Among the Tamils in South India by J. S. JAMES

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 8, 1913

Among the Tamils in South India

By J. S. JAMES

J. S. JAMES

We are glad for the success the Lord has given us in our work in this field the past few months. Although some of our workers have had to leave in search of health, and others have not been able to put in full time, the work has gone steadily forward, and we have every reason for encouragement. How true it is that one man sows and another reaps, but both will partake in the reward together. Even that sowing which is but for a few days, and has with it tears and hard labor, is sure to bring joyful results. Recent developments in these parts have brought a settled conviction upon the hearts of many of our workers that the Lord is ready to do a great work through human agencies who are prepared to let him. O, that our eyes might be opened to see what God has in store for us in victories and trials in the short time left to finish this work!

After the general meeting in Calcutta, at which time we enjoyed much of God's blessing in our midst, we hurried back to our field, accompanied by our new workers, Brother and Sister V. E. Peugh, and began to put in operation plans for the speedy finishing of the work. We feel especially grateful for the help which has been sent to us at this time, allowing us to get away for a short rest and change; but what is one lone family among the millions of Tamils in this field, to say nothing of millions who speak other languages in which there is not a single representative of this truth? Instead of one family there should now be a dozen families scattered in the various important centers of this mission, mastering the languages, getting out literature, and training men and women to assist in closing up this work. The burden of this need presses so heavily on me at times that a sense of despair comes over me, and I can not but cry out to God to compel workers to break loose from home and friends and hurry to the finishing up of the harvest.

We felt that all our workers in our Tamil field would be greatly helped if brought together for a few days' instruction and Bible study, so from January 12-26 evangelists, teachers, colporteurs, and medical helpers were together in Nazareth. Brother and Sister C. E. Weaks were able to be with us from Lucknow, and their presence and help were very much appreciated. Brother and Sister Peugh, my family, and I went down from here. The blessing of God came into all hearts as we studied the great, stirring themes of this message and sought how we could best get the truth to the people. At the close of our meetings eighteen believers went forward in baptism. There were others who asked to be baptized, but it was thought best for them to wait and receive more instruction.

Recently we have had some accessions to our work, which will be a great help to us in the future. God is blessing the work done in our school at Nazareth, and Brother Thomas, our Tamil evangelist, is meeting with encouraging results instructing a class of young men who have taken hold of the truth. Since we began getting out our Tamil quarterly, we are getting in touch with a good class of readers and we know of genuine interests that are being created through its influence. For the present Brother and Sister Peugh will be located in Trichinopoli to study the language and foster the interests of the work which center here.

Trichinopoli.