Hospitality to Missionaries

Hospitality to Missionaries. BY ANDREW JENSON, PRESIDENT OF THE SCANDINAVIAN MISSION.

The Scandinavian people, from times immemorial, have sustained a very high reputation for hospitality to strangers, a trait of char- acter undoubtedly inherited from their Israelitish forefathers; for it is a well established fact that the inhabitants of the land of Canaan were especially hospitable to the strangers within their gates in ancient days. The elders who labored in the Scandi- navian mission at an early day could travel almost without purse or scrip (like the disciples of Christ in Pales- tine), among the peasantry of the country. This has been modified somewhat of late years, owing, per- Andrew Jenson, President of ^^ ^ tQ the fact that SQ many Ameri _ the Scandinavian Mission. Engligh and ^^ ^^ have traveled so extensively in these lands, and spoiled the people in these respects by their extreme liberality in offering payment for every service. Especially is this true on the western coast of Norway. And yet, our elders are even now treated with much kindness and hospitality. The accompanying picture shows a group of elders (six in number) being entertained by a family of Saints in Aalborg, Denmark. At the head of the table sit the host and hostess. Standing by them is their pretty little daughter who is waiting at the table. The three brethren at the left are Elders James A. Johnsen. Isaac A. Jensen and Andrew Jenson. On the

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opposite side of the table are Elders Hans Mikkelsen, Charles H. Sorensen and James Jensen. The host, Brother Madsen, is a new convert, who for years before he joined the Church was kind and hospitable to the missionaries. When elders are far away from their wives, children, fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters, and other true and devoted friends, in the dear land of the West where the Saints of God dwell, they fully appreciate any kindness and hospitality extended to them. For, as a rule, their friends are few, and their enemies many.

A party of six Elders entertained at lunch by a family of Saints in the City of Aalborg, Denmark.

In many places in these northern countries we have a class of middle-aged and elderly sisters whom we affectionately call "mis- sionary mothers." They exercise goodwill and charity towards the missionary, assist him in many little ways, thus making it

easier for him to stand the temporary loss of friends at home. The elder therefore feels from the bottom of his heart to say, "God bless our missionary mothers."

Copenhagen, Denmark.