Burma by R. R. COOK

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Aug 12, 1909

Burma

By R. R. COOK

R. R. COOK

The third year of our stay in the India Mission field is fast passing away. We feel thankful that it has been our privilege to have a part in the work in this great needy land; and as we look back over the years that have passed, we find that the hardships, the difficulties, and the disappointments are covered, as it were, by a thick veil of God's rich and abundant blessings and the glorious experiences that have been ours.

Since coming here to Rangoon we have seen wonderful evidences of God's power to impress hearts and to keep them in the truth. Some have stepped out against great opposition, knowing that it would mean the loss of their position, but relying wholly on the sure promises of God. They have not been disappointed. It means much in this land to lose an appointment, where conditions are so different from those in the States; but as the power of God is not limited, or controlled by conditions, their faith has been rewarded, and many have been strengthened.

We have had some interesting experiences during the past few weeks. Not long ago, a telegraph operator employed in the government telegraph office in Rangoon began to obey the truth. He met with much opposition and ridicule on all sides. He had been an open scoffer before, and was also noted for his very hasty temper. But the power of God wrought a great change in his life, and his influence is felt among his associates in the office. It was not long until one who had opposed him most began to investigate, and then to obey. In the early morning a short time afterward I had the pleasure of baptizing the latter, with two others who had been studying the truth for some time, in the beautiful Royal Lakes near Rangoon. Five of his friends were present at the rite, and expressed themselves as being very much impressed with the beauty and solemnity of the scene. They attended the church that night, and also the prayer-meeting on Wednesday night. They have now formed themselves into a class, and are studying the truth. They have also bought some books to study. We hope that soon some of these will obey the truth.

The message is onward in Burma. We must haste to keep pace with it and fill the many calls of those who are interested. The book and tract work has become quite a prominent feature here. Mrs. Cook is kept quite busy answering correspondence and mailing tracts, books, and papers to those who write in from all parts of Burma. Brother Stevens, in Upper Burma, is sending out thousands of pages of literature, and selling many of our books and periodicals. As he holds quite an important position, he meets many influential persons, and is bringing the truth before many. We are thankful for this beacon light, and we pray that the little company there may stand true and firm unto the end. Dr. Ollie Oberholtzer, in the southern part, sees her work advancing and enlarging, even though she is alone and unaided. Brother R. A. Beckner is putting in long hours on the study of the Burmese, and is beginning to get hold of this difficult language. Just before Elder H. H. Votaw left for America, he had a large number of tracts printed in Burmese, for both Christians and Buddhists, which literature we are disposing of as opportunity offers.

It was with feelings of sadness that a little company gathered on the wharf at Rangoon, to bid Elder Votaw Godspeed on his long journey to America. Our prayer is that more laborers may be sent to teach the truth in this land where so many are ready to receive it. We pray daily for the work in America, and we ask that you will remember this field before the throne of God, that he may give power to our labors and direct in all our efforts for the salvation of souls.

My wife and myself and two little boys have enjoyed very good health since coming to India, but we are looking forward to a trip to the mountain mission this year. It will soon be two years since we spent a month there.

Rangoon.