the amount contributed to the Tract Fund, etc., there is represented much noble sacrifice and methodical planning.
The friends in the various States have again undertaken to write wrappers for the posting of the PEOPLE'S PULPIT to each house in the country, and in N.S.W., W.A., S.A., Queensland and Tasmania they have also undertaken to pay the postage. This might have been added to the Tract Fund contribution if we had particulars.
We believe that the Classes are growing in numbers as well as in interest and grace. We are realizing more and more that the day of our deliverance is not far distant, and this inspires us the more earnestly to seek to be ready for the great consummation of our hopes.
No doubt a visit here by you would do us all a great deal of good. We hope it may be the Lord's will for you to come.
We are glad that Brother Hollister is on his way, and will arrive in time to spend Christmas with us. Our Christmas Convention promises to outdo anything that we have previously held. These Conventions have been a source of great encouragement, and have given an impetus to the work.
There has been a steady flow of inquiries from the output of the PEOPLE'S PULPIT, and we now have about 1,300 names on the subscription list, many of whom take a number of copies each month for distribution. We believe that one copy of the social number has been delivered, either by mail or by hand, to every house in Australia and New Zealand. While the expense is great the result is splendid.
We are looking forward with hope to the opportunities of the New Year. We know not what may be in store for us, but we are resolved to endeavor to trace the Lord's will, and to trust in His grace for help in every time of need. It seems that the coming year is bound to be full of testings, and one feels how much he needs to guard his heart in all humble loyalty and faithfulness if he is to come off an overcomer and share in the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
We are yours in the service of Christ,
Australasian Branch W. T. B. & T. Soc'y.
R. B. NICHOLSON, Sec'y.
Once again it is my privilege to submit the Annual Report re the progress of the Harvest Work in Africa. While there has not been an increase in the number of volumes put out from this office, still I am convinced that the influence of the Truth in South Africa is greater than it was twelve months ago.
Since that time we have added eight newspapers to the list of those publishing the Sermons in this sub-continent. The sermons are now in circulation in eleven papers and in four different languages. We frequently hear from readers who, having received blessing through the Sermons, are anxious to inquire further into the Truth.
During the year the work among the natives has advanced considerably. A class of about fifty Zulus has been gathered out by Brother Tshange. This work is receiving our special attention and, with the aid of the recent issue of the Zulu tract, "Where Are the Dead?" we hope to see the class grow still further.
The work among the white population continues to enjoy the Lord's blessing. Class meetings are now held at Durban, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Balfour and Pt. Elizabeth.
There is one brother colporteuring in the Cape Province and he is meeting with fair success. A dear brother from Durban is, at my suggestion, spending his holiday with the brethren at Johannesburg, to help build them up in the knowledge of the Truth. His services are much appreciated by the brethren there.
During the year I have made two Pilgrim tours, one in the Transvaal and Orange Free State, and one in the Eastern Province of Cape Colony. Reports of both of these are already in your hands.
We are duly impressed by the thought that we have entered what may be the last year of the Harvest Work, and earnestly desire grace and strength to embrace every opportunity for service ere the Night close down. The financial and statistical report for 1913 is enclosed. Asking for a continued remembrance in your prayers, I am with much love to yourself and to all the dear brethren,
Your brother and co-laborer, WM. W. JOHNSTON.
1913 SUMMARY FOR SOUTH AFRICA.
Bibles sold at cost..........................
45
STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES....................
1,264
DAILY HEAVENLY MANNA.........................
204
Other Bible-help booklets....................
1,053
Free papers..................................
47,632
Letters despatched...........................
1,197
Meetings held................................
325