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Church Founder
ordained minister. (Yearbooks, 1884-1915. See writer’s note on Ellen White’s credentialing
in appendix A, 7.5; see listing of ministers in appendix B.)
In 1884 Mrs. White, her son W. C. White, and her secretary Miss Sara McEnterfer
went to visit the Seventh-day Adventist work in Europe, which was then a mission field
of the denomination. Ellen White immediately addressed companies of believers in the
London area and spoke in public halls. She worked for most of two years in Europe. At
the European Missionary Council in Switzerland during September 1885, she delivered
a series of sermons in the early morning meetings. She also spoke in the business
sessions. She urged continued efforts to sell Adventist literature, in spite of discouraging
results. Inspired by Mrs. White’s admonition, several young people committed to make
another attempt to sell books on a self-supporting basis; training schools for colporteurs
were held in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
During an enjoyable visit to the Waldensian valleys in Italy, Mrs. White preached to
a scattering of small congregations.
At the fourth European Missionary Council, held in Great Grimsby, England, in the
fall of 1886, the difficulties of spreading Adventism in Europe became painfully
apparent. Mrs. White encouraged moving forward. Some workers responded with determination and faith. Others thought that Mrs. White did not understand the difficulties
peculiar to their area. Still others wanted to be hopeful for the future, and were looking
for a basis for optimism.
Mrs. White forcefully related how the matter had been presented to her in vision: the
world seemed to be enveloped in mists, clouds, and darkness; then she saw small jets of
light appearing dimly through the darkness. Over time their light grew brighter and
more light sources appeared, lit from those already existing.
She concluded by saying,
This is a picture of the work you are to do. “Ye are the light of the
world.” Matthew 5:14.Your work is to hold up the light to those
around you. Hold it firmly. Hold it a little higher. Light other lights. Do
not be discouraged if yours is not a great light. If it is only a penny
taper, hold it up. Let it shine. Do your very best, and God will bless
your efforts.
—Ellen White, Life Sketches, 295.
She visited Scandinavia, preaching and delivering temperance lectures. To small
companies of believers in Germany she spoke through an interpreter. She covered a wide
variety of topics, including self-culture of one’s abilities, the importance of counseling
together humbly, and living according to the golden rule.
Mrs. White encouraged the workers in Europe at a crucial time; this ministry was
productive. She lived to see an encouraging growth in church membership in Europe
and a great increase in the annual sale of Christian literature.

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