A Colporteur's Experiences in South China by Floyd E. Bates

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 10, 1916

A Colporteur's Experiences in South China

By Floyd E. Bates

FLOYD E. BATES

A FEW days ago, during a conversation with one of our canvassers here in Fukien Province, he related to me a few of his experiences, which I thought might be of interest to those in the homeland; so I will tell them in his own words as nearly as I can remember. He said:—

“Many times as I have traveled back and forth in the interior, the Lord has miraculously cared for me. Not long ago I went into some new territory where our paper [the Chinese Signs of the Times] had not been sold. As I was going from one village to another, I chanced upon a strip of ground covered with tall grass. Not wishing to lose the time necessary to go a great distance around by the road, I started directly across this piece of grass land to the village I could see in the distance. For some ways the grass was only about knee high, but as I drew nearer the village it became deeper and deeper, until I could not see over it. I wandered about some time trying to find my way out, but could not. Also the way by which I had entered had so filled up that I could not retrace my steps. Standing there in this green sea in which I was now entirely submerged, I tried to look about, but was unable to see a thing except the blue sky above. I shouted, but no answer. I called many times, but evidently I was out of the range of any human ear. Then I bowed before the Lord in prayer, seeking his assistance. Just as I was rising from my prayer, I heard a voice calling. I answered, and by the direction of that voice was led directly to the village, which, a few minutes before, I had almost given up hope of reaching.”

“A few minutes later, upon meeting the man who had called, I asked him why he had called me. He said that his wife had suddenly been taken with a severe pain in her heart, and he had gone out in search of help. On seeing a commotion in the grass, he thought perhaps a traveling doctor [of whom there are many in the interior of China] might be passing along, and so he called.

“At another time I was walking along a rather lonely road far in the interior, with my bundle of books in my hand. [It is the custom among Chinese traveling in the interior to carry all their belongings—clothes, money, food, and whatever else they may want for their journey—in a little bundle in the hand or on the shoulder.] There were few travelers on the road, and most of the time I walked alone. Walking thus solitarily, I was somewhat startled to see a man suddenly step out of a bypath, look cautiously up and down the road, and on seeing me, step quickly back again. He was some distance ahead of me, but I could plainly see that he carried a long knife, and was dressed in a manner that identified him with a band of robbers that had been infesting that section of the country for some time. As soon as I had passed his hiding place, he stepped out behind me and followed me closely. I was much frightened, for these men are noted for their disregard of human life. My situation was rapidly becoming perilous, and something must be done quickly. Finally I struck upon a plan. I turned quickly and, facing him, opened my bundle of books and gave him a canvass. While I was doing this, he looked carefully into my bundle. Seeing nothing there of value to him, he turned and left me.

“On another occasion I entered a strange village late at night. It was very dark, and the people had evidently all gone to bed. For some time I walked the streets, trying to find a place where I could stay for the night, but met no

one. Again I called upon the Lord to help, and soon I met several men coming out of a building. They directed me to the home of a rich man a short distance away. On arriving there I was treated very kindly. As soon as I told them who I was and the work in which I was engaged, they sent out to the neighbors and gathered in quite a company. I spoke to them nearly an hour on the important truths of God's Word; they then began to ask questions, thus continuing our meeting till after midnight. When the guests had departed, I was given the best room in the house [an honor that is usually conferred only upon guests of high rank].”

Many such experiences are told us by our native workers. Through such instruments as this young man in the hands of God, the truth for this time is going to all parts of our field. The workers are constantly opening up new territory, which soon calls loudly for a teacher.

Up to this time we have been very much handicapped by the lack of trained workers, and also by the lack of means for training them; but with the opening of our school this fall, this difficulty will to a large extent be overcome. For this we are indeed very thankful to our heavenly Father.

Kulangsu, Amoy.