Korea by May Scott

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 15, 1909

Korea

By May Scott

It is Korean now—Korean to learn, and Koreans to work for. Before us are twelve million people, but few of whom know the third angel’s message—and we are only eight in number.

From the summit of the hill back of Brother W. R. Smith’s house, one can count at least thirty villages, representing many hundreds of people. These villages look like patches of overgrown mushrooms; and in the autumn, with the gourds and vines clambering over the thatched roofs, where red peppers are out to dry, one feels like drawing a little closer. Within is the family, the two dressed in coarse homespun cloth. The father smokes his long-stemmed pipe, while the mother, with a yellow-skinned child strapped to her back, prepares the rice. There are pumpkins lying about, and from the ceiling hang bean-cakes, corn, and millet. In a far corner is a box, where food is offered to appease the spirits. In an adjoining room are a home-made spinning-wheel and loom. Here the neighbors gather on cold winter days, to spin and weave their silk and cotton.

During the school session it is to these villages and to these homes that our boys and girls go to give away tracts. We do not have to urge them to go. All are glad of the opportunity. We simply show them the best ways to do gospel work. I enjoy going with Miss Mimi Scharfenberg and the students. Although I can not talk much yet, I get an inspiration to study the harder.

What we want is help. Do not forget Korea. This land needs not only prayers and money, but many consecrated native young people. Its doors are open. The people bid the missionary welcome. As Elder C. L. Butterfield has written, we need a school man, a doctor, and some evangelistic workers. We would like a great many, but we are asking for the minimum number.

Our school problem is becoming more and more difficult, because of the active measures taken by the Japanese. All schools must be registered, and certain qualifications are demanded. Thus what we do must be on a firm educational basis.

We have many bright young people among us, who want an education to fit them for the work; and to a great extent it is on the country’s own people that we must depend for the carrying of this message. New companies are constantly springing up. The Lord is giving us the material; now he wants us to co-operate with him in preparing it for service.

I like this field and this people, and am glad I am here. I am now struggling with the language. It is hard. We appreciated Elder I. H. Evans’s visit much, and wished he might have stayed longer.

MAY SCOTT.