Burma, the Land of Pagodas
By R. R. COOK
Burma is a part of British India, and also a part of the great India mission field. It lies east of India, and is separated from it by the Bay of Bengal and a little strip of country known as Assam. Its people, however, are of the Mongolian race, and are much more like the Chinese than like the Indians. Their religion is Buddhism; and scattered over all Burma are their beautiful golden pagodas, placed, when possible, on hilltops or mountain peaks. The country is traversed by a number of large rivers, which have their source in the hills along the borders of China in the north, and empty into the Bay of Bengal in the south. These river valleys, as well as the uplands, are very fertile. It is harvest time; and as I travel down from the north, I see great piles of beautiful rice waiting to be taken to Rangoon, one of the greatest rice-exporting cities in the world. This beautiful scene of harvest and prosperity causes me to ask the question, How has the work of God prospered in Burma during the year? What has the harvest of the Lord been? What advancement has the third angel's message made in this great land of heathenism? And we can say with thankful hearts that it has made some advancement, that it has marched a little farther into the enemy's lines—not so far as we had hoped, but we are on the move, and the enemy is forced to retreat before us. Seventeen persons have been baptized during the year, and there are others who expect to take this step soon. The tithe has much more than doubled during this time. The Sabbath-school offerings have increased, and other offerings have been very encouraging. In a number of instances, interested ones have begun paying tithes and offering before they accepted other points of truth. These things indicate that the people of Burma are taking hold of the truth with confidence and consecration. Many interesting experiences come to us in our work here. Some who were connected with the government telegraph system in Rangoon began to keep the Sabbath; and as one after another stepped out, it caused quite a stir in that department, until at last the decree went forth that the next one who became a Seventh-day Adventist would be discharged on twenty-four hours' notice. Our faith and courage have been strengthened as we have seen young men, and also heads of families, step out to obey God, not knowing what the future held in store for them, or where they would be able to secure a position. This means much in this country, where positions are hard to get, even by those who are willing to work seven days in the week. But we have seen the wonderful working of God in behalf of these believers, and not one has suffered in consequence.