p. 10 | Again in Burma by H. H. VOTAW

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 11, 1910

Again in Burma

By H. H. VOTAW

H. H. VOTAW

AFTER an absence of about a year, we were very glad indeed to arrive again in Burma. We were given a hearty welcome by all. The evidences of friendship were so varied and so marked that we feel that God is verifying his promise to give us brothers and sisters and fathers and mothers when we forsake all for his sake and the gospel's.

We were glad to see the evidences of God's blessing in the work. Brother and Sister R. R. Cook have labored faithfully, and several new ones have been added to the church in Rangoon. The tithe has been gradually increasing. It now amounts to about $110 a month, exclusive of that paid by the American laborers. Our Sabbath-school donations last quarter were larger than ever before, and the best part of it is that none of the money is used for local supplies, but all goes into the mission treasury.

After spending two weeks in Rangoon, I went over to Moulmein to visit Dr. Ollie Oberholtzer. I found her of good courage and working hard. She has raised her house, and put in rooms below suitable for giving treatments. Though not elaborate, they are very neat, and greatly aid in helping to relieve distress and sickness. Dr. Oberholtzer should have help. For more than three years she has labored alone. God has blessed her efforts, and given her souls for her hire. But it is not right for her to be alone. The work is too great. A consecrated man and his wife ought to be sent to Moulmein. There are near Moulmein many villages of from five hundred to three thousand inhabitants, which have never been entered by any missionary society, and which can easily be reached from that place.

After visiting the doctor, the following week Mrs. Votaw and I went to Meiktila, in Upper Burma, where we have a little company of believers. Two years ago we first visited this place, and at that time five adults took their stand for the truth. All these have proved faithful. During our last visit I had the privilege of baptizing a sister who has known of the message for some time, but has not been clear in her mind about all the points of the faith. Now she has taken a firm stand, and we expect her to be a great help to our work.

We found, Prof. R. B. Thurber and wife working hard on the Burmese language. Their teacher told me they were making excellent progress. Brother Thurber has begun to teach in the school we are opening. He spends four hours each day in the schoolroom, and believes the time thus spent is a help to him; for he hears the schoolboys use the vernacular continually, and thus his ear becomes accustomed to the strange sounds.

We hope much good will be accomplished by this school. For a long time the influential Buddhists of this section have asked us to open a manual training-school for their youth. They have shown their good faith by contributing of their means. Over three hundred dollars has been collected, and those in charge of gathering the funds believe that we shall be able to get two thousand dollars. The government is giving us fifty acres of land. The governor of the province has spoken favorably of the project, and pledged himself to assist us as he can. The opening has seemed so providential that we dared not refuse to enter it. Pray for the work here; that many, not only of the students, but of their parents as well, may be led to serve the true God.

Brother R. A. Beckner is also located in Meiktila. He is giving his time to acquiring the language.

Kemmendine.