p. 15 | East Bengal Meeting by J. L. Shaw

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 29, 1909

East Bengal Meeting

By J. L. Shaw

OUR Sabbath-keepers in East Bengal were called together in meeting at Gopalgunje, January 27–31. Brother A. C. Mookerjee went on ahead from Calcutta to make preparation, and the services were held at his place, where commodious quarters were found. Other brethren in attendance were J. C. Little and A. G. Watson, and the writer. Brother Mookerjee has a good, substantial house, well raised from the ground on wooden posts, with board floors, cane walls and partitions, and a thatched roof caned underneath. The roof is high, making it very comfortable for hot weather, and the house is so located on the bend of a river as to get a delightful river breeze when the wind is blowing. A small church building, with three other smaller buildings suitable for native brethren to live in with their families, all go to make the location at Gopalgunje a very desirable place to carry on mission work. The buildings are together at the edge of the village, though far enough out to be private and separate.

We had a good meeting. Brethren came from several villages to be present,

and their fervent prayers and earnest testimonies were inspiring. We could not but wish that all our workers might have been present. Our dear leper brother came on his pony to the meeting. He had been pleading with God for his blessing from the time he heard of the appointment of a meeting at Gopalgunje, and his prayers were very surely and definitely answered.

Four services were held each day. Brother Little spoke twice through an interpreter, and Brother Mookerjee gave three lantern lectures on gospel themes. Many Hindus were present and appeared very favorable. In fact, they besought us to continue on in mission work at Gopalgunje. At one meeting when the signs of Christ’s coming were presented, an opportunity was given for those who wanted to get rid of sin and prepare for this great event, to arise, and seven Hindus stood up. At another time six arose, three of whom were head men of different villages near by. They afterward asked us to pray for them. The writer gave a series of Bible studies on the spirit of prophecy, for the benefit of our Sabbath-keepers. Several council meetings of the local committee for Bengal work were also held. All seemed to feel that the good work started at Gopalgunje should go forward and be strengthened. From all we heard while there, Gopalgunje is regarded as a healthful location. Barring the months of September, October, and November, it seems quite probable that workers with reasonable health will be able to work there and keep well. But after our workers have had more experience, we shall be better able to speak. It was decided to ask Brother Watson and family to locate at Gopalgunje for the present. There is surely a very large and encouraging field of labor before him. The Hindu population seems decidedly friendly. As many as two hundred were gathered at the evening meetings which were held, and a good interest was manifested. The literacy of the men of this district seems exceptionally high, being estimated at forty per cent.

On Sabbath, the last day of the meeting, Brother Poddar and the leper brother were baptized, Brother Little performing the rite. In the afternoon the ordinances were held for the first time with the East Bengal Sabbath-keepers. They greatly enjoyed the occasion. Our meetings terminated with a stereopticon lecture by Brother Mookerjee, who explained the parable of the ninety and nine, and showed a series of beautiful, soul-touching slides representing our Saviour’s effort in saving the lost. We believe God has planted a plant of truth in East Bengal which shall not be rooted up. J. L. SHAW.