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

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 8, 1909

Among the Tamils in South India

By J. S. JAMES

J. S. JAMES

After an absence of six months from the immediate presence of the Tamil Sabbath-keepers, we are now among them again, and have taken up our duties with a fresh supply of strength and courage. My long absence from this place was due to the slow return of that physical fitness and vigor so necessary for work on the hot plains of India. At this writing I feel quite like myself again, although occasional nervous headaches warn me that I must be more careful now than before I was stricken with the sun. Since my departure from here, I have kept in close touch with various members of this society through correspondence, and find on returning that their interest has in nowise abated.

The closing days of 1908 and the first week in 1909 were spent in attending our general meeting in Lucknow. This was a feast of good things to us, not having had such a privilege for two years. Here we greeted our colaborers, and were made glad by the presence of some new workers from the home lands. How merciful and good the Lord has been to us the past two years in granting us all this privilege of meeting together once more.

This meeting was one of great significance to me. I never saw anything just like it before. Instead of spending time in devising some way whereby we could push the work forward, our chief concern was how we could supply the men and means to fill the openings and bear some of the many responsible burdens that have thrust their intolerable weight upon us. Instead of God's work being “pushed,” the tables have turned, and God's people need “pushing,” that they may keep pace with the ever-increasing momentum of this closing message. O that our people at home could view the needs of these dark lands, and faintly grasp the greatness of the task which lies yet unfinished before them! Why are there not more strong men and women on their way to our relief? Scores should be on the field right now, studying the language and learning the customs of the people.

Our local situation here in Tinnevelli district seems to demand a forward movement all along the line. Plans are now being drawn for the erection of a mission bungalow at an early date. In addition to this, some provision must be made for a dispensary, and the equipment of the same with facilities for work. Last year I occupied the school building belonging to these people, but found living there to be extremely difficult, as well as dangerous. This year we have the free use of half the same building for our dispensary. Our residence this year is a mile from the real sphere of our labors, but we are in much better quarters. We hope to be in property of our own by another year, where we may overcome many difficulties that now confront us.

One of our pressing needs at present is some conveyance for going about among the various villages of the district, and to and from the railway, twenty-three miles distant. The latter journey requires a full night, which makes it necessary to provide a vehicle in which one may lie down and sleep. A good cart and two strong bullocks is the most convenient and economical means of travel in this country. One hundred dollars would purchase the entire outfit. Is there not some one at home who would esteem it a great blessing and privilege to give the sum necessary to buy the same? Would not such a donation bring a blessing to the giver?

We feel especially thankful for the timely help furnished us in the arrival of Miss Belle Shryock. It so happens that Miss Shryock, Mrs. James, and myself took our training at the same time in the Battle Creek Sanitarium, and to be associated together again in the closing work of this message on this side of the earth is a great pleasure. The people here received her very kindly, and already she has entered upon some of her duties with interest and devotion. Much of the medical work is thus transferred to other shoulders, which gives me more freedom to turn my attention to the development of other important kinds of work.

Educational men and women, attention! We call loudly for a man and his wife to give their time to the education of these young people. Who will step forward from the ranks and volunteer? Those who come should expect to master the language, and lend a willing hand to various kinds of pioneer work. If the wife could teach needle work and music, it would be very helpful.

The powers of darkness still continue their work of opposition here, which is a sure indication that there are some jewels to be gathered out; but thus far no perceptible check has been put to our efforts to establish our work in these quarters. The oldest son of the founder of the Sabbath-keeping sect has recently published two long articles in a Tamil newspaper against us, of a very slanderous and defamatory nature. “We can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth,” is finding a literal fulfilment in his efforts. Everybody knows his statements are void of truth.

The extreme hot weather is only a few weeks off, and this, together with the responsibility of building under difficult circumstances, will be very trying to our nerves. Then, too, the rains failed this season, and as a result famine stares many in the face. This condition means suffering and sickness to many, and consequently an increased amount of medical work for us. We greatly desire your prayers, that we may be sustained and blessed in doing the Lord's work among these people. Pray, and send us help.

Nazareth.